Copycat Almond Joy Candy Bars Recipe |Vegan in the Freezer (2024)

Equipment Needed

• Parchment Paper
• Cookie Sheet
• Food processor
• Pastry Cutter (Optional)
• Microwave Safe Bowl
• Stirring Spoon
• Fork
• Toothpicks
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Ingredients

For The Candy Bar:

• Un-Sweetened Coconut Shreds- Used to create the texture and sweetness of the filling.
• Coconut Oil- Used to bind the shredded coconut together.
• Maple Syrup- The main source of sweetness in these bars.
• Almond Extract- Enhances all the other flavors in this recipe and adds complexity.
• Salt- Balances out the sweetness from the maple syrup.
• Raw Almonds- Gives a nice crunchy texture and flavor to the Almond Joys.

For The Coating:

• Semi-Sweet Vegan Chocolate Chips- Used to make the chocolate coating.

• Coconut Oil- Helps thin out the melted chocolate so it can be poured over the bars.

How To Make Homemade Almond Joys

If you love almond joys, you will love how easy this great recipe is! Start off making homemade almond joys by preparing a parchment-lined baking sheet for effortless removal and cleaning. Afterward, put the unsweetened shredded coconut, maple syrup, almond extract, coconut oil, and salt in your food processor. Thoroughly blend the coconut mixture until the coconut shreds become broken down into small pieces. Scoop out the coconut filling and create a large ball. Divide this larger ball into 12 smaller portions and place them evenly spaced apart on your cookie sheet. Then, press down each one with the palm of your hand to flatten. Use the side of a pastry cutter or knife to turn each piece into rectangles and lightly press one almond in the center. Place these coconut and almond combinations in the freezer for at least 60 minutes before they're ready to be coated.

After freezing for an hour, or longer, it's time to start coating your bars. Begin by melting the vegan chocolate in the microwave for 15 seconds at first, stir; then repeat every 5 seconds until fully melted. Finally, stir in the coconut oil until smooth.

Remove the candy bars from the freezer and submerge each one into the melted chocolate. A toothpick can come in handy at this point if you have any on hand; simply insert a pick into each bar to make coating easier. Lift them out of the chocolate, using a fork's flat side to cleanly swipe off excess chocolate, then place back onto parchment lined baking sheet to let the chocolate harden or transfer the baking sheet to the fridge to harden quickly.

Note: If you're looking to dress up this recipe for the holidays, remember to decorate each one when you place them back on the lined cookie sheet, this ensures that the chocolate remains soft enough for decorations to easily stick.

What to Serve With Vegan Almond Joy Candy Bars

Homemade almond joys are a delicious treat all on their own, but if you’re feeling creative, here are some ideas on what to serve them with:

• Fruit Salad or Fresh Fruit Platter
• Dairy-Free Vanilla Ice Cream
• Whipped Coconut Cream
• A Warm Cup of Coffee or Tea

• Cold Glass of Coconut Milk

Popular Substitutions & Additions

To make this homemade recipe for almond joys your own, try adding some of your favorite ingredients! Here are a few ideas:

• Use chia seeds or hemp hearts instead of almonds.
• Swap out the raw almonds for roasted almonds, pecans, walnuts, or pistachios.
• Add cocoa powder to the coconut mixture for an extra chocolate flavor.
• Dried fruits like cranberries, cherries, or blueberries
• Substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips for a vegan variety of dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips. Vegan chocolate melts or bars are more chocolate options.
• Flaked sea salt on top of the chocolate coating to add a hint of salty sweetness.
• Add a couple of drops of almond or vanilla extract to the coconut mixture for more flavor.

• For extra festivity during the holidays, decorate your candy bars with fun and creative faces using candy eyes, sprinkles, and vegan dark chocolate drizzled on top.

Can You Freeze Homemade Vegan Almond Joys?

Yes, you can definitely freeze your homemade almond joys! Simply wrap them individually and place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months if stored properly in the freezer. When you want to enjoy a frozen treat, simply remove one or more of the homemade almond joys from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature before enjoying them.

You can also refrigerate your almond joys instead of freezing them. Store them in an airtight container lined with wax paper. Evenly space each homemade almond joy in a row, adding wax paper between each layer, making sure the chocolate doesn't stick together.

Homemade Almond Joy Recipe FAQs

Can I make these chocolate bars without almonds?

Sure! If you don't like almonds or have an allergy, you can substitute them with any other nut or seed that you like, such as walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds.

Do I need parchment paper for this chocolate almond joy candy bar recipe?

Yes, it is highly recommended for this recipe as it helps prevent the candy bars from sticking to the cookie sheet.

How do I make homemade almond joys without a microwave?

You can make this homemade almond joy recipe without a microwave by using a double boiler. To create your own double boiler, all you need is two medium-sized saucepans - one slightly larger than the other. Fill the larger pot with 1 inch of water and bring it to a boil. Place the chocolate in the smaller pan, then place it inside the pot with boiling water. Use a heat-resistant spatula or spoon to stir the chocolate until it has melted completely. Follow the remaining instructions on how to coat the bars with chocolate and set the almond joy as normal.

Do I have to use coconut oil in this homemade almond joy recipe?

You do not have to use coconut oil, but use some type of oil, such as vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, or almond oil. The oil helps bind the coconut together and gives it a chewy texture.