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Homemade Almond Joy Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 84 reviews

These homemade Almond Joy Bars are a delightful no-bake treat combining creamy coconut filling with whole almonds, all coated in rich semi-sweet chocolate. Softened cream cheese and butter create a smooth base mixed with shredded coconut and powdered sugar, shaped into bars, frozen to set, then dipped in melted chocolate. Perfect for satisfying coconut and chocolate cravings with a homemade twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon coconut extract
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted (plus more for dusting/shaping candies)
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 60 whole almonds

Chocolate Coating

  • 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
  • 4.5 tablespoons vegetable oil (I used Crisco), divided

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, use a handheld mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment on medium speed to cream together the softened cream cheese, salted butter, and coconut extract until smooth and combined.
  2. Add Powdered Sugar: Beat in 2 cups of the sifted powdered sugar until fully incorporated. Add the remaining 2 cups and beat again until all the powdered sugar is mixed in and the mixture is thick and smooth.
  3. Mix in Coconut: Stir the sweetened shredded coconut into the cream cheese mixture until evenly incorporated, ensuring an even texture throughout.
  4. Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour to firm up the filling for easier shaping.
  5. Shape the Bars: Line two 9×13 inch rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a 1½-inch cookie scoop, scoop out balls of the chilled mixture and shape each into a 1½-inch by 2¼-inch oval. Use powdered sugar on your hands or the bars if the mixture is sticky to help with shaping.
  6. Add Almonds: Place the shaped bars on the prepared baking trays and press two whole almonds on top of each bar for garnish and added crunch.
  7. Freeze the Bars: Transfer the trays to the freezer and chill for at least 1 to 2 hours until the bars are very firm, which will help them hold up when coated with chocolate.
  8. Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine half of the semi-sweet chocolate chips with half of the vegetable oil. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
  9. Dip the Bars: Dip one frozen bar at a time into the melted chocolate. Use a spoon to help coat the top and sides completely with melted chocolate.
  10. Drain Excess Chocolate: Lift the chocolate-coated bars out of the bowl using a large dinner fork, tapping the side of the bowl gently to let excess chocolate drip back in.
  11. Place on Parchment: Set each coated bar onto parchment paper-lined trays. Use a toothpick to carefully push the bars off the fork to maintain a smooth chocolate coating.
  12. Set the Chocolate: Place trays in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the chocolate coating to firm up completely.
  13. Serve or Store: Once set, transfer the Almond Joy Bars to a serving plate or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

Notes

  • Chilling the filling is crucial for neat shaping and to prevent sticking.
  • Using powdered sugar on hands or bars helps manage stickiness when shaping.
  • Freezing the bars before dipping in chocolate helps the coating set faster and gives a cleaner finish.
  • You can substitute vegetable oil with coconut oil for a slightly different flavor.
  • Store finished bars in the refrigerator to keep chocolate from melting, especially in warm climates.

Keywords: Almond Joy Bars, no-bake dessert, coconut bars, chocolate almond candy, homemade Almond Joy, cream cheese dessert

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/homemade-almond-joy-bars-recipe/