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I whipped up these Almond Joy Coconut Bites on a rainy day, just craving a simple sweet treat without needing to bake anything. Inspired by a favorite old-school candy bar, these quick no-bake bites mix soft coconut, crispy almonds, and a thick chocolate outside. They're the perfect pick-me-up for lunch, parties, or just when you want something a little special without too much hassle.
Every year at holidays these bites blow my friends’ minds—they always want to know how to make them. My kids have a blast rolling the coconut mix too. It’s turned into our go-to family snack.
Dreamy Ingredients
- Coconut (sweetened, shredded): Brings the chewy, tropical bite. Grab a good brand for best flavor.
- Condensed milk (sweetened): Holds everything together and keeps it creamy. Fewer extras means yummier taste.
- Almonds (whole): Puts crunch in the middle and looks just like the classic candy. Toast them first if you can—it’s worth it.
- Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk): Melt these for a smooth, thick outside. Higher quality makes the prettiest finish.
- Vanilla extract: Ramps up the coconut notes and adds a cozy flavor. Real vanilla stands out.
- Coconut oil: Toss in a little if you want the chocolate extra shiny and easy to bite. The extra-virgin stuff is the most flavorful.
Easy-Peasy How-To
- Chill and Serve:
- Pop the tray in your fridge and hang tight for 15 to 20 minutes. Chocolate gets nice and crisp. Once they’re set, stash in a sealed container. Fridge keeps them fresh up to a week.
- Coat the Bites:
- Take the coconut balls out of the freezer. Grab a fork, dunk each one in melted chocolate, and cover it all over. Shake off what drips and lay each back on your parchment paper.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- Put chocolate chips (and coconut oil, if you want) in a heatproof bowl. Microwave in short bursts or use a double boiler. Stir so it’s glossy, no lumps. Don’t overdo it or you’ll get clumps.
- Shape the Bites:
- Scoop up some coconut mix (about a tablespoon) and shape into balls or ovals. Push an almond on top. If you need to, reshape so everything fits. Spread them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 20 to 30 minutes so they’re firm for dipping.
- Mix Coconut Filling:
- Blend coconut flakes, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla in a big bowl. Stir until sticky and smooth. It should clump into dough when pressed together.
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Biting in? The chocolate cracks and the chewy coconut just works. We make a big batch during the holidays and share in cute bags. They always get big smiles.
How To Store
Put your Almond Joy Coconut Bites in any airtight container, keep them chilled, and you’ve got a treat for up to a week. Freezer works too—just move a few to the fridge overnight and they taste brand new.
Swap-Outs
Need dairy-free? Substitute in canned sweetened condensed coconut milk. Want no nuts? Just skip the almonds or try a dried cherry instead. Got unsweetened coconut? Throw in a bit of powdered sugar (about two tablespoons) for sweetness.
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How To Serve
Chill them first, then pop onto a platter with fresh berries—so good at parties. Put them in tiny paper cups for a bakery vibe. If you have leftover chocolate, drizzle it over the top for a fun finish.
Fun Throwback
Almond Joy’s origins go way back—since the 1940s, folks have loved the combo of coconut, almond, and chocolate. Making this at home brings back that old-school flavor, but it’s even fresher and you can do it in your own kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use unsweetened coconut instead?
Yep, swap in unsweetened coconut if you want, but your treats won’t be as sweet. If you like them sweeter, mix in a little extra sweetened condensed milk or sprinkle some sugar in.
- → How do I keep the chocolate coating smooth?
Pop a spoonful of coconut oil into the melted chocolate so it looks shiny and goes on easy. It’ll also help the chocolate set nice and even.
- → Can these coconut bites be frozen?
You sure can! Toss them in a freezer-proof container and keep for up to three months. Let them thaw in the fridge before munching for the best bite.
- → How long do they stay fresh in the fridge?
If you pop them in a tight container, they’ll hang out in the fridge for about a week. Let them sit out a few minutes before eating for the best texture.
- → What’s a good nut-free alternative?
Leave the almond out for a coconut ball, or swap in a piece of dried fruit like cherry or apricot to change things up.