Why wait in line at the store when you can whip up these healthy, vegan, and gluten-free Almond Joy bars right in your own kitchen? These homemade treats require just a few simple and wholesome ingredients.
I absolutely love making my own candy at home—it’s a fun and rewarding process. I’ve crafted Snickers, Samoa Girl Scout cookies, and even homemade candy, but one classic I hadn’t tried yet was the Almond Joy. While they weren’t my top pick as a kid, they’ve definitely grown on me over the years.
There’s something truly satisfying about creating a simple dessert from scratch. This Almond Joy recipe calls for basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
Vegan Almond Joys
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups coconut flakes or shredded coconut
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp almond butter
CHOCOLATE COATING:
- 1 cup vegan dark chocolate chips
- 2 tsp coconut oil for melting
Instructions
- In a food processor, pulse the coconut flakes until they’re broken down (skip if using shredded coconut).
- Add in the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt, and pulse again until well combined.
- Finally, add the almond butter and pulse until the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Use a double cookie scoop to shape the mixture into rectangles, then press two raw almonds onto the top of each bar. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
- Meanwhile, melt the dark chocolate with coconut oil either in the microwave or using a double boiler on the stove. If using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth (should take about 1 minute and 15 seconds).
- Dip each chilled bar into the melted chocolate, coating them completely. Tap off any excess chocolate and place them back on the parchment paper. Drizzle any remaining chocolate over the bars to create a decorative design.
- Return the bars to the freezer for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has set. Once firm, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to one week. Enjoy your homemade Almond Joy bars!