If you love indulging in sweets but want to stick to your healthy eating goals, this recipe is a must-try. Almond joy bites combine the rich flavors of chocolate, coconut, and almond into perfect bite-sized treats that are guilt-free and incredibly satisfying.
They’re easy to make, free of common allergens, and packed with wholesome ingredients.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Healthy Snacking
Finding a snack that’s both delicious and healthy can feel like a challenge. This recipe solves that problem by recreating a classic candy bar in a lighter, cleaner way.
These almond joy bites skip the preservatives and artificial ingredients often found in store-bought treats, relying instead on whole foods like shredded coconut and dark chocolate. They’re naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free, making them an ideal option for people with dietary restrictions.
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These bites aren’t just a healthier version of your favorite candy—they’re also incredibly versatile. These treats are perfect for when you’re prepping snacks for the week, looking for a quick dessert, or planning something special for a holiday.
Tips for Perfecting Your Almond Joy Bites
- Texture is Key: Use unsweetened shredded coconut for a chewy base that holds together well when combined with maple syrup and coconut oil.
- Chocolate Matters: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate chips to keep the recipe healthy while delivering that rich chocolate flavor.
- Shaping Made Simple: A small cookie scoop ensures perfectly uniform bites every time. Alternatively, press the mixture into a mini muffin tray for a fun, unique shape.
Freeze the bites briefly before dipping them in chocolate to maintain their structure and achieve that professional, glossy finish.
Diet-Friendly Modifications
This recipe is naturally tailored for a variety of dietary needs, but you can tweak it further to suit your preferences:
- Keto-Friendly: Swap maple syrup for a low-carb liquid sweetener like monk fruit syrup.
- Nut-Free: Replace the almonds with sunflower seeds or omit them altogether for a simpler version.
- Vegan: Stick to the original ingredients, as this recipe is already plant-based!
Whatever your dietary needs, almond joy bites can be adapted to fit your lifestyle without compromising flavor.
Storage & Meal Prep Benefits
These almond joy bites are a dream for meal preppers. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for longer-term storage.
They’re perfect to have on hand for those moments when a chocolate craving strikes but you want to keep things healthy.
Since they’re individually portioned, they make it easy to enjoy just the right amount without overindulging. They’re also ideal for packing in lunchboxes or bringing along to gatherings as a crowd-pleasing treat.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Recipe
The simplicity of this recipe is part of its charm. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of these bites in no time.
Their rich, satisfying flavor and wholesome ingredients make them a favorite for anyone who loves healthy food but refuses to compromise on taste.
So whether you’re craving something sweet, looking for a nutritious snack, or both, these almond joy bites are the recipe you’ve been waiting for.
Try them today, and discover how easy it is to enjoy dessert-inspired treats that are good for you, too.
Healthy Almond Joy Bites Recipe
Equipment
- food processor
- Heatproof bowl
- Small cookie scoop (1 tablespoon)
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons + 1 ½ teaspoons melted coconut oil divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 20 raw almonds
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Blend the Ingredients: Add the shredded coconut, maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract to a food processor. Blend the mixture for about 1 minute, or until it becomes smooth and starts to clump together, forming a coconut butter-like consistency.
- Shape the Bites: Use a small cookie scoop or a spoon to measure out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture. Press it together into a firm mound using your hands or the scoop, then place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place a whole almond on top of each mound, pressing gently to secure. Repeat for the rest of the mixture, then freeze the bites for 15 minutes to set.
- Melt the Chocolate: Melt the chocolate chips with the remaining 1 ½ teaspoons of coconut oil in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Alternatively, microwave the chocolate in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until it’s completely melted and smooth.
- Coat the Coconut Mounds: Dip each frozen coconut-almond mound into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully covered. Use a fork to lift the coated bites from the bowl and let the excess chocolate drip off before placing them back onto the parchment-lined tray.
- Set the Chocolate: Place the chocolate-covered bites back in the freezer for 5-10 minutes, or until the coating has completely hardened.
Notes
Nutrition
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.