Almond Joy Bites
A Flavorful Treat to Savor
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Almond Joy (how long does almond joy last?) Bites are a delightful snack that has gained popularity in recent years for their delicious combination of flavors and easy-to-make recipe. These bite-sized treats are inspired by the classic Almond Joy candy bar and feature a sweet coconut center paired with chocolate and roasted almonds (how long do almonds last?). With simple ingredients, you can easily create a healthier version of the iconic candy bar in the comfort of your own kitchen, satisfying your sweet tooth while keeping your health in mind.
To make these treats, you will need unsweetened coconut flakes (how long do coconut flakes last?), sweetened condensed milk, almond extract (how long does almond extract last?), roasted almonds, dark chocolate, and a hint of coconut oil. You will also require a food processor, a baking sheet with parchment paper, and a microwave-safe container for melting chocolate. By pulsing the coconut flakes, condensed milk, and almond extract in a food processor, the ingredients easily come together to create a sticky mixture that can be formed into bite-sized balls.
After dividing the coconut mixture and placing an almond on top of each ball, they are chilled on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Meanwhile, dark chocolate is melted in a microwave-safe dish and then drizzled over the bites for that perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and chocolatey flavors. Once the chocolate has hardened, the Almond Joy Bites can be stored in airtight containers at room temperature or in the fridge, making them a perfect snack option for those on-the-go moments or a decadent after-dinner treat while still being mindful of sugar (how long does sugar last?) intake.
Steps for Making Almond Joy Bites
In this section, we will learn how to make Almond Joy Bites, a delicious snack that satisfies your sweet tooth with simple ingredients. Follow the five easy steps below to create your own batch of Almond Joy Bites.
Step 1: Gather the Ingredients
To make Almond Joy Bites, you will need the following ingredients:
1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1 cup raw almonds
2 cups dark chocolate chunks
1/2 cup almond butter (how long does almond butter last?)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup condensed milk
Optional ingredients for additional flavor:
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (how long do chocolate chips last?)
1 teaspoon almond extract
If you can’t find these ingredients in your local markets, you can order unsweetened coconut flakes, raw almonds, dark chocolate chunks, vanilla extract, and condensed milk online!
Step 2: Preparing the Coconut and Almonds
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spread raw almonds on a baking sheet and bake for about 4 minutes. Once cooled, chop the almonds into smaller pieces. Chop the coconut flakes and add them to a mixing bowl.
I highly recommend purchasing a baking sheet and mixing bowl online for a convenient shopping experience!
Step 3: Creating the Chocolate Mixture
Melt the dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals or by using a double boiler (a bowl placed over a pan filled with hot water). Add a splash of water to create a smooth consistency, being careful not to overheat the chocolate.
If you're looking for a double boiler buying it online is your best bet!
Step 4: Combining the Ingredients and Forming Balls
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut (how long does shredded coconut last?), chopped almonds, almond butter, vanilla extract, optional almond extract, and condensed milk. Stir the mixture until well combined. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the dough into balls and place them onto a parchment paper or wax paper-lined baking sheet. Press an almond into the top of each ball.
Melt the chocolate mixture prepared earlier, and coat each ball with the chocolate. Use a fork to lift the balls out of the chocolate, allowing the excess chocolate to drip off before placing them back onto the lined baking sheet.
When it comes to getting the best deals, buying cookie scoops and parchment paper online is the way to go!
Step 5: Refrigerating and Storing the Balls
Once all the balls are coated in chocolate, allow them to cool and harden at room temperature. To speed up the process, you may refrigerate the balls for about 30 minutes. Store the finished Almond Joy Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and prevent any melting.
Delight in your homemade Almond Joy Bites, a perfect snack to indulge in when craving a taste of both almonds and chocolate.
For the most extensive selection, I suggest buying an airtight container online!
Tips for Making Perfect Almond Joy Bites
Use Airtight Containers to Store the Balls
To keep your Almond Joy bites fresh and delicious, be sure to store them in an airtight container. This will help to maintain their texture and prevent them from drying out. It is recommended to store the bites in the refrigerator, as this can further extend their shelf life and keep the chocolate from melting.
Use Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Instead of Sweetened Cocoa Powder to Reduce Sugar Intake
For those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth without consuming too much sugar, consider using unsweetened cocoa powder in place of sweetened cocoa powder. This will help to reduce the overall sugar content of the Almond Joy bites while still providing a rich chocolate flavor. In addition, you can use unsweetened coconut flakes instead of sweetened ones to further cut down on sugar.
Save time and effort by ordering unsweetened cocoa powder online!
Melt Chocolate in a Microwave Safe Bowl with a Splash of Water for Smooth Results
When it comes to melting chocolate for your Almond Joy bites, using a microwave-safe bowl and adding a splash of water can lead to smoother, more consistent results. To do this, place the chocolate – whether it be dark chocolate chunks, dark chocolate chips, or mini chocolate chips – in the bowl with a small amount of water. Microwave the chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring after each increment, until it reaches a smooth and glossy consistency.
Remember to line the baking sheet with parchment paper or wax paper before placing the bites on it, as this will make it easier to remove the excess chocolate. And, for evenly sized bites, use a cookie scoop to form the dough into balls.
Incorporating these tips into your Almond Joy bites preparation will yield delectable treats that can be enjoyed as a perfect snack or healthier dessert option, while still maintaining that magical combo of chocolate, coconut, and almonds.
Variations of Almond Joy Bites You Can Make
With Dark Chocolate and Coconut Oil instead of Milk Chocolate and Condensed Milk
Almond Joy Bites are a delightful treat for those who love the irresistible combination of chocolate, coconut, and almonds. These bite-sized treats can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. In this variation, dark chocolate and coconut oil replace the traditional milk chocolate and condensed milk to create a healthier yet equally satisfying dessert.
To begin, prepare the base by combining finely shredded unsweetened coconut flakes, a small amount of unsweetened cocoa powder, and raw almonds in a food processor. Pulse the mixture together until the almonds are well distributed. To create the binding mixture, combine coconut oil, almond extract, and a splash of warm water in a microwave-safe dish, ensuring that the oil is melted and easily incorporated.
After mixing the wet and dry ingredients together, you'll be left with a sticky dough. Use a cookie scoop or your hands to shape the dough into balls and place them on a parchment or wax paper-lined baking sheet. Press a roasted almond into the top of each ball, gently flattening them to achieve the signature Almond Joy shape.
Next, it's time to prepare the dark chocolate coating. Use dark chocolate chips or chunks, depending on your preference, and melt them in a microwave-safe dish with a small amount of coconut oil. Stir until smooth and creamy, with a rich chocolate flavor.
Dip and coat the Almond Joy Bites in the melted dark chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off. Place them back onto the parchment paper-lined baking sheet, and transfer the sheet to a fridge or freezer for the chocolate to harden.
When the chocolate has set, store the Almond Joy Bites in an airtight container, either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. These bite-sized treats make a perfect snack, satisfying both your sweet tooth and your desire for a healthier alternative to the classic candy bar.
By replacing milk chocolate with dark chocolate and swapping condensed milk for coconut oil, this variation of the Almond Joy Bites not only reduces the grams of sugar but also offers added health benefits, such as antioxidants found in dark chocolate and the numerous advantages of coconut oil. With these simple yet impactful substitutions, you can create a delectable dessert that caters to a wider range of dietary needs, without sacrificing the delicious combo of chocolate, coconut, and almonds.
