Homemade Healthy Almond Joys: Vegan, Gluten-Free & No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Treats

Craving a classic Almond Joy but looking for a healthier alternative? These delightful homemade treats are just as satisfying as the traditional candy bar, yet they’re entirely vegan, gluten-free, and free from refined sugars. Crafted with only 5 simple ingredients and requiring no baking, these low-sugar bites come together in mere minutes, making them the perfect wholesome indulgence for any time of day!

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For many of us, Almond Joys conjure up fond childhood memories. I vividly recall my dad’s affection for them, especially during Halloween when he’d “inspect” our candy bags, always managing to procure a few of these coconut-filled delights for himself. That distinct combination of sweet coconut, rich chocolate, and a satisfying crunch of almond is truly unmatched – a chef’s kiss moment every time. As a self-proclaimed “coconut girly,” it’s a flavor profile I simply can’t resist!

My childhood ritual involved carefully nibbling away the chocolate and almond first, saving the best part – the chewy coconut center – for last. While I adored the taste, I always wished for a version without all the excessive sugar and unnecessary additives. My goal was to recreate that iconic flavor in a way that was not only healthier but also incredibly easy to prepare. There’s something truly special about bite-sized treats; they’re cute, convenient, and perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth without overindulging. If you love this concept, you’ll definitely want to try my healthy snickers bites or these refreshing strawberry frozen yogurt bites.

If you’ve been a part of the Dani’s Healthy Eats community for a while, you’ll know that creating healthier, homemade versions of classic candy bars is one of my absolute favorite recipe challenges. From decadent Reeses and crunchy Butterfingers to satisfying Snickers and savory Payday bars, I’ve got a healthy remake for almost every craving. These Healthy Almond Joys are the latest addition to my collection, proving that you can enjoy your favorite treats without compromising on your health goals.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Healthy Almond Joy Recipe

There are countless reasons why these Healthy Almond Joy bites will become your new go-to healthy treat. Here’s a breakdown of what makes them truly special:

• Diet-Friendly Indulgence: These Almond Joy bites are meticulously crafted without dairy, refined sugar, or gluten, making them suitable for a wide range of dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free lifestyles. You can enjoy a delicious treat without any of the common allergens or inflammatory ingredients found in store-bought candies.
• Effortless No-Bake Preparation: Forget about turning on the oven! This recipe requires absolutely no baking, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your delicious creations. It’s perfect for warm days or when you simply want a quick and easy dessert.
• Perfect for Meal Prepping: Whip up a batch of these healthy sweet treats at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have a wholesome snack ready to grab whenever a craving strikes. They store beautifully in the fridge or freezer, making healthy eating convenient and enjoyable.
• Lightning-Fast Assembly: With minimal prep and just a few simple steps, these Almond Joy bites come together incredibly quickly. You can have the base mixed and molded in under 15 minutes, making them ideal for last-minute dessert needs or busy schedules.
• Naturally Sweetened Goodness: Unlike conventional candy bars loaded with processed sugars, these treats are naturally sweetened with a touch of maple syrup or honey. This provides a gentle sweetness that satisfies without the sugar crash, contributing to a more balanced diet.
• Built-in Portion Control: Shaped into cute, individual bites, these healthy Almond Joys are perfect for mindful eating. They offer just the right amount of sweetness to curb a craving without leading to overindulgence, making healthy snacking effortless.
• Kid and Toddler Friendly: These wholesome bites make a fantastic snack or treat for the little ones in your life. Free from artificial colors, flavors, and refined sugars, you can feel good about offering them a delicious and nutritious option.

How to Make Healthy Almond Joys: A Simple Guide

For the complete recipe, including precise measurements and detailed steps, please refer to the recipe card located at the very bottom of this post.

Essential Equipment

To make these healthy Almond Joys, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:

• Food processor: This is highly recommended for achieving the perfect sticky and cohesive coconut base. It blends the ingredients quickly and efficiently, ensuring your bites hold together beautifully.
• Mini muffin tin: Ideal for shaping uniform, bite-sized treats. I particularly love this silicone tin for easy removal.
• Mixing bowl: For melting the chocolate and combining ingredients if not using a food processor.
• Spatula or spoon: Essential for mixing, pressing, and smoothing.

Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you’ll be on your way to making these delicious treats:

• Unsweetened shredded coconut: Opt for finely shredded coconut if possible. Its finer texture helps the coconut base bind together more effectively, creating a better consistency for your Almond Joys. Using unsweetened ensures you control the sugar content.
• Coconut oil: A small amount of melted coconut oil acts as a crucial binder, helping the coconut mixture stick together. It also contributes a subtle, pleasant coconut flavor to the bites.
• Maple syrup: This natural, sticky sweetener provides the perfect touch of sweetness. You can easily substitute it with honey or agave nectar – any liquid sweetener with a sticky consistency will work well.
• Pantry staples: Don’t underestimate the power of a good quality vanilla extract to enhance flavor and a pinch of sea salt to balance and brighten the sweetness of the chocolate and coconut.
• Raw almonds: These provide the signature crunch and nutty flavor of an Almond Joy. Ensure they are raw for the best texture, or toast them yourself for added depth (see tips below).
• Chocolate chips or bars: Choose your favorite chocolate! You can use vegan chocolate chips, dark chocolate bars, or even grass-fed milk chocolate if you prefer. I personally love using Hu Kitchen almond butter bars because they add an extra layer of rich flavor. They offer both dark chocolate and grass-fed milk chocolate options. Don’t forget to use my code “danishealthyeats” for a special discount!

Simple Steps to Craft Your Own Healthy Almond Joys

Follow these easy steps to create your delicious homemade Almond Joys:

• Prepare the Coconut Base: Add all your coconut base ingredients – unsweetened shredded coconut, melted coconut oil, maple syrup (or honey/agave), vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt – into your food processor. Process for about 40 seconds, or until the mixture becomes sticky and tacky. Be careful not to over-process, as this can cause the coconut to release too much oil, making the mixture greasy. The goal is a consistency that holds together when pressed.
• Form the Bites: Take the sticky coconut mixture and divide it evenly among the cavities of your mini muffin pan. Using your fingers or the back of a spoon, firmly press and pack the mixture down into each crevice. This step is crucial for ensuring the bites hold their shape and have a good, dense coconut center.
• Melt the Chocolate Topping: In a microwave-safe mixing bowl, combine your chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate bars) and the two teaspoons of coconut oil. Heat in the microwave in short 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can use the double-boiler method by placing the bowl over a pot of simmering water, stirring until melted. This provides a more gentle heat and can prevent burning.
• Assemble and Top: Carefully spoon a generous amount of the melted chocolate over the top of each coconut bite, ensuring the coconut layer is entirely covered. Use the back of your spoon to gently spread and smooth out the chocolate for a neat finish. While the chocolate is still wet, gently place one raw almond into the center of each chocolate-covered bite.
• Freeze to Set: Place the entire mini muffin tin into the freezer. Allow the Almond Joy bites to freeze for a minimum of 3-4 hours, or until they are completely firm. Once solid, carefully remove them from the pan (silicone molds make this very easy!). Store your finished Healthy Almond Joys in an airtight container in the freezer to maintain their freshness and perfect texture.

Making Almond Joys Without a Food Processor

While I strongly recommend using a food processor for the best texture and hold, especially with finely shredded coconut, you can absolutely make these healthy Almond Joys using just a bowl! Simply add the shredded coconut, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt to a large mixing bowl. Stir all the ingredients together vigorously with a spoon or spatula until they are well combined and the mixture becomes sticky enough to hold its shape when pressed. Once combined, proceed with pressing the mixture firmly into your mini muffin tin and follow the remaining instructions for melting the chocolate, topping, and freezing. The texture might be slightly less uniform, but the taste will still be incredible!

Pro Tips & Customization for Your Healthy Almond Joys

Here are some additional tips and ideas to make your healthy Almond Joys even better:

• No Muffin Tin? No Problem! If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, you can still make these treats. Line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal. Press the coconut mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan. Pour the melted chocolate over the coconut layer and then sprinkle the raw almonds evenly across the top. Freeze for 3-4 hours until firm. To cut, let the pan sit out at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly, then lift the parchment paper and cut into small squares or bars.
• Optimal Storage for Longevity: These healthy Almond Joys are remarkably durable! When stored in an airtight container, they will keep fresh in the refrigerator for several weeks. For an even longer shelf life and a delightfully firm, chewy texture, store them in the freezer for up to two months. I personally find them most enjoyable straight from the freezer – the chill enhances their texture and slows down the melting of the chocolate!
• Experiment with Chocolate Varieties: While classic chocolate is divine, feel free to get creative with your chocolate topping. Dark chocolate offers a rich, intense flavor, while white chocolate (especially vegan white chocolate) creates a unique and equally delicious “white Almond Joy” experience. Coconut, almond, and white chocolate is a truly amazing combination you won’t want to miss!
• Toasted vs. Raw Almonds: This recipe calls for raw almonds, which provide a clean, crisp crunch. However, if you prefer a deeper, nuttier flavor, you can absolutely toast your almonds first. I recommend toasting them yourself in the oven (at 350°F or 175°C for 5-10 minutes, watching carefully) rather than buying pre-toasted ones, as store-bought options are often roasted in inflammatory oils. Let them cool completely before adding them to your treats.
• Prefer Mounds Candy Bars? If you’re a fan of Mounds, which are essentially Almond Joys without the almond, simply omit the raw almonds from this recipe. You’ll have yourself a batch of healthy homemade Mounds bars – just as delicious, but with a simpler flavor profile.
• Enhance with Flaky Sea Salt: For an extra gourmet touch, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the melted chocolate just before freezing. The contrast of sweet and salty is absolutely divine and elevates the flavors beautifully.
• Other Nut Options: While it wouldn’t be an “Almond Joy,” you can experiment with other nuts if you prefer! A pecan or cashew could also be a delicious addition, creating a different but equally healthy homemade candy bar experience.

More Wholesome & Healthy Desserts to Explore

If you loved making these healthy Almond Joys, you’ll be thrilled to discover more of my healthy candy bar remakes and delicious dessert recipes. Satisfy your sweet tooth with these guilt-free options:

• 2 Ingredient Rolo’s
• Healthy Snickers Bars
• Homemade Payday Bars
• Healthy Twix Bites
• Healthy Vegan Butterfingers
• Healthier 100 Grand Candy Bars
• Pecan Twix Bars
• Two Ingredient Mr. Goodbar Candy Bars

Once you experience the incredible ease and superior taste of making your own healthy Almond Joys (and other beloved candies) at home, you’ll likely never return to store-bought options! These homemade delights are designed to effectively curb any sweet tooth while simultaneously nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients. I would absolutely love it if you left a review below to share your thoughts and even more so if you tagged me in your beautiful creations on Instagram @danishealthyeats! Happy healthy snacking!