Description
This Copycat Almond Joy Bars recipe delivers rich coconut, almonds, and chocolate for a perfect homemade treat everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar, plus more for shaping
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 60 whole almonds
- 23 ounces milk chocolate chips (divided if working slowly)
- 2 tablespoons shortening (divided if working slowly)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add coconut extract and mix until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until a thick dough forms.
- Fold in the shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
- Dust your hands with powdered sugar and shape the mixture into small rectangles or bite-size pieces.
- Press one almond (or two for a wider bar) on the top of each shaped piece.
- Place the pieces on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
- Melt half the chocolate chips with one tablespoon of shortening in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Dip the chilled coconut bars into the melted chocolate using a fork to coat completely.
- Place dipped bars onto parchment and allow chocolate to set.
- Repeat melting the remaining chocolate and shortening if working in batches.
- Once fully set, store bars in an airtight container.
Notes
Freezing the coconut centers helps maintain shape while dipping.
If chocolate thickens, reheat gently in 10-second intervals.
Milk chocolate delivers authentic flavor, but dark chocolate works beautifully for a richer variation.