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Homemade Almond Joy Bars: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Almond Joy Candy Bar

Love Almond Joy candy bars? These cookie bars pack all the flavors you love—sweet coconut, crunchy almonds, and delicious chocolate—into an easy, shareable dessert.

These bars are super easy to make and use just five simple ingredients. No candy molds, no fuss—just delicious homemade goodness!

Plus, they’re easy to customize, so you can make them dairy-free or adjust the sweetness to your taste. Let’s get baking!

What makes these homemade Almond Joy Bars so good?

If you’re a fan of Almond Joy candy bars, you’re going to love these cookie bars.

Instead of making individual candies (like Almond Joy BonBons) or Almond Joy Cookies, we’re simplifying things by layering all that deliciousness into one pan.

Here’s why I think you’ll love them:

• Quick and Easy: Only five ingredients and minimal effort required.
• Tastes Just Like the Real Thing: Sweet coconut, almonds, and chocolate—yum!
• Customizable: Perfect as-is or easy to tweak for your diet (see below for how to make these dairy-free).

Many almond joy bar recipes have a chocolate layer on top. This adds an extra step of melting chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave and then spreading on top of the bars.

I've chosen just to combine everything into one handheld bar! This eliminates steps and makes the process a little more simple!

Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be hooked.

Ingredients needed to make almond joy bars

Here’s what you need to make these bars:

• 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut (finely shredded is best)
• ½ cup sliced almonds
• 1 cup homemade sugar-free sweetened condensed milk (don’t worry—it’s super easy to make!)
• 1 cup Lily's Stevia-Sweetened Chocolate Chips (or your favorite kind)
• Cooking spray or parchment paper (for easy cleanup)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Sweetened Condensed Milk

Start by preparing the homemade sweetened condensed milk. 
Let the condensed milk cool completely before moving on to the next step.

2. Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the cooled sweetened condensed milk with 2 cups of shredded coconut and ½ cup of sliced almonds. Stir everything together until well combined.

3. Press Into Pan

Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Press the coconut-almond mixture evenly into the pan, making sure to pack it down firmly.

4. Bake the Bars

Bake at 325°F for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them—they’ll smell amazing as they bake!

5. Cool Completely

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. For best results, refrigerate them for at least an hour before slicing. This helps the bars firm up and makes them easier to cut into clean squares or rectangles.

Tips for the Best Almond Joy Cookie Bars

• Chill Before Slicing: The bars are much easier to cut when they’ve been chilled. Use a sharp knife for clean edges.
• Press Firmly: When pressing the coconut mixture into the pan, really pack it down to keep the bars from crumbling.
• Use Finely Shredded Coconut: This helps the mixture hold together better.

Fun Variations and Substitutions

• Make Them Vegan: Use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk and vegan chocolate chips.
• Go Extra Nutty: Add chopped almonds to the coconut mixture for even more crunch.
• Use Dark Chocolate: Swap sugar-free semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate if you prefer a richer flavor.

How to Store Your Bars

• In the Fridge: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• In the Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the bars in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months!

When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature for about 10 minutes.

FAQs About This Recipe

Can I use sweetened coconut?

Yes, you can! (But of course, then they will not be low-carb!) 

Can I skip the almonds?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of almonds, just leave them out for a Mounds-inspired version.

Can I use store-bought condensed milk?

Of course! If you’re short on time, feel free to use canned condensed milk. (But again, they will no longer be low-carb.)

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! To make them dairy-free, simply swap the low-carb condensed milk with my dairy-free sweetened condensed milk recipe made with coconut milk! (And make sure your chocolate chips are also dairy-free.)

I think you'll love this recipe!

These Almond Joy Cookie Bars are a sweet, chewy, and chocolatey treat that’s so much easier than making traditional candy bars.

With just five simple ingredients, you’ll have a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Make them for a family gathering, take them to a potluck, or keep them in the fridge whenever your sweet tooth hits.

Trust me—once you try these, you’ll be making them again and again!

Have you made these bars? Let me know how they turned out in the comments below. I’d love to hear your tips and variations!

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