If you’ve ever enjoyed the classic Almond Joy candy bar but follow a vegan lifestyle, you’re in for a delightful treat. This vegan Almond Joy recipe brings together the luscious flavors of creamy coconut, crunchy almonds, and rich chocolate – all without any animal products.
Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while staying true to your dietary choices, this homemade version is simple to make and customizable to your taste.
Whether you’re looking for a wholesome snack, a thoughtful gift, or a dessert to impress friends and family, this recipe hits all the right notes. Plus, you’ll love that it uses natural ingredients without any artificial preservatives or additives.
Let’s dive into how to create these delectable vegan Almond Joy bars in your own kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan Almond Joy recipe is a fantastic alternative to store-bought candy bars, offering a healthier, fresher version of the treat you love. Here’s why it stands out:
- Plant-based and allergen-friendly: No dairy, eggs, or refined sugars – perfect for vegans and those with allergies.
- Simple ingredients: Made with wholesome pantry staples like coconut, almonds, and dark chocolate.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients or adjust sweetness to suit your preferences.
- Great for gifting: Homemade candy bars make thoughtful presents for holidays or special occasions.
- Fun to make: The no-bake process is straightforward and perfect for all skill levels.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1/3 cup coconut cream (or full-fat coconut milk)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup raw whole almonds, toasted
- 8 ounces vegan dark chocolate chips or chopped bar (70% cacao or higher recommended)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Food processor or blender (optional, for finer coconut texture)
- Baking sheet or shallow tray
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler for melting chocolate
- Spatula
- Refrigerator or freezer space
Instructions
- Toast the almonds: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the raw almonds on a baking sheet and toast for about 8-10 minutes until fragrant. Allow to cool.
- Prepare the coconut filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, coconut cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir well until the mixture is sticky and holds together. If you prefer a smoother texture, pulse the shredded coconut in a food processor for a few seconds before mixing.
- Shape the bars: Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper. Using your hands or a spoon, form the coconut mixture into rectangular bars approximately 3 inches long and 1 inch thick. Place a toasted almond on top of each bar, gently pressing it in.
- Chill the bars: Place the tray in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the bars are firm and hold their shape.
- Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the vegan dark chocolate and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler over simmering water.
- Coat the bars: Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each chilled coconut bar into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Allow excess chocolate to drip off, then place back onto the parchment paper.
- Set the chocolate: Return the coated bars to the fridge or freezer to harden the chocolate, about 15-20 minutes.
- Serve or store: Once set, enjoy your vegan Almond Joy bars immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra indulgent twist, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the chocolate before it sets. This balances the sweetness beautifully!”
- Nut alternatives: Swap almonds for pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts for different textures and flavors.
- Sweetener options: Use date syrup or brown rice syrup instead of maple syrup to vary the taste.
- Chocolate choices: Try white vegan chocolate or add a sprinkle of crushed peppermint for a festive version.
- Make it mini: Form bite-sized balls instead of bars for easy snacking and portion control.
- Raw version: Keep the almonds raw and use raw cacao for the coating to make this a raw vegan treat.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 bar) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 |
Fat | 14g |
Saturated Fat | 9g |
Carbohydrates | 12g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sugars | 8g |
Protein | 3g |
Sodium | 15mg |
Serving Suggestions
These vegan Almond Joy bars can be enjoyed as a sweet snack any time of day. For a special touch, consider pairing them with a cup of your favorite plant-based milk or a hot herbal tea.
They make a delightful addition to dessert trays or party platters.
Looking to elevate your dessert game? Try serving alongside some vegan ice cream or slice into smaller pieces to garnish cakes and cupcakes.
If you’re interested in other delicious vegan treats, check out our Blackberry Juicing Recipes for fresh juice ideas or the Bobo’S Lemon Poppyseed Oat Bar Recipe for wholesome snacks.
Conclusion
Making your own vegan Almond Joy bars is a rewarding and delicious experience that combines the best of natural ingredients with the classic flavors we all love. This recipe is perfect for those who want a guilt-free indulgence that’s free from dairy and refined sugars.
Plus, it’s a fun kitchen project that yields impressive results without requiring complicated steps or special equipment.
Whether you’re treating yourself or gifting to someone special, these bars are sure to bring smiles and satisfy cravings. Don’t forget to experiment with different nuts and chocolate types to make it your own.
For more fantastic recipes, explore our collection including the hearty Bread And Gravy Recipe or the savory Best Spg Seasoning Recipe.
Enjoy crafting this vegan delight and happy snacking!
📖 Recipe Card: Almond Joy Recipe Vegan
Description: A delicious vegan version of the classic Almond Joy candy bar, featuring a creamy coconut filling, roasted almonds, and rich dark chocolate. Perfect for a homemade treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without any animal products.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup coconut cream
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 24 whole roasted almonds
- 1 1/2 cups vegan dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine shredded coconut, coconut cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Mix until a sticky dough forms.
- Line a baking pan with parchment paper and press the coconut mixture evenly into it.
- Place roasted almonds evenly on top, pressing them gently into the coconut layer.
- Freeze the mixture for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Melt the vegan dark chocolate chips with coconut oil over a double boiler until smooth.
- Remove the coconut-almond base from freezer and cut into 12 bars.
- Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, coating completely.
- Place coated bars on parchment paper and refrigerate until chocolate is set.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutrition: Calories: 210 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 12 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Almond Joy Recipe Vegan”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A delicious vegan version of the classic Almond Joy candy bar, featuring a creamy coconut filling, roasted almonds, and rich dark chocolate. Perfect for a homemade treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without any animal products.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT10M”, “totalTime”: “PT30M”, “recipeYield”: “12 bars”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 1/2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut”, “1/2 cup coconut cream”, “1/4 cup maple syrup”, “1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract”, “1/4 teaspoon salt”, “24 whole roasted almonds”, “1 1/2 cups vegan dark chocolate chips”, “1 tablespoon coconut oil”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, combine shredded coconut, coconut cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix until a sticky dough forms.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Line a baking pan with parchment paper and press the coconut mixture evenly into it.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place roasted almonds evenly on top, pressing them gently into the coconut layer.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Freeze the mixture for 10 minutes to firm up.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Melt the vegan dark chocolate chips with coconut oil over a double boiler until smooth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove the coconut-almond base from freezer and cut into 12 bars.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, coating completely.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place coated bars on parchment paper and refrigerate until chocolate is set.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Store in an airtight container in the fridge.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “210 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “3 g”, “fatContent”: “18 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “12 g”}}