Dark Chocolate Almond Joy: Two Delicious Recipes To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Are you a fan of the classic Almond Joy candy bar? If so, you’re in for a treat with these two recipes that put a dark chocolate spin on this beloved treat. Whether you want to indulge in a decadent dessert or whip up a batch of homemade candy, these recipes will hit the spot.

Recipe 1: Dark Chocolate Almond Joy Bars

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds
• 2 cups dark chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and chopped almonds until well combined.
4. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
6. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
7. Pour the melted chocolate over the cooled coconut mixture and spread it evenly.
8. Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened.
9. Remove from the refrigerator and cut into bars.

Nutritional Information:

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 200
Total Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 4mg
Sodium: 29mg
Total Carbohydrates: 21g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 15g
Protein: 3g

Cooking Time:

25 minutes plus 30 minutes cooling time.

Equipment:

• 8×8 inch baking dish
• Parchment paper
• Large mixing bowl
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Spatula

Serving Suggestions:

These bars are perfect for a sweet and satisfying snack or dessert. Serve them with a glass of cold milk or hot coffee for a delicious treat.

Variations:

You can customize this recipe by using different types of nuts or adding in extra ingredients like dried fruit or mini marshmallows.

Substitutions:

If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk, you can substitute it with coconut cream or heavy cream. You can also use milk chocolate or semisweet chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate.

Storage:

Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Tips:

• Make sure to press the coconut mixture firmly into the baking dish to ensure that it holds together well.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the bars for clean and even slices.
• For a fun twist, sprinkle some extra shredded coconut on top of the melted chocolate before it hardens.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?
A: Yes, but you may need to add some extra sugar or honey to the mixture to ensure that it is sweet enough.

Q: How long do these bars last?
A: They will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week, but they are best eaten within a few days.

Recipe 2: Dark Chocolate Almond Joy Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup almond butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the shredded coconut, almond butter, honey, and vanilla extract until well combined.
2. Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until the balls are firm.
4. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
5. Dip each ball into the melted chocolate and place it back on the baking sheet.
6. Sprinkle chopped almonds on top of each ball.
7. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened.

Nutritional Information:

Serving Size: 1 bite
Calories: 100
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 4mg
Total Carbohydrates: 9g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 2g

Cooking Time:

30 minutes plus 30 minutes cooling time.

Equipment:

• Large mixing bowl
• Parchment-lined baking sheet
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Spatula

Serving Suggestions:

These bites are perfect for a quick and easy snack or dessert. Serve them at a party or pack them in your lunch for a sweet treat on-the-go.

Variations:

You can swap out the almond butter for peanut butter or cashew butter, or use different types of nuts for the topping.

Substitutions:

If you don’t have almond butter, you can use any other nut butter or sunflower seed butter. You can also use milk chocolate or semisweet chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate.

Storage:

Store these bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Tips:

• Make sure to roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls for easy snacking.
• If the mixture is too sticky to roll, place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.
• Experiment with different toppings like shredded coconut or mini chocolate chips.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I use agave nectar instead of honey?
A: Yes, any liquid sweetener will work in this recipe.

Q: Can I freeze these bites?
A: Yes, they will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

Whether you prefer the chewy texture of the Dark Chocolate Almond Joy Bars or the bite-sized convenience of the Dark Chocolate Almond Joy Bites, these recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, you can whip up a batch of homemade candy in no time. So why not give them a try and indulge in a little chocolatey goodness?