There’s something about the combination of coconut, chocolate, and almonds that instantly feels like comfort food. For many of us, Almond Joy bars were a childhood favorite — the kind of treat you’d secretly hope to find tucked into your lunchbox or sneak from a Halloween stash. These Almond Joy Coconut Bites bring all that nostalgic flavor into a bite-sized, homemade version that’s even more satisfying. They’re the perfect little indulgence: sweet, chewy, crunchy, and wonderfully rich.

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I first started making these during the winter holidays when I was looking for something easy, no-bake, and festive to offer guests. But soon, they became a year-round staple in our house. They’re great for gifting, perfect for potlucks, and just right when you want a little something sweet with your coffee. What makes them even better? They’re made with just a few simple ingredients and come together quickly — no oven required.

Whether you’re trying to recreate a childhood favorite or just need a reliable dessert recipe that doesn’t require fancy equipment, these little coconut bites have your back.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

No-bake and super easy to make
Perfect blend of textures: chewy coconut, crunchy almond, and smooth chocolate
Ideal for gifting, holidays, or weekday treats
Naturally gluten-free
Great for making ahead and storing

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 whole almonds
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil

HOW TO MAKE ALMOND JOY COCONUT BITES:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Combine the coconut base
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. The mixture should be thick and sticky — almost like a dough. This is your sweet, chewy base that holds everything together.

Step 2: Shape the bites
Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into small rectangles or balls, about the size of a tablespoon. Gently press one almond into the top of each bite. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If the mixture feels too sticky to handle, try lightly wetting your hands with water to make shaping easier.

Step 3: Chill before dipping
Pop the tray into the freezer for about 20–30 minutes. This step helps the bites firm up so they hold their shape when you dip them in chocolate later.

Step 4: Melt the chocolate
While the bites are chilling, melt your chocolate chips with the coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second increments, stirring each time, until smooth and glossy. The coconut oil helps thin out the chocolate and gives it a lovely sheen once it sets.

Step 5: Dip and coat
Remove the chilled coconut bites from the freezer. Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each bite into the melted chocolate, coating completely. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing them back on the parchment-lined tray.

Step 6: Let them set
Once all the bites are coated, place the tray back into the fridge or freezer for another 10–15 minutes to allow the chocolate to set fully.

HELPFUL TIPS:

Don’t skip the chilling step — it’s key to making the dipping process clean and easy.
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy clean-up.
If you’re making a big batch, work in small batches when dipping — keep the rest in the freezer so they don’t soften while you’re working.
You can use dark chocolate chips if you prefer a less sweet bite.

DETAILS:

Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ chilling time)
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 bites
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

NOTES:

These bites store beautifully, so they’re a great make-ahead option for busy weeks or special occasions. They also make a lovely addition to cookie boxes, dessert platters, or afternoon tea spreads.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (Per Bite – Approximate):

Calories: 180
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Sugar: 14g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 2g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use unsweetened coconut instead?
Yes, but the texture and sweetness will change. If using unsweetened coconut, you may need to add a bit more sweetened condensed milk and adjust for taste.

Can I skip the almonds?
Of course! If you’re not a fan or have allergies, just leave them off. The bites are still delicious without them.

Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw for a few minutes before serving.

Can I make these dairy-free?
You can try using sweetened condensed coconut milk and dairy-free chocolate chips. The flavor will change slightly but still be delicious.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store the Almond Joy Coconut Bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze them and thaw as needed. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper if stacking to avoid sticking.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other coconut and chocolate treats:

CONCLUSION

There’s just something magical about the combo of coconut, almond, and chocolate — and these Almond Joy Coconut Bites capture that magic in the most delightful way. They’re sweet, simple, and made for sharing (even if you’re tempted to keep them all for yourself). Whether you’re whipping up a quick dessert or making edible gifts for friends, these little bites are guaranteed to bring a bit of joy with every bite.