Get ready to bring a bite of classic candy-shop nostalgia into your own home with this Almond Joy Candy Recipe! These sweet little treats are irresistible: think creamy chocolate, wonderfully chewy coconut, and a perfectly crunchy almond on top — all made right in your slow cooker. Whether you’re prepping treats for a potluck, gifting them for the holidays, or just indulging in a little chocolate therapy, this homemade Almond Joy Candy Recipe will satisfy every sweet tooth in the house.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whipping up this delightful Almond Joy Candy Recipe is wonderfully simple. Each ingredient plays an essential part, melding rich flavors and textures you won’t soon forget. You truly can’t skip any of these — they’re what make these candies so unique!
- Milk Chocolate Chips (23 oz): The sweet, melty heart of each bite, use your favorite brand for the most luscious result.
- Sweetened Coconut (14 oz, plus 1/2 cup reserved): This gives the classic chewy bite, and Baker’s brand is simply perfect for that quintessential Almond Joy center.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk (1/2 cup): Adds creamy sweetness and helps everything stick together — don’t substitute this!
- Roasted and Salted Whole Almonds (about 50): The nutty, salty crunch on top sets off all that sweetness just right — I love using the salted kind for contrast.
- Parchment Paper: Not technically an ingredient, but don’t skip this step for fuss-free candy making and easy cleanup.
How to Make Almond Joy Candy Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Core Ingredients
Start by adding the milk chocolate chips, all but 1/2 cup of the sweetened coconut, and the sweetened condensed milk to the bowl of your slow cooker. Stir everything gently to get it all coated and evenly mixed.
Step 2: Melt in the Slow Cooker
Cover with the lid and set your slow cooker to high. Every 15 minutes, open the lid and give everything a good stir. You’re looking for silky, melted chocolate that coats the coconut with no lumps left behind. This usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Be careful not to overcook, or your chocolate could seize up!
Step 3: Shape and Decorate the Candies
Once everything is melted and well combined, line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon-sized measuring spoon, scoop out the mixture and roll each portion into a ball with your hands for that perfect glossy finish. Place them gently on the parchment.
Step 4: Top with Coconut and Almonds
While the candies are still soft, sprinkle a tiny pinch of the reserved coconut over each ball, then press a whole roasted almond right on top. That signature look and delicious crunch are what set apart a true Almond Joy Candy Recipe.
Step 5: Let Them Set
Allow your candies to set at room temperature for around 2 hours. They’ll firm up beautifully and become easy to pick up (and pop in your mouth!). Now you’re ready to serve, share, or sneak a few for yourself!
How to Serve Almond Joy Candy Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to make this Almond Joy Candy Recipe extra special, try drizzling a little extra melted chocolate over the top once they’re set, or give them a dusting of finely chopped almonds. A sprinkle of sea salt is lovely if you want a gourmet touch!
Side Dishes
These candy bites pair beautifully with a cup of strong espresso or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For dessert platters, set them alongside fresh fruit or buttery shortbread cookies to balance out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Package your homemade Almond Joy Candy Recipe in cute boxes or cellophane bags for gifts — they make stunning party favors. For holidays, tuck them into miniature cupcake liners, or stack them in glass jars with a ribbon for a show-stopping edible centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Almond Joy Candy Recipe fresh by storing the candies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week — if they last that long — with no need to refrigerate.
Freezing
To make these candies in advance, pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to three months. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together!
Reheating
Since these candies are meant to be served at room temperature, there’s no real reheating needed. But if you’d like them slightly softer, just let them rest on the counter for 10 minutes after pulling from the fridge or freezer.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Absolutely! If you love a deeper, richer chocolate flavor, feel free to swap in dark chocolate chips for your Almond Joy Candy Recipe. It will create a slightly more sophisticated, less sweet version.
How do I keep the chocolate from burning in the slow cooker?
The trick is to check and stir every 15 minutes and resist any urge to let it go too long. Using the slow cooker’s high setting speeds things along, but give it only as much time as it needs to melt the chips completely.
Is there a way to make these nut-free?
For a nut-free option, simply leave off the almonds on top of each candy. You’ll still get the delightful coconut-chocolate combination, and everyone can enjoy a safe sweet treat.
Can I double or halve the recipe?
This Almond Joy Candy Recipe is flexible! Double it for a crowd or halve it if you’re serving a smaller group — just adjust the mixing time, since larger volumes may take a few extra minutes to melt.
Why is my mixture too thick to scoop?
If your mixture thickens up too much before shaping, it might have cooled a bit. Just pop the slow cooker back on for a few minutes and gently stir until you reach the perfect scoopable consistency.
Final Thoughts
I truly can’t wait for you to whip up this Almond Joy Candy Recipe and watch family and friends swoon over every bite. It’s easy, nostalgic, and downright delicious — give it a try, and you just might discover your new favorite homemade candy!
Print
Almond Joy Candy Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 50 candies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of homemade Almond Joy candies with this easy slow cooker recipe. Rich milk chocolate, sweet coconut, and a crunchy almond come together to create a perfect treat reminiscent of the popular candy bar. Simple to make and utterly delicious, these candies are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special sweet indulgence for yourself.
Ingredients
Milk Chocolate Coating:
- 23 oz. milk chocolate chips
Coconut Filling:
- 14 oz. sweetened coconut (1/2 cup reserved)
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
Almond Topping:
- 50 roasted and salted whole almonds
Instructions
- Prepare Chocolate Coconut Mixture: Combine chocolate chips, most of the coconut, and sweetened condensed milk in the slow cooker. Stir to mix.
- Melt Mixture: Cover and set slow cooker to high. Stir every 15 minutes until chocolate is fully melted, about 30-45 minutes.
- Form Candy Balls: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Using a tablespoon, shape mixture into balls. Roll in remaining coconut, press an almond on top.
- Set and Serve: Allow candies to set at room temperature for about 2 hours before serving or storing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy
- Calories: 117 kcal
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.2g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 3mg
