Prepare yourself for a delightful journey into the world of miniature desserts with these incredible Almond Joy Brownie Bites. Imagine all the beloved flavors of the classic Almond Joy candy bar – rich chocolate, sweet coconut, and crunchy almonds – beautifully combined and condensed into a single, fudgy, bite-sized brownie. Each piece is a perfect little sphere of coconut-infused brownie, generously coated in a decadent chocolate shell, reminiscent of your favorite candy, but with a homemade touch that makes them truly special.
These aren’t just any brownies; they are miniature masterpieces, designed to bring joy and satisfy even the most intense sweet cravings. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Almond Joy candy bar or simply searching for a unique and utterly delicious dessert, these brownie bites promise an unforgettable experience. They are surprisingly simple to make, yet their sophisticated flavor profile will impress everyone who tries them.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Fudgy Almond Joy Brownie Bites
These perfectly fudgy Almond Joy Brownie Bites are more than just a treat; they are a versatile dessert perfect for any occasion. They make fantastic party food, instantly elevating any gathering with their delightful combination of flavors and textures. Imagine them artfully arranged on a holiday tray, bringing a festive and irresistible appeal to your celebration. But don’t let the lack of a holiday or a party invitation deter you from creating this scrumptious mini brownie recipe! Their ease of preparation and universal appeal mean they’re just as wonderful for a quiet evening at home as they are for a grand feast.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its remarkable simplicity. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to achieve spectacular results. Utilizing common pantry ingredients, this recipe streamlines the baking process without compromising on flavor. We start with a convenient boxed brownie mix, which forms the rich, fudgy base. The iconic coconut filling is made with readily available sweetened flaked coconut and sweetened condensed milk, creating that wonderfully moist and sweet center. Add in a handful of crunchy almonds, and you have all the components of a beloved candy bar transformed into a homemade delight.
These mini masterpieces bake up beautifully in a mini muffin pan, yielding an impressive batch of 48 brownie bites. This generous quantity makes them ideal for sharing, gifting, or simply ensuring you have enough to last through a weekend of indulgent snacking. Of course, if the temptation of 48 coconut-filled, chocolate-covered brownie balls seems a bit much for a solo Netflix binge, you have options! You can easily adjust the recipe by using a smaller brownie mix (an 8×8 inch sized mix instead of a 9×13), or, even better, freeze some for later enjoyment. These bites freeze wonderfully, meaning you can always have a gourmet treat ready to defrost and savor whenever the craving strikes.
And if you’re wondering what to do with any leftover sweetened condensed milk, don’t fret! It freezes beautifully, ready for your next batch of brownie bites or another sweet creation. Alternatively, treat yourself! You could whip up a half batch of a refreshing “Mini-Vacation Cocktail” to enjoy while you relax and, yes, perhaps indulge in a few of these heavenly brownie bites.
The Heartfelt Origin: A Tribute to My Father-in-Law
Every recipe often carries a story, a special memory, or an inspiration that brings it to life. For these Almond Joy Brownie Bites, the origin is particularly close to my heart, dating back to 2013 when they first graced my kitchen. They came to be through a heartfelt request from someone incredibly special: my dear Father-in-Law, Denny.
If you’re reading this, chances are you share a common passion with many of us – the love for discovering and sharing recipes online. It’s a wonderful way to connect, explore new culinary ideas, and keep cherished traditions alive. (And I must admit, I especially love it when you share my recipes!). This sharing spirit was truly embodied by Denny.
Denny had an insatiable sweet tooth, but his particular fondness was for the divine combination of coconut and chocolate. It was a well-known fact in our family; my kids, knowing his preference, would always gleefully hand over all their Almond Joy bars from their Halloween candy bags to their grandpa. It was a small tradition, but one that spoke volumes of their bond and his endearing love for that particular treat.
It was during one of his casual browses on Facebook that Denny stumbled upon an idea that sparked his interest. He actually requested that I make these brownie bites. How could I possibly resist? I mean, I truly hit the jackpot in the Father-in-Law department, and fulfilling a simple, sweet request like that was an absolute pleasure.
When we tragically lost Denny in 2018, a huge, irreplaceable void was left in our family. We miss him terribly, every single day. Among countless other cherished memories, every chocolate-coconut dessert and every Almond Joy candy bar will forever bring thoughts of him flooding back. These Almond Joy Brownie Bites are more than just a recipe; they are a sweet, tangible reminder of his loving presence and his simple joy for life’s little pleasures. They are a way to keep his memory alive, celebrated with every bite.
Crafting Your Own Almond Joy Brownie Bites: A Simple Guide
Making these delectable Almond Joy Brownie Bites is a straightforward and rewarding process. With just a few common ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a batch of these fudgy, coconut-filled, chocolate-dipped treats ready to impress. Here’s how you can create your own batch of these delightful dessert pearls.
Almond Joy Brownie Bites Recipe
A simple recipe to create fudgy, coconut-filled, chocolate-dipped mini brownies inspired by the classic Almond Joy candy bar.
Prep Time: 5 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Additional Time: 45 mins (freezing/setting) | Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
Cuisine: American | Yields: 48 Bites | Keywords: Almond Joy Brownie Bites, brownie mix, coconut filled brownie balls, easy, fudge brownie bite recipe, how to make chocolate dipped almond joy brownie bites from a brownie mix, mounds brownie bites
Author: Michaela Kenkel
Equipment You’ll Need:
- 13×18 Half Sheet Pan
- Mini Muffin Pan
- Wilton Stainless Steel Cookie Scoop (or similar for uniform coconut balls)
- Mixing Bowls
- Saucepan or Microwave-safe bowl for melting chocolate
Ingredients:
- 1 (9×13 size) brownie mix (plus ingredients required on package, typically eggs, oil, water)
- 4 cups sweetened flaked coconut
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 package chocolate almond bark or chocolate candy quick melt
- 4 dozen whole almonds
Instructions:
- Prepare Muffin Cups: Lightly coat your mini muffin cups with non-stick cooking spray. This will ensure your brownie bites release easily after baking.
- Prepare Brownie Batter: Follow the package instructions for your chosen brownie mix to prepare the batter. Once ready, fill each prepared mini muffin cup about half full with the brownie batter. Avoid overfilling to prevent overflow.
- Bake Brownie Bites: Bake the mini brownies according to the directions on your brownie mix package. Cooking times for mini muffins are usually shorter; typically around 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them and test for doneness with a toothpick.
- Add Almonds: As soon as the brownies are removed from the oven and still warm, carefully remove them from the tins. While they are still warm and soft, gently press one whole almond into the top center of each brownie bite.
- Prepare Coconut Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and the flaked coconut. Mix thoroughly until the coconut is evenly coated and sticky.
- Form and Freeze Coconut Topping: Take small portions of the coconut mixture and roll them into compact balls, roughly the same size as your brownie bites. Press one coconut ball firmly onto the top of each brownie bite, over the almond. Arrange the assembled brownie bites on a cookie sheet and place them in the freezer for approximately 30 minutes. This step is crucial for helping the coconut set and preventing it from falling apart during the chocolate dipping.
- Melt Chocolate: While the brownie bites are chilling, melt the chocolate almond bark or chocolate candy according to its package instructions. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler. Ensure the chocolate is smooth and fluid for easy dipping.
- Dip and Set: Remove the chilled brownie bites from the freezer. Dip the top of each brownie bite (the coconut side) into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the chocolate-dipped bites on a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper or parchment paper. Once all are dipped, transfer the cookie sheet to the refrigerator to allow the chocolate coating to fully set, usually about 15-20 minutes.
Pro Tips for Perfection:
- Uniform Coconut Balls: For consistent size and appearance, use a small cookie scoop to portion out the coconut mixture before rolling it into balls.
- Warm Almond Press: Pressing the almonds into the brownies while they are still warm ensures they adhere perfectly and settle into the fudgy texture.
- Keep Them Cold: When dipping, work in small batches (about one dozen at a time) and keep the remaining brownie bites in the freezer. This prevents the coconut from warming up and potentially separating in the melted chocolate, ensuring a clean, even coat.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving):
Serving: 1 | Calories: 2217kcal | Carbohydrates: 389g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 77g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 58g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 1535mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g
Please note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.
Love Them? Pin Them!
These Almond Joy Brownie Bites are destined to become a new favorite! Don’t forget where you found this fantastic recipe. Pin them to your favorite Pinterest recipe board now so you can easily find them again whenever a craving strikes or you need a show-stopping dessert for your next gathering!
“Almond Joy’s Got Nuts. Mounds Don’t.”
This iconic slogan perfectly highlights the key difference between these two classic candy bars, and it’s a difference that brings incredible flavor and nutritional benefits to our brownie bites. If you happen to be a fan of nuts, then almonds are a truly wonderful choice. They not only add a delightful crunch and a subtle nutty flavor to these treats but also pack a significant nutritional punch.
A single ounce of almonds (about 23 whole almonds) offers a wealth of nutrients. They are celebrated as an excellent source of powerful antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage, and provide a substantial amount of Vitamin E, crucial for skin health and immune function. Furthermore, almonds are rich in magnesium, a mineral vital for muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control, and blood pressure regulation. Beyond these, they contribute 6 grams of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, and 4 grams of fiber, aiding in digestive health and promoting a feeling of fullness.
But the benefits don’t stop there! Almonds are also an excellent source of calcium, important for strong bones and teeth, and potassium, which helps maintain fluid balance and blood pressure. They provide phosphorus, another key mineral for bone health, and iron, vital for oxygen transport in the blood. For those with dietary considerations, almonds are naturally gluten-free and cholesterol-free, making them a healthy addition to many eating plans. And let’s not forget the “good” unsaturated fats they contain, which are beneficial for heart health. So, when you’re enjoying an Almond Joy Brownie Bite, you’re not just indulging in a sweet treat; you’re also getting a dose of wholesome goodness!
However, if you’re not “nuts” about almonds, or perhaps prefer the pure coconut-chocolate experience, you have an easy solution! Simply leave out the almonds, and voilà – you’ve instantly transformed these into Mounds Brownie Bites, offering that same delightful fudgy brownie and sweet coconut, all drenched in chocolate, just without the nutty crunch. It’s the perfect customizable treat!
Explore More Candy Bar Inspired Desserts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about recreating the magic of beloved candy bars in your own kitchen. I absolutely adore “copycat” recipes, especially when they allow me to capture those nostalgic flavors in homemade form. In fact, my blog features an entire section dedicated to restaurant copycat recipes, allowing you to bring your favorite diner dishes home. But beyond restaurant favorites, I find immense joy in translating the iconic taste profiles of classic candy bars into exciting new dessert recipes. Over the years, I’ve developed quite a few that have become firm family favorites. Here are some of my top recommendations for more candy bar inspired creations you simply must try:
- Whatchamacallit Bars (pictured above): A delightful treat featuring a marshmallow peanut buttery Rice Krispies base, a luscious caramel layer, and a generous topping of melted chocolate chips.
- Homemade Twix Bars: Recreate the classic shortbread, caramel, and chocolate combination with these irresistible homemade bars.
- Snickers Candy Bar Fudge: A rich and creamy fudge loaded with peanuts, caramel, and chocolate, embodying the essence of a Snickers bar.
- Salted Nut Roll Bars: Capture the sweet, salty, and crunchy goodness of the classic nut roll in a convenient bar form.
- Almond Joy Cheese Ball: For a unique twist, try this sweet cheese ball that offers all the flavors of Almond Joy in a delightful, spreadable form.
Don’t these just make you want to reach right into the screen and grab one? The fudgy brownie base, the sweet, tender coconut, the satisfying crunch of almond, all enveloped in a smooth chocolate coating – it’s pure heaven!
I sincerely hope my father-in-law, Denny, is enjoying an endless supply of chocolate and coconut goodness in heaven. He truly deserves it, and these bites are a sweet reminder of his cherished memory.
More Great Brownie Ideas
If your love for brownies knows no bounds, then you’re in for a treat! Beyond these delightful Almond Joy Brownie Bites, I have an extensive collection of brownie recipes waiting for you to explore and enjoy. Whether you prefer classic fudgy brownies, brownies loaded with various mix-ins, or unique twists on this beloved dessert, you’re sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds. Just check out this HUGE COLLECTION of BROWNIE Recipes for endless inspiration and delicious baking adventures!
But for now, it’s all about the star of the show: these incredible Almond Joy Brownie Bites! I hope you enjoy making and savoring every single one. Happy baking!
This recipe was originally posted on December 16, 2013. It has been updated for improved user experience, enhanced clarity, and re-shared on August 28, 2020.
Recipe adapted from Confessions of a Cookbook Queen.