June, 6th 2019 · Stephanie Mary

Homemade Almond Joys

Name: Homemade Almond Joys
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 34
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/3 Cups of Almonds; 18 - 22 Organic Pitted Dates; 2 Cups Unsweetened Shredded Coconut; 1 Pinch Vanilla Bean Powder or Extract; 2 Tablespoons Coconut Oil; 1 Pinch Pink Sea Salt; 1/2 Cup Coconut Oil; 1/2 Cup Raw Cacao Powder; 1/4 Cup Raw Honey or Maple Syrup

Homemade Almond Joys are chocolaty, coconut-y, and completely refined sugar-free! My inspiration for making these homemade almond joys was a small raw vegan cafe in Southern California that I frequently visited. I literally could never get enough, so I had to try and make my own. I would go into the shop almost daily to get my fix, but after a couple of years, they started modifying the recipe. The restaurant stopped adding as much chocolate to the top, and my chocolate loving self just couldn’t handle it! It’s such a silly story but all true folks! So, I put matters into my own hands and started doing a little recipe testing! Don’t worry, I didn’t leave the chocolate out! 😉

After I perfected the recipe, I make these Homemade Almonds Joys on the regular. Whenever I bring these babies to parties, everyone goes crazy for them! If you are going to a party and need a hit that’s also easy to make, vegan – no refined sugar added recipe – look no further! I promise you, no one will be disappointed!

Joy at the Source

I know I mentioned the wonderful chocolate on top, but let me tell you, the base of the almond joys is just as decadent. I give myself a day or two head start to sprout some organic almonds. Sprouting the almonds releases the unnecessary acids and activates the nutrients stored up in those delicious little seeds. Once sprouted, I then take the almonds, dates, and coconut, place them in the food processor and make amazing little balls of joy! With sprouted almonds, you taste a more intense hit of almond flavor. That more intense almond flavor plays kindly with the chocolate on top.

A few almond joys and some magical crystals

Cherry (I mean Chocolate) on Top

I go for the most chocolate on top of these! I’m a huge chocolate-aholic so the more the merrier in my book. I make the chocolate by combining cacao powder, honey, and coconut oil to give it a smooth gooey texture and sweet taste. If you are following a fully vegan diet, feel free to substitute the honey for some maple syrup. I always justify a little more chocolate on top because you get some nutrients from the cacao! After combined, I put a little drop on the top of the almond balls. I then place a whole almond on top.

Homemade Almond Joys are great for any holiday, party, birthday, event or just because. I’ll be honest, in the community, this is the recipe I am known for the most. These balls of joy can be made easily, they taste delicious, and they can be devoured in one small bite!

I also love that the Almond Joys don’t leave you feeling a sugar-hang-over! They are just the perfect size & filled with good for your ingredients, such as almonds, cacao, & healthy fats! Like I mentioned before, if you want them to be fully vegan, feel free to substitute out the honey for maple syrup. 😍

Every day is a good Homemade Almond Joy Day

With the summer right around the corner, these are perfect to make since you don’t have to turn on your oven, they are completely no-bake!. However, I guarantee you, they can be enjoyed at any time of the year! I keep them cool in the fridge or a freezer, as they are very sensitive to temperature. If you are like me and love taking them to the beach, I’d recommend that you pack them in a cooler.