Almond Joy Bites are a quick and delicious treat made with almond butter, oats, and coconut. These chewy protein balls are perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or a late-night snack.
If you like chocolate and coconut, then you'll love this healthier Almond Joy hot chocolate!
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Almond Joy Energy Bites
I always crave something sweet in the afternoons. Usually, I can control my craving for cookies by drinking iced coffee or an iced matcha latte.
But sometimes, I cannot resist the temptation to snack on a sweet treat. Those days, I make peanut butter granola balls or healthy brownie bites.
This week, I changed the peanut butter bites by replacing some oats with shredded coconut and using almond butter instead of peanut butter. I love that these protein bites taste like dessert, but they are a healthy chocolate snack.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's ready in 10 minutes. Mix the ingredients in a large bowl and then roll them into balls.
- This is a healthier alternative. These Almond Joy Bites have the same flavor as an Almond Joy bar but without refined sugar. They are one of my favorite ways to enjoy a healthy candy bar.
- Great on-the-go snack. These no-bake energy bites are perfect for busy families. Just pop a few in a plastic bag or Tupperware container to bring with you!
Key Ingredients
You can create quick and easy no-bake almond energy bites with just a few ingredients. Mix everything and enjoy a nutritious treat in minutes.
- Almond Butter - Holds the ingredients together and gives them an excellent almond flavor. You could also use crunchy almond butter to add nuts to each power ball.
- Honey - You can use raw, local honey or your favorite brand from the grocery store. Agave or cinnamon maple syrup is another natural sweetener option.
- Vanilla Extract - Choose pure vanilla instead of imitation vanilla. You can also use almond extract for extra almond flavor.
- Old Fashioned Oats - Rolled oats add a chewy texture and provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Unsweetened Coconut Flakes - An almond joy isn't complete without coconut! Opt for unsweetened shredded coconut instead of sweetened coconut flakes.
- Chocolate Protein Powder - Increase the chocolate flavor and add protein to help you fuel your muscles.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder - I like using Hershey's dark cocoa for deep chocolate flavor.
How to Make Almond Joy Bites
This recipe for chocolate coconut energy bites is incredibly easy - just mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Stir the almond butter, honey, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the oats, coconut, protein powder, and cocoa powder and mix until everything is combined.
- Divide the mixture into 16 equal parts using a small cookie scoop and then roll each into a ball.
- Roll the balls in the remaining coconut for extra crunch and flavor.
Extra Toppings
Feel free to add your favorite toppings to customize the outside of your protein balls and give them extra flavor.
- Flaky Coconut - Press extra coconut on top for some additional texture.
- Drizzled Chocolate - Melt milk chocolate or dark chocolate and drizzle it over each Almond Joy bite.
- Chopped Almonds - Just like the coconut, sprinkle toasted or raw almonds on top for extra crunch.
- Chocolate Chips - Press some chocolate chips on top of your balls for more sweetness.
Storage Recommendations
On the Counter - Store your little bites in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.
In the Refrigerator - You can also refrigerate the balls for 5-7 days.
In the Freezer - Place the bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and then freeze for 30 minutes. Then, place the snacks in a ziplock bag and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Tips and Tricks
- Add more healthy fats. Stir flax, hemp, or chia seeds into the oat mixture.
- Keep it moist. If the mixture seems dry, add one tablespoon of water or almond milk at a time to help it stick together.
- Use a 1-tablespoon scoop. This will divide the mixture easily and keep your portion sizes consistent.
- Make energy bars. Press the mixture evenly into a parchment-lined 8x8 pan. Chill before cutting into small bite-sized squares.
Variations
- Use other natural sweeteners. Substitute maple syrup, agave nectar, or date syrup for the honey.
- Make homemade almond butter. If you have raw almonds and 10-15 minutes to spare, you can easily make creamy almond butter using a food processor.
- Create Almond Joy truffles. Drizzle the Almond Joy protein balls with melted chocolate for a more decadent dessert. I recommend using Lily's chocolate chips.
FAQs
For a chewier texture, use old-fashioned rolled oats. If you prefer a smoother, softer texture, quick oats will do, but they will not have the same bite and soften faster.
Of course! This recipe basically already is. Make sure that the oats you use are certified gluten-free. Oats themselves are gluten-free, but cross-contamination can occur during processing.
Different kinds of nut butter may have varying consistencies. You can adjust the stickiness by adding a small amount of water or almond milk.
More Healthy Snacks
- Peanut Butter Date Balls
- Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Strawberry Yogurt Bites
- Protein Jello
- Keto Lava Cake
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Recipe
Almond Joy Bites
Ingredients
- ½ cup almond butter
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup old fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut, divided
- ½ serving chocolate Premiere protein powder (¼ c.)
- ¼ cup dark cocoa powder
Instructions
- Stir together oats, ¼ cup coconut, protein powder, and cocoa powder in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the almond butter, honey, and vanilla and stir until everything is coated.
- Use a 1 tablespoon scoop to make 16 mounds.
- Roll each in a bowl and roll in the remaining coconut, pressing firmly.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 115Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 5mgCarbohydrates: 11gNet Carbohydrates: 9gFiber: 2gSugar: 6gProtein: 4g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
This post was first published in January 2015. The photos and post were updated and then it was republished in April 2024.
Tara
Did any of the commenters actually make these? I can only see one that did and she said they were crumbly. I second that. Are we missing something? They were so crumbly they are more like granola and I need to eat them with a spoon! And I even added extra Almond butter (upping the fat substantially) and they were still sooooo crumbly. Embarrassingly so. I can't imagine how these were bars for you with these ingredient ratios. I never even added the divided amount of coconut to the top as it seemed pointless. And I really pressed them down hard in the pan with a fork. Super Yummy recipe for Almond joy granola perhaps, but not bars.
Jocelyn
Hi, Tara. I actually just went to my kitchen and made another batch just to be sure. The recipe is fine as written. The mixture should actually look and feel like mud after you stir the dry ingredients into the melted peanut butter and honey. Mine was definitely not crumbly at all. Did you let it cool before pressing it into the pan? Are you sure you only used 3/4 cup oats?
Tara
Wow thanks for making them to check! I feel confident I didn't measure anything wrong (apart from only adding 1/3 cup coconut and not the rest to the top). Anyway, I'm enjoying reading them with with spoon! I did put them in the pan while still warm. Who knows!
Kristi
Oh my goodness!!!!! Delicious! I took them to a potluck and everyone was in LOVE. So easy and quick to make. Thank you for sharing.
Deana
Am I missing something? The instructions include cocoa powder, but it's not in the ingredients list. How much should I use?
Jocelyn
Oh, my goodness. Yes, the cocoa powder is missing from the ingredient list. Thank you so much for letting me know. The recipe has been fixed. I hope you enjoy the bars!
Amber Joy
Would Steel Oats work you think? These sound so good but all I have on hand is steel oats!
Jocelyn
Yes, I think those would work just fine too!! I hope you enjoy them!
Paulette
117 calorues per serving
Paulette
Thanks I will plug it into a counter. They are delicious but mine came out crumbly.
Paulette
Thanks for the recipe. Going to make them today. Any idea hiw many calories in a serving?
Jocelyn Brubaker
Hi, Paulette. I am not sure of the calorie count in this recipe as I do not usually calculate them. There are some different online counters that you can input the recipe into if you like.
Keri
Do you know what the nutritional content is for this recipe? Such as the fat and calories?
Jocelyn Brubaker
Hi, Keri. I haven't calculated that info. There are different online counters that you can copy and paste the ingredients into if you like.
Amy @ Amy's Healthy Baking
I am TOTALLY impressed that you're able to do pushups and box jumps, let alone do them well! I feel like I'm about to collapse nearly every time I try pushups, and I've never had the courage to do box jumps... With how klutzy I am, I'd just jump straight into the box and fall on my rear end! 😉 But I'm loving these healthy bites! Pinned!
Renee@Two in the Kitchen
These look fabulous Jocelyn!! I need to watch my eating this year too! I ate WAY too many cookies this holiday season! Happy 2015!! 🙂
Emily
these look delicious and can't wait to try them. I like most of you have determined to eat healthier and lose weight. But I am new this type of eating. I have pinned several recipes and tried a few.. One was terrible but the others were great. I have a question if you don't mind helping a newbie.... Where do I purchase almond butter? Yours is the second recipe calling for it and I could not find it in my local grocery store. I would also love to know about the protein powders.... Are they all equal, is one better or healthier or are they filled with stuff that eliminates the "healthy"? Just a couple of questions. I enjoyed your blog and thought you might be able to give some simple practical advice.
Happy New Year and Thank You,
Emily
Cyndi @ My Kitchen Craze
These energy bites look amazing! I want to grab one right now. I need to get back on that treadmill but I hate saying good bye to the sweets. We are food bloggers here and need to try everything right? 🙂 These look like the perfect happy medium. PS Happy New Year Jocelyn. Hope this year rocks for you! 🙂
Julie @ Julie's Eats & Treats
I totally need to try these to curb my sweet tooth and not get off the game plan with the diet!!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust
I know the feeling. The jeans I loved last winter now? Not so much. You and me are on the same page - eat healthier but still eat chocolate! Love these!!
Emily @ Life on Food
I am all for healthy treats that remind me of dessert. These bars look fantastic.
Marcie
And 2015 starts with an Almond Joy bang! I love this healthier take on Almond Joys, which happen to be a favorite of mine! Pinned.
Medha+@+Whisk+&+Shout
Yum! These delicious bites could not have come at a better time, I'm definitely trying to get back on the healthy track. Almond Joys are my favorite chocolate bar, and it's awesome to enjoy them in a healthier fashion 🙂