I know what you are thinking… nothing could be better than your favorite store-bought candy, right? But I do like a good challenge, so I went ahead and ‘healthified’ one of my favorite candy bars from scratch – Almond Joys!
These homemade Almond Joys have all the classic flavors of the original candy bar but without all the unnecessary additives. With the delicious combo of almonds and creamy coconut, you really can’t go wrong! They store great in the fridge and if you love coconut and almonds; than this recipe is for you.
When you are craving something sweet, but don’t want to mess up your perfect macros for the day, I like to turn to these rich and smooth low-carb bites that will satisfy your sweet tooth and curb your appetite.
One of my favorite candy bars growing up was Almond Joy Bars, so when brainstorming flavor ideas for healthier protein-rich candy I couldn’t resist the opportunity to recreate them! I mean, how can you go wrong with the combo of almonds + coconut?
All you need are 7 ingredients and a little arm strength to combine the mixture and you will have a delicious protein-packed snack that tastes just like an almond joy bar minus the refined sugars or artificial ingredients.
Personally, the only candy I ever want to eat out of assorted boxes of chocolates my family used to indulge in at Christmas time are the coconut ones.
It’s all about the texture for me, and the almond joy recipe I have made has that same smooth, creamy texture. The best part about this recipe is that there is no baking involved! All you have to do is mix all the ingredients together and spoon into a mold or muffin pan. Chill. Done!
Why you need to make this recipe:
Tastes like an almond joy bar, but in protein bite form
Perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly
Gluten-free, dairy-free
One protein bite has 8 grams of protein
Makes for a great afternoon snack or post-workout treat
Free of preservatives and unnecessary additives
You will get the peace of mind of knowing every ingredient used in the recipe and a budget-friendly option in comparison to store-bought Almond Joys. As you probably know, I am obsessed with protein in desserts and snacks, so you can bet I added some here. As well as being really easy to make, these bites are healthier than your average sweet treat as they are made with wholesome REAL food ingredients. With the added protein powder it makes them more balanced than the traditional high carb recipe.
Old fashioned baked recipes always had tons of sugar, carbs and fats. The new modern way it to add protein making the recipe more balanced to stop the unhealthy roller coaster blood sugar ride.
Eating protein-rich foods has many health and fitness benefits, including:
Speeding recovery after exercise and/or injury
Maintaining healthier blood glucose levels
Reducing muscle loss
Building lean muscle
Helping maintain a healthy weight
Curbing hunger
A well-balanced diet with proper ratios of macro nutrients (protein, healthy carbs and fats) provides all of the: energy you need to keep active throughout the day. nutrients you need for growth and repair, helping you to stay strong and healthy and help to prevent diet-related illness.
When you find your optimal balance and amounts of macro nutrients, you take a major step toward reaching your health goals and this balance has been improved in this recipe by the addition of healthy protein.
Your body can only absorb around 25-30 grams of protein at one time and you likely need 80-100 plus grams a day so its important to spread it over all meals and snacks throughout the day so you can meet your required amount.
When you find your optimal balance and amounts of macro nutrients, you take a major step toward reaching your health goals and this balance has been improved in this recipe by the addition of healthy protein.
Indulge guilt-free with my Almond Joy Protein Bites! Packed with the irresistible flavors of coconut, and almonds each bite is a satisfying treat that fuels your body with protein for lasting energy. Perfect for on-the-go snacking or post-workout recovery, these bars combine wholesome ingredients with the delicious taste you love.
Almond Joy Protein Bites
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder, plain or vanilla
- 2-3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Topping
- 16 almonds
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients in a medium bowl. Taste test and add more honey or vanilla or almond extract if you think it needs it.With a tablespoon, fill mini cupcake liners, a cupcake pan, silicone molds, or an ice cube tray with 2 tablespoonfuls in each. Freeze for 15 minutes, or before totally frozen. Top each bite with 2 almonds. Almonds should sink into the top of the bites.Freeze for 1 hour. Store in fridge for up to 1 week in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
