Ultimate Almond Joy Brownie Bites: Fudgy, Coconut-Filled Delights for Every Occasion
Irresistible Almond Joy Brownie Bites: Your New Favorite Mini Treat
These perfectly fudgy Almond Joy Brownie Bites are a showstopper, making them an excellent choice for party food or a vibrant addition to any holiday dessert tray. Their miniature size makes them ideal for snacking and sharing, and their rich, familiar flavor is always a crowd-pleaser. But don’t let the absence of a special occasion or party invitation deter you from making this scrumptious mini brownie recipe! These bites are fantastic for satisfying any chocolate and coconut craving, any day of the week.
What makes this recipe even more appealing is its incredible simplicity, utilizing common pantry ingredients. Starting with a boxed brownie mix, and combining it with readily available sweetened flaked coconut, whole almonds, and creamy sweetened condensed milk, you’ll be amazed at how quickly these come together. Baked conveniently in a mini muffin pan, this recipe yields approximately 48 delicious brownie bites, ensuring there’s plenty to go around, or perhaps, enough to keep for yourself!
Of course, if the thought of having 48 of these delightful coconut-filled, chocolate-covered brownie balls all to yourself during a weekend Netflix binge seems a little too tempting, you have options. You can easily half the recipe by opting for a smaller brownie mix (an 8×8 sized mix instead of a 9×13). Alternatively, you can freeze some of them for later enjoyment, making them perfect for meal prepping your sweet cravings. They thaw beautifully and retain their delicious flavor and fudgy texture.
And for that leftover sweetened condensed milk you might worry about not using? Fear not! Sweetened condensed milk freezes wonderfully, allowing you to save it for future baking endeavors. Or, consider mixing up a half batch of my Mini-Vacation Cocktails to sip and unwind while you enjoy your brownie bites. It’s the perfect pairing for a relaxing evening.
A Recipe Born from Love: The Story Behind These Almond Joy Brownie Bites
The origin of these delightful Almond Joy Brownie Bites dates back to 2013, when they first came to life from a heartfelt request by someone incredibly special to me: my Father-in-Law, Denny. He had a profound love for sweets, and an even greater affection for the classic combination of coconut and chocolate. It was a well-known family tradition that my kids would always hand over all their Almond Joy candy bars from their Halloween bounty to their grandpa, knowing how much he adored them.
One day, while perusing Facebook, Denny stumbled upon an idea for these very brownie bites and, to my delight, he actually requested that I make them. How could I possibly resist such a sweet and specific request? I truly felt like I had hit the jackpot in the Father-in-Law department, blessed with a loving and appreciative family member.
When we sadly lost Denny in 2018, his absence left a tremendous void in our family. We miss him terribly every single day. Among countless other cherished memories, chocolate coconut desserts and Almond Joy candy bars will forever hold a special place in my heart, serving as a sweet and enduring reminder of his wonderful presence and his boundless love for life’s simple pleasures. Making and sharing these Almond Joy Brownie Bites keeps a piece of his joyful spirit alive.
Crafting Your Own Almond Joy Brownie Bites: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these delightful brownie bites is simpler than you might imagine, and following these steps will ensure a perfect batch every time. The key is in the preparation and a few smart tips to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
1. Prepare your mini muffin cups: Begin by thoroughly spraying your mini muffin tins with a good quality non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step ensures your fudgy brownie bites will release easily after baking.
2. Whip up your brownie batter: Prepare your chosen brownie mix according to the package instructions. Be sure to follow the recommended liquid and egg amounts for the best fudgy consistency. Once your batter is ready, fill each prepared mini muffin cup about half full. This allows room for the delicious coconut topping.
3. Bake to perfection: Bake the brownie bites according to the package directions for mini muffins. Oven temperatures and times can vary, but mine typically take about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them fudgy, not overbaked. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
4. Add the almonds: Immediately after removing the brownies from the oven, gently remove them from the tins. While they are still warm, delicately press a whole almond into the top center of each brownie. The warmth of the brownie will help the almond adhere and settle perfectly.
5. Prepare the coconut filling: While your brownie bases are cooling, combine the sweetened condensed milk and the flaked coconut in a mixing bowl. Stir until the coconut is thoroughly coated and evenly moistened by the milk. This mixture forms the signature sweet and chewy coconut layer.
6. Assemble and chill: Take a small amount of the coconut mixture and roll it into a ball. Using a cookie scoop can help you achieve uniform sizes. Press one coconut ball firmly on top of each brownie, ensuring it sits securely over the almond. Once all the brownies are topped, place them into the freezer for approximately 30 minutes. This chilling step is vital for firming up the coconut and brownie, making them much easier to dip in chocolate without falling apart.
7. Melt the chocolate: Prepare your chocolate candy or almond bark according to its package instructions. Whether you use a double boiler or microwave, ensure the chocolate is smoothly melted and consistently tempered for an even coating.
8. Dip and set: Dip the tops of the chilled brownies into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Place each chocolate-dipped brownie bite onto 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 to set completely, creating a crisp and shiny shell.
For the full printable recipe and precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
Expert Tips for Success: To ensure all your coconut balls are uniform in size, I highly recommend using a small cookie scoop. For the best adherence, remember to press the almonds into the middles of the brownies while they are still warm and fresh out of the oven. When it comes to dipping, work in small batches – take out about a dozen brownies from the freezer at a time. This keeps them nice and cold, preventing the coconut ball from becoming too soft and potentially falling into your melted chocolate. Patience in chilling equals perfection in dipping!
Love These Brownie Bites? Don’t Forget to Pin Them!
If you’re as excited about these Almond Joy Brownie Bites as we are, make sure you don’t lose this fantastic recipe! Pin them to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you navigate away. Sharing is caring, and your friends will thank you for introducing them to this delightful treat!
“Almond Joy’s Got Nuts. Mounds Don’t.” The Health Benefits of Almonds
If you appreciate the satisfying crunch and distinct flavor of nuts, then almonds are a truly excellent choice to incorporate into your diet. Beyond their delicious taste, almonds are packed with a remarkable array of nutrients, making them a powerhouse snack and ingredient.
Just one ounce of almonds offers significant nutritional value. They are an excellent source of powerful antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage, and are rich in Vitamin E, a key nutrient for skin health and immune function. Additionally, almonds provide a substantial amount of magnesium, essential for muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control, and blood pressure regulation. Each serving also boasts 6 grams of protein, contributing to satiety and muscle repair, and 4 grams of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
But the benefits don’t stop there. Almonds are also an excellent source of vital minerals such as calcium, crucial for bone health; potassium, important for fluid balance; phosphorus, another key mineral for bones and teeth; and iron, vital for oxygen transport in the body. Naturally gluten-free and cholesterol-free, almonds are predominantly composed of “good” unsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. So, when you enjoy these Almond Joy Brownie Bites, you’re not just treating yourself to something delicious, but also adding a dose of wholesome nutrition.
But what if you’re not entirely “nuts” about almonds, or perhaps have an allergy? No problem at all! You can simply leave them out of the recipe, and voilà – you’ll have a delightful batch of Mounds Brownie Bites, offering all the joy of chocolate and coconut without the almond crunch!
Discover More Sweet Nostalgia: Other Candy Bar Inspired Recipes
I absolutely adore creating “copycat” recipes, especially when they capture the essence of beloved classics! In fact, my blog features an entire section dedicated to restaurant copycat recipes. But beyond savory dishes, I find immense joy in transforming the iconic flavors of popular candy bars into exciting new dessert recipes. Over the years, I’ve developed quite a few creations that bring those nostalgic tastes to your home kitchen. Here are some of my personal favorites, perfect for when you’re craving a taste of your favorite candy bar in a homemade treat:
Whatchamacallit Bars (pictured above, featuring a marshmallow peanut buttery Rice Krispy bottom with a caramel layer and chocolate frosting), Homemade Twix Bars (layered shortbread, caramel, and chocolate – just like the original!), Snickers Candy Bar Fudge (a rich fudge studded with Snickers pieces), Salted Nutroll Bars (a delightful combination of salty and sweet with a nougat-like center), and a unique Almond Joy Cheese Ball (a sweet, creamy dip perfect for parties).
Dontcha just wanna reach right into the screen and grab one of these luscious bites? Their enticing layers of fudgy brownie, sweet coconut, and rich chocolate are truly irresistible!
I sincerely hope my father-in-law, Denny, is enjoying loads of chocolate coconut goodness up in heaven. He truly deserves every bit of it!
Discover Even More Delicious Brownie Ideas
If you’re a devoted fan of brownies, then you’re in for a treat! I have an abundance of incredible brownie recipes for you to explore and enjoy. Just dive into this HUGE COLLECTION of BROWNIE Recipes for endless inspiration and decadent dessert ideas!
And now, without further ado, here is the full, detailed recipe for these incredible Almond Joy Brownie Bites! I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do. Happy baking!
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Print Recipe
Almond Joy Brownie Bites
Equipment
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13×18 Half Sheet Pan
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Wilton Stainless Steel Cookie Scoop
Ingredients
- 1 – 9×13 size brownie mix
- 4 cups sweetened flaked coconut
- 1 -14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 package of chocolate almond bark or chocolate candy quick
- 4 dozen almonds
Instructions
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Prepare mini muffin cups with non-stick cooking spray.
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Prepare brownie mix according to the package instructions, and fill muffin cups about 1/2 full.
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Bake according to package directions. Mine took about 15 minutes.
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Remove brownies from tins, stick an almond in the top of each brownie.
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While they are cooling, combine sweetened condensed milk and coconut in a bowl.
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Press a ball of coconut on top of each brownie, and put in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
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Melt chocolate candy according to package instructions.
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Dip the tops of the brownies in chocolate and place on a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper, place in the refrigerator to set.