I have a sweet tooth. When faced with the decision to eat the chocolate bar or the apple, chocolate wins hands down, every time. Okay maybe not every time, but often enough. I love it when the stars align and I find a recipe for delicious treats that are also considered healthy. These little bars are so easy to make and they make a ton- about 60+ servings out of one batch! Just do your best to not eat all 60 in one afternoon, okay?  Each serving of these Homemade Almond Joy Bars has just 71 calories~ 20 less than the store-bought variety.

I love that these contain a nice amount of coconut oil too. If you haven’t jumped on the coconut oil bandwagon, just Google some of the heath benefits and you’ll be sold. I love how it adds an almost creamy taste without adding any dairy.

Simple & Healthy Homemade Almond Joy Bars
Recipe adapted from A Few Short Cuts

• 1 cup Coconut Oil
• 2 cups shredded Sweetened Coconut
• 2 TBSP honey
• 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup sliced almonds
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar (optional)

Warm coconut oil just until it becomes liquid. (It takes about 20-30 seconds in the microwave.)

I pulsed my shredded coconut a few times in the blender, just to make it a finer texture. This step is optional, but I liked the results.

Mix the shredded coconut and honey into the coconut oil, combining well. If you aren’t concerned about making this a healthier treat, then add in the 3/4 cup powdered sugar. It adds a nice sweetness and texture to the coconut layer. I had it without though and thought it tasted great!

Pour mixture into an 8×8 pan lined with parchment paper and freeze or refrigerate until solid.

Heat chocolate chips in microwave at 50% power in 30 second intervals, stirring each time until completely melted. Pour over coconut spreading evenly. Top with sliced almonds.

Refrigerate for chocolate to set. Cut into 1 inch squares and store in the fridge until ready to eat.