If you have a serious sweet tooth and a soft spot for nostalgic treats, I’m about to make your day with this Almond Joy Krispie Treats Recipe. Imagine the perfect marriage of crispy rice cereal, toasted coconut, crunchy almonds, and silky chocolate all wrapped up in one heavenly bar. This recipe captures all the rich, tropical flavors of a classic Almond Joy candy bar but takes it up a notch with a fun, chewy texture that’s downright addictive. Whether you’re making them for a party, a snack, or just because, these treats deliver an irresistible, crowd-pleasing crunch that’s hard to beat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keep it simple and satisfying with this carefully chosen list of ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role, from the crispness and nutty notes to the creamy sweetness and rich chocolate finish.
- Sweetened shredded coconut: Provides that unmistakable tropical flavor and chewy texture so essential to the authentic Almond Joy vibe.
- Sliced almonds: Toasted to add a toasty crunch and enhance the nutty depth in every bite.
- Crispy rice cereal: The classic base that brings a light, airy crispiness holding everything together beautifully.
- Mini vegan marshmallows: Melt into a soft, sticky binder that keeps the treats chewy while adding a subtle vanilla sweetness.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps the marshmallows melt smoothly for that perfect gooey texture.
- Pure coconut extract: An extra boost of coconut flavor that truly elevates the overall tropical experience.
- Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate: A luscious layer on top that balances the sweet and nutty flavors with a silky cocoa finish.
How to Make Almond Joy Krispie Treats Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Coconut and Almonds
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Toss the shredded coconut and sliced almonds on a baking sheet, then bake them for about 6 to 10 minutes until they turn a beautiful light golden color. This toasting step is a game changer—it brings out a deep, nutty aroma and adds a crisp texture that transforms the treats from ordinary to unforgettable.
Step 2: Ready the Pan and Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grease a 9″x13″ cake pan generously with butter to prevent sticking, and set aside two buttered rubber spatulas for later. In a large mixing bowl, combine your crispy rice cereal with most of the toasted coconut-almond mixture, reserving some for a gorgeous textured topping. This mixture is the crunchy foundation of your Almond Joy Krispie Treats Recipe and sets the stage for all that delicious flavor to shine.
Step 3: Melt Marshmallows With Butter
Place mini vegan marshmallows and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Zap in 30-second bursts until the marshmallows melt into a puffy, golden mixture—usually about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the pure coconut extract, which infuses the treats with vibrant, tropical notes, making them taste even more like your favorite candy bar.
Step 4: Combine Everything Together
Pour your warm marshmallow mixture over the cereal and nut blend, stirring quickly but gently to coat every piece thoroughly. Working swiftly is key here—this sticky mixture sets fast, and you want every bite to be perfectly packed with that chewy, satisfying texture Almond Joy Krispie Treats Recipe is known for.
Step 5: Press, Top, and Add Chocolate
Transfer the mixture to your greased pan and press it down evenly to make compact, sturdy bars. Next, melt the chocolate and pour it over the top, spreading it with a spatula to cover every inch. Then, sprinkle the reserved toasted coconut and almonds over the chocolate while it’s still warm for a beautiful, textured finish that’s both crunchy and delicious.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Patience here will reward you. Let your Almond Joy Krispie Treats Recipe cool completely, allowing the chocolate to harden and the bars to set firmly. Once cool, slice them into squares and prepare for endless compliments!
How to Serve Almond Joy Krispie Treats Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of flair, sprinkle additional toasted coconut flakes or a few whole almonds on top right before serving. A light drizzle of melted white chocolate can also add a pretty contrast and a hint of creaminess that’s simply irresistible.
Side Dishes
These treat bars are fantastic on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a simple glass of cold almond milk, iced coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The subtle textures and flavors complement the creamy drinks or desserts perfectly, making for a delightful after-dinner indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these into cute gift treats by wrapping individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine. Or, stack them up on a pretty platter at your next gathering for a vibrant, eye-catching display that’s sure to get snatched up fast. You can even layer them with fresh berries or chopped nuts for added color and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These treats hold together wonderfully when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to five days, making them an excellent make-ahead snack or party treat. Just keep them away from heat to prevent melting or sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars for longer, freeze them! Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll stay delicious for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours—you won’t lose any of that classic Almond Joy Krispie Treats Recipe charm.
Reheating
These treats don’t need reheating, but if you prefer a slightly softer texture, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, as the chocolate can melt too much and get messy!
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of vegan ones?
Absolutely! Regular marshmallows work just as well and will give you that classic gooey texture. Just make sure to check the ingredients if you need to avoid gelatin for dietary reasons.
Is there a substitute for sliced almonds?
You can swap sliced almonds for chopped whole almonds, or even other nuts like pecans or walnuts depending on your preference. Just toast them as directed for that perfect crunch.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Be sure to use a gluten-free crispy rice cereal to keep these treats safe for gluten-sensitive friends and family while still enjoying the same awesome taste and texture.
How long do these treats take to set before cutting?
It’s best to allow at least one hour at room temperature for the chocolate to harden and the bars to hold their shape perfectly before slicing.
Can I add extra ingredients like dried fruit or chocolate chips?
Of course! Adding things like dried cherries, mini chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt can add a fun twist, but keep in mind this might alter texture a bit from the original Almond Joy Krispie Treats Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Almond Joy Krispie Treats Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to sweet treats because it’s easy, fun to make, and totally scrumptious. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the classic candy bar or just love a creative, homemade twist on snacks, these bars never fail to impress. I can’t wait for you to try them and share the joy with your friends and family. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll be requested over and over again!
Print
Almond Joy Krispie Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Almond Joy Krispie Treats are a delightful twist on a classic snack, featuring toasted coconut, sliced almonds, crispy rice cereal, and a luscious chocolate topping. Made with mini vegan marshmallows and infused with pure coconut extract, they offer a perfect blend of crunchy and gooey textures with rich flavors reminiscent of the beloved Almond Joy candy bar. Perfect for parties, snacks, or a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 1/2 cups sliced almonds
- 8 cups crispy rice cereal
- 8 cups mini vegan marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon pure coconut extract
- 8 oz semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate
Wet Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Toast Coconut and Almonds: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the sweetened shredded coconut and sliced almonds evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 6 to 10 minutes until they lightly brown and become fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Prepare Pan and Mix Dry Ingredients: Grease a 9″ by 13″ cake pan with butter to prevent sticking. Set aside two buttered rubber spatulas for later use. In a large mixing bowl, combine the crispy rice cereal with most of the toasted coconut and almond mixture, reserving a small amount for topping.
- Melt Marshmallows and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, place the mini vegan marshmallows and 4 tablespoons of butter. Microwave for 2 to 3 minutes or until the marshmallows are melted and puffy. Stir in the pure coconut extract to give a lovely coconut aroma and flavor.
- Combine Mixtures: Quickly pour the melted marshmallow mixture into the bowl with the cereal and toasted nut mixture. Mix thoroughly until all cereal pieces are well coated with the marshmallow blend.
- Press Into Pan and Add Chocolate: Immediately press the sticky mixture evenly into the prepared pan using the greased rubber spatulas to ensure uniform thickness. Melt the semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate using a double boiler or microwave until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the top of the pressed cereal mixture.
- Top and Cool: Evenly sprinkle the reserved toasted coconut and almond mixture on top of the melted chocolate. Allow the entire pan to cool completely at room temperature until the chocolate is set and firm. Once cooled, cut into 24 squares and serve.
Notes
- Use vegan marshmallows for a dairy-free version.
- Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan helps the treats hold together better.
- Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- If you prefer a sweeter chocolate topping, opt for milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet.
- For added texture, consider mixing in a handful of mini dark chocolate chips before pressing into the pan.
