Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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No-Bake Layers: Minimal baking time with a simple layering process.
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Candy Bar Inspired: Tastes like the beloved Almond Joy candy in bar form.
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Easy to Make: Uses pantry staples and requires just one pan.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a sweet snack.
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Chewy and Crunchy: Combines gooey caramel and coconut with crunchy nuts and chocolate.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
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6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
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1 ½ cups shredded sweetened coconut
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1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
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1 cup chopped almonds
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1 cup caramel bits or soft caramel candies, chopped (optional for extra caramel flavor)
Directions
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Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
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Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until evenly combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
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Layer Ingredients:
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Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust.
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Sprinkle shredded coconut evenly over the milk.
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Add caramel bits evenly on top if using.
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Sprinkle chocolate chips over the caramel layer.
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Top with chopped almonds.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the top is set.
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Cool and Set: Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For best results, chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting.
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Serve: Use the parchment or foil overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 24 bars
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
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Cooling Time: 2 hours (recommended)
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Total Time: About 3 hours
Variations
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Nut Substitutions: Swap almonds for pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts.
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Chocolate Varieties: Use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips for a different taste.
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Add Sea Salt: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.
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Extra Caramel: Drizzle melted caramel over the top after baking for more gooeyness.
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Coconut-Free: Omit coconut for a nutty chocolate bar.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate up to 1 week.
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Freezing: Freeze bars wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
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Reheating: Serve bars at room temperature; they can also be warmed slightly in the microwave for a softer texture.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened or unsweetened coconut?
Sweetened shredded coconut is recommended for sweetness and texture, but unsweetened can be used if preferred.
What if I don’t have caramel bits?
Chop soft caramel candies into small pieces as a substitute.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Line the pan with parchment paper or foil with an overhang for easy removal.
Can I add other toppings?
Yes, sprinkle mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars.
Are these bars suitable for kids?
Yes, they are a kid-friendly, sweet treat.
Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely, feel free to experiment with your favorite nuts.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, they keep well and are even better after chilling.
How do I cut the bars cleanly?
Use a sharp knife and warm it under hot water, then dry before slicing.
Can I make smaller or larger bars?
Yes, adjust the size as desired when cutting.
Conclusion
Almond Joy Magic Cookie Bars are a rich, chewy, and crunchy dessert that captures the best flavors of a classic candy bar in an easy-to-make treat. Perfect for sharing or indulging, these bars bring together the sweetness of caramel and coconut with chocolate and almonds for a truly satisfying bite.
Almond Joy Magic Cookie Bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Almond Joy Magic Cookie Bars are a decadent layered dessert inspired by the classic Almond Joy candy bar. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, gooey caramel, sweetened condensed milk, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, and crunchy almonds, these bars offer rich flavors and a satisfying mix of chewy and crunchy textures. Easy to make and perfect for potlucks or sweet cravings.
Ingredients
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1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
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6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
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1 ½ cups shredded sweetened coconut
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1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
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1 cup chopped almonds
- 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramel candies, chopped (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil with an overhang for easy removal.
-
Make the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
-
Layer Ingredients:
-
Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the crust.
-
Sprinkle shredded coconut evenly over the milk.
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Add caramel bits if using.
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Sprinkle chocolate chips over caramel layer.
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Top with chopped almonds.
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Bake: Bake 25-30 minutes until edges are golden and top is set.
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Cool and Set: Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours for best slicing.
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Serve: Use the parchment or foil overhang to lift bars out. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Substitute nuts with pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts.Use milk or dark chocolate chips for variation.Sprinkle flaky sea salt before baking for sweet-salty flavor.Drizzle additional melted caramel on top for extra gooeyness.Omit coconut for a nutty chocolate bar alternative.
