Almond Joy Bark

This Almond Joy Bark is my take on the viral date bark recipe that went around.  Almond Joys were my favorite candy when I was little so it made sense to try this healthier version!  They are refined sugar free and the perfect Paleo treat!  I used Medjool dates, Georgia Grinders cashew butter (because it's the best) and Hu sugar free chocolate for a guilt free and delicious snack.  Warning....they are addicting! Want to try another easy treat? Check out these Chocolate Almond Butter Bars (no bake!)

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Almond Joy Bark is a healthier version of that nostalgic childhood treat! Sweet and savory and oh so good will have you going back for seconds and thats okay! Indulge.

Ingredients You Will Need

Dates: I used Medjool dates for their natural sweetness and how these fresh fruits impart a rich, caramel-like flavor.

Cashew Butter: Cashew butter is a rich and creamy spread mad from roasted, baked or raw cashews. Its a good source of protein and healthy fats.

 Almonds: Almonds are high in fiber and a number of vitaimins. They have an earthy, nutty and slighty floral flavor.

Coconut: I use dried shredded coconut for this recipe.

 Dark Chocolate Chips: I like to use dark chocolate chips for its higher cocoa content and less sweet flavor. I also prefer dairy free chips.

Organic Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is made by pressing fresh coconut meat or dried coconut meat called copra. Virgin coconut oil uses fresh while refined coconut oil typically uses copra. I always use refined coconut oil as it has a milder scent and flavor but a higher smoke point.

Kosher Flake Salt: Kosher salt is a coarse-grained unrefined salt that is often used for cooking. I like Primal Palate.

Instructions

Prepare the dates: Lay open dates on a piece of parchment paper in rows 4 across and 5 down. Lay a second piece of parchment on top and place your cookie sheet on it and press it down. Remove cookie sheet and roll the dates with a rolling pin. Move to cookie sheet and remove top piece of parchment.

Spread the cashew butter: Drizzle nut butter over dates and spread with spatula covering the dates. If your nut butter is not runny, microwave it in a bowl for till it becomes spreadable.

Layer with almonds: Place your almonds in rows.

Dust with coconut: Sprinkle with shredded coconut.

Prepare the chocolate: Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in microwave or in a pan on the stove.

Spread chocolate: Drizzle the melted chocolate over top and spread with spatula.

Add the salt: Sprinkle with flaky Kosher salt.

Freeze: Freeze 1-2 hours, the waiting is the hard part!

Cut into pieces: Remove from the freezer and cut into squares. We like them best when kept refrigerated.

Enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Dates: Be sure to buy pitted dates as its a huge timesaver not having to remove them!

Nut butter: You can use any nut butter you like but choosing one that is naturally runny makes this recipe go even quicker.

Recipe Variations

Almond slivers or slices: You can use almond slices in place of whole almonds.

Chocolate chips: If you are not concerned about keeping this recipe Paleo friendly you can use any chocolate chips you prefer.

Storage Tips

This Almond Joy Bark can be stored in the fridge for several weeks in a glass container and can be frozen for up to six months.

FAQs About Almond Joy Bark

Do Almond Joys have real almonds?

The original Almond Joy candy bar consists of sweetened, shredded coconut, whole almonds and covered in milk chocolate.

Are Almond Joy Bars healthy?

While they do contain nuts it is still primarily a sugary treat with high levels of saturated fat. This versions is a much healthier alternative.