Get ready to meet your new favorite dessert: Easy Almond Joy Magic Bars! If you love the classic combination of chocolate, coconut, and almonds found in an Almond Joy candy bar, then prepare to be utterly smitten by these incredibly simple, yet outrageously delicious, bars. They’re called 'magic' bars for a reason – with minimal effort, you get a decadent, gooey, and satisfying treat that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet craving.
The beauty of magic bars lies in their layered construction and the transformative power of sweetened condensed milk. You simply layer your ingredients over a buttery graham cracker crust, pour the 'magic' milk over everything, and bake. The result? A chewy, flavorful square that hits all the right notes.
Why You'll Love These Almond Joy Magic Bars
These bars aren't just easy; they're a crowd-pleaser that delivers big on flavor and texture:
- Effortless Preparation: With no mixing bowls full of wet and dry ingredients, these bars come together in a flash.
- No-Fuss Baking: Just layer and bake! It’s truly that simple.
- Irresistible Flavor Profile: The classic combination of chocolate, coconut, and almonds is a perennial favorite for a reason. Learn more about the history of this iconic candy bar on Wikipedia.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From holiday gatherings to casual weeknight treats, these bars are always a hit.
Tips for the Best Magic Bars
While these bars are incredibly forgiving, a few tips can ensure they turn out absolutely perfect every time:
- Press the Crust Firmly: A well-compacted crust provides a sturdy base for your delicious layers.
- Even Layers: Try to distribute the coconut, chocolate chips, and almonds as evenly as possible so every bite gets a taste of everything.
- Don't Overbake: The edges should be golden, and the center set but still slightly soft. It will continue to firm up as it cools.
- Cool Completely: This is crucial for clean cuts. If you try to slice them while warm, they'll be gooey and fall apart. Chilling them in the fridge for an hour or two can help even more.
Ready to make some magic? Let's get baking!
FAQs
What are Almond Joy Magic Bars?
Almond Joy Magic Bars are a decadent dessert featuring a graham cracker crust topped with layers of shredded coconut, chocolate chips, sliced almonds, and a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk, all baked until golden and gooey. They taste just like the classic candy bar!
Can I use different nuts or chocolate chips in these bars?
Absolutely! While the classic Almond Joy flavor calls for almonds and semi-sweet chocolate, you can customize these bars. Pecans, walnuts, milk chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips would be delicious variations to try.
How do I store Almond Joy Magic Bars?
Once cooled completely, store Almond Joy Magic Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to 2-3 months.
What makes these 'magic' bars?
The 'magic' comes from the sweetened condensed milk that permeates through all the layers during baking, binding them together and creating a wonderfully rich, chewy, and irresistible texture with minimal effort!
Almond Joy Magic Bars
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 16 squares 1x
- Diet: Not Specified
Description
A ridiculously easy and incredibly delicious dessert that tastes just like the beloved Almond Joy candy bar, featuring layers of coconut, chocolate, and almonds on a graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs
½ cup melted salted butter
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 ½ cups shredded sweetened coconut
1 ½ cups mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup sliced almonds
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate graham cracker crumbs, melted salted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined and the crumbs are moistened.
Step 3: Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
Step 4: Evenly sprinkle the shredded sweetened coconut over the crust. Follow with an even layer of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, and then the sliced almonds.
Step 5: Pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk evenly over the layers. Ensure all ingredients are coated as much as possible.
Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the filling is set and bubbly. The center may still appear slightly soft, but it will firm up as it cools.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares. Cooling for at least 2 hours, or even chilling in the refrigerator for an hour, will make for cleaner cuts.
Notes
For extra crunch, lightly toast the sliced almonds before adding them to the bars. These bars are rich, so small squares are often plenty! A sprinkle of sea salt flakes on top before baking can enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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