These Almond Joy Brownies are a decadent twist on a classic treat, combining rich chocolate, chewy coconut, and crunchy almonds in every bite. With just 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is irresistible. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing guests, these brownies are a crowd-pleaser.
Each square is a symphony of textures—fudgy brownie base, creamy coconut filling, and a satisfying crunch from toasted almonds. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a dessert that’s indulgent yet balanced. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a cozy night in, these brownies promise to deliver pure joy in every bite.
Ingredients for Almond Joy Brownies
- 8 Tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened, for rich chocolate flavor)
- 1 cup margarine (2 sticks, or substitute with 1 stick margarine and 1 stick butter for a richer taste)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature for easier mixing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla for best flavor)
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour (sifted for a lighter texture)
- Pinch of salt (to enhance flavors)
- 2½ cups sweetened coconut (shredded, for the Almond Joy topping)
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (1 can, for the creamy coconut layer)
- ⅓ cup milk chocolate chips (melted, for drizzling)
- ⅓ cup slivered almonds (for crunch and nutty flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Melt the margarine in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop. Once melted, stir in the cocoa powder until smooth and combined.
- Add the sugar and eggs to the cocoa mixture. Mix well until fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, flour, and salt. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 40 minutes. This ensures they set properly before adding the topping.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened coconut and sweetened condensed milk. Stir until well mixed and the coconut is evenly coated.
- Spread the coconut mixture evenly over the cooled brownies, creating a thick, even layer.
- Melt the milk chocolate chips in the microwave or using a double boiler. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the coconut layer.
- Sprinkle the slivered almonds over the top for added crunch and flavor.
- Let the chocolate set for about 15-20 minutes. Once set, slice the brownies into squares and serve. Enjoy!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store your Almond Joy Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. If you prefer a warm treat, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the chocolate and coconut topping.
Recipe Variations to Try
Swap out the milk chocolate chips for dark or semi-sweet chocolate for a richer flavor. If you’re not a fan of almonds, try using chopped pecans or walnuts instead. For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert. Pair them with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness. For a festive touch, sprinkle extra slivered almonds on top before serving.
Time-Saving Tips
Use a microwave-safe bowl to melt the margarine and chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to save time. If you’re in a rush, let the brownies cool in the fridge for 15-20 minutes instead of waiting 40 minutes at room temperature.
Common Questions Answered
Can I use butter instead of margarine? Yes, you can substitute butter for margarine for a richer flavor. Can I skip the coconut layer? Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of coconut, simply omit it and enjoy the chocolatey brownies with the almond topping.
Almond Joy Brownies
Ingredients
- 8 Tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 cup margarine 2 sticks, (or 1 stick marg and 1 stick butter)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- pinch salt
- 2½ cups sweetened coconut
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk 1 can
- ⅓ cup milk chocolate chips melted
- ⅓ cup slivered almonds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
- Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking pan.
- Melt margarine then stir in cocoa.
- Mix sugar and eggs into the mixture.
- Add vanilla, flour, and salt.
- Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Let the brownies cool for about 40 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine the coconut and sweetened condensed milk. Stir until well combined.
- Spread the mixture over the cooled brownies.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the brownies and top with slivered almonds.
- Let the melted chocolate set, slice the brownies, and serve.