If you love that classic combo of chocolate, coconut, and almond—these Almond Joy Krispie Treats are about to become your go-to no-bake dessert. They’re chewy, crispy, candy-bar-inspired squares with a buttery marshmallow base, plenty of coconut, crunchy almonds, and a glossy chocolate finish that makes every bite feel extra special.

Before we dive into the “Almond Joy” upgrades, it helps to understand the classic treat foundation—because the best versions always start with the right technique. If you want to see the original baseline method, check out the Original Rice Krispies Treats recipe (it’s a helpful reference for timing and texture).

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Why You’ll Love These Almond Joy Krispie Treats

These bars are built for people who want big flavor without turning on the oven.

No-bake and quick: melt, mix, press, top, slice
Candy-bar vibes: coconut, almonds, and chocolate in every square
Great for sharing: parties, potlucks, bake sales, holiday trays
Easy to customize: drizzle, full chocolate layer, or double almond crunch
Beginner-friendly: no special equipment, no complicated steps

What Are Almond Joy Krispie Treats?

Think of classic rice cereal treats—but upgraded to taste like an Almond Joy-inspired dessert bar:

A buttery marshmallow base binds crispy rice cereal
Sweet coconut is folded into the mix (and sprinkled on top if you want)
Almonds add crunch and that signature flavor
Melted chocolate finishes it off as a drizzle or a thick chocolate topping

They’re chewy, crisp, and loaded with that familiar chocolate-coconut-almond trio.

Ingredients for Almond Joy Krispie Treats

Below is a classic, reliable ingredient list that produces chewy squares (not hard bricks) with a clean chocolate finish.

Main ingredients

Crisp rice cereal
Butter (salted or unsalted)
Mini marshmallows (plus extra if you like little pockets of marshmallow)
Sweetened flaked coconut (plus extra for topping if desired)
Almonds (sliced, slivered, or chopped)
Chocolate (chips, chopped bar, or melting wafers)

Optional “boosters” (small additions, big payoff)

Almond extract (a tiny splash makes the flavor pop)
Pinch of salt (balances sweetness and brings out the chocolate)

Choosing the Best Coconut, Almonds, and Chocolate

Small ingredient choices make a big difference in the final bar.

Coconut tips

Sweetened flaked coconut delivers that classic candy-bar taste and texture.
If you want a deeper flavor, try toasting the coconut first (more on that below).
Avoid very fine coconut if you want a noticeable chew.

Almond tips

Sliced or slivered almonds distribute evenly and look great on top.
Chopped almonds give the most consistent bite (no big pokey pieces).
Toasting almonds is optional, but it adds a warm, nutty crunch.

Chocolate tips

Semi-sweet chocolate is the safest all-around choice.
Dark chocolate balances the sweetness if you like a richer finish.
Milk chocolate leans more candy-bar sweet and nostalgic.
If you want the smoothest melt and easiest drizzle, melting wafers are very forgiving.

Tools You’ll Need

Keep it simple—this is a one-pot (plus pan) kind of recipe.

Large pot or saucepan (for melting butter + marshmallows)
Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
Measuring cups
9×13-inch pan (or 8×8-inch for thick bars)
Parchment paper (highly recommended)
Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Almond Joy Krispie Treats

Follow these steps and you’ll get chewy krispie treats that slice neatly and taste like a candy bar.

Step 1: Prep your pan

Line your pan with parchment paper (or grease it well).
Set aside so you can work quickly once the mixture is ready.

Step 2: Optional—toast the coconut and almonds

Toasting is optional, but it adds a deeper, more “grown-up candy bar” flavor.

Spread coconut on a dry pan over low heat, stirring often until lightly golden.
Toast almonds the same way (or in the oven briefly) until fragrant.
Let both cool before mixing into the marshmallow base.

Step 3: Melt butter + marshmallows gently

This is the most important texture step.

Melt butter over low heat.
Add marshmallows and stir constantly until smooth.
Keep the heat low—high heat can lead to tough, stiff treats.

Step 4: Add flavor, then fold in cereal + coconut + almonds

If using almond extract, stir it in once the marshmallows are smooth.
Add crisp rice cereal, coconut, and almonds.
Fold gently until everything is evenly coated (work quickly but don’t crush the cereal).

Step 5: Press into the pan (lightly!)

Scrape mixture into your lined pan.
Press gently into an even layer.
- Use buttered hands, wax paper, or a lightly greased spatula.
- Don’t mash it down hard—over-pressing makes bars dense.

Step 6: Add the chocolate topping

Choose your finish:

Drizzle: melt the chocolate and zigzag across the top
Full layer: spread melted chocolate into an even sheet
Extra fancy: drizzle chocolate, then sprinkle coconut + almonds on top

Almond Joy Krispie Treats with chocolate drizzle, coconut, and almonds

Make-Ahead Tips

These bars are perfect for prepping ahead because the flavor stays bold and the texture holds up well.

Make them the night before, let them set, and slice the next day.
If gifting, slice and wrap each bar once the chocolate is firm.
For clean layers, keep them flat in a container (avoid stacking before fully set).

How to Store Almond Joy Krispie Treats

Storage is the difference between “still chewy” and “why are these dry?”

Best storage method

Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature.
Place parchment between layers if stacking.
Keep away from direct heat or sun (chocolate softens).

How long do they keep their best texture?

They’re usually at their peak within the first couple of days, but airtight storage helps them stay pleasant longer. If they start to firm up, it’s usually from air exposure more than anything else.

Can you refrigerate them?

You can, but refrigeration can make the bars feel firmer and the chocolate more brittle. If you do chill them, let them sit out briefly before serving for a softer bite.

Freezing Instructions (If You Want to Stock Up)

Freezing is totally doable if you wrap them properly.

Let bars set completely (especially the chocolate).
Slice into squares.
Wrap each square in parchment or wax paper.
Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or bag.

To thaw:

Thaw at room temperature, still wrapped, so moisture doesn’t collect on the chocolate.

Troubleshooting (Fix Common Krispie Treat Problems)

Problem: My treats turned out hard

This almost always comes down to heat and pressing.

Marshmallows got too hot or cooked too long
The mixture was pressed too firmly into the pan
Bars sat uncovered and dried out

Fix for next time:

Use low heat
Stir only until melted
Press gently (think “level it,” not “pack it”)

Problem: Bars are crumbly or falling apart

This usually means the cereal didn’t get enough marshmallow coating.

Not enough marshmallow/butter mixture
Cereal wasn’t folded evenly
The mixture cooled too fast before pressing

Fix:

Work quickly once cereal goes in
Fold thoroughly, scraping the bottom of the pot

Problem: Chocolate seized or went grainy

Chocolate hates moisture and overheating.

Avoid steam/water touching the bowl
Melt in short bursts, stirring often
If microwaving, do 15–20 second bursts and stir each time

Problem: Slices look messy

Chocolate wasn’t fully set
Knife wasn’t cleaned between cuts

Clean slicing tricks:

Let bars set completely
Use a large knife
Wipe the blade between cuts
For ultra-clean edges, warm the knife slightly and wipe dry

Serving Ideas (Make Them Look Bakery-Worthy)

These bars are easy, but they don’t have to look basic.

Cut into small squares for dessert trays
Cut into long bars for lunchbox-style treats
Add a final topping:
- toasted coconut
- chopped almonds
- extra drizzle zigzags
Serve on a platter with other no-bake favorites for a party spread

FAQs: Almond Joy Krispie Treats

Can I freeze Almond Joy Krispie Treats?

Yes. Wrap individual squares and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature while still wrapped for the cleanest texture.

How long do these treats last at room temperature?

They keep best when stored airtight. For the most satisfying chew and crunch, enjoy them within the first couple of days, and keep them sealed between snacking sessions.

Should I toast the coconut first?

You don’t have to—but toasted coconut adds deeper flavor and makes the bars feel extra special. If you want that candy-bar shop vibe, it’s worth the small effort.

Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini?

Absolutely. Just melt them fully and keep the heat low. Minis melt faster, but both work.

Can I make these without almond extract?

Yes. Almond extract adds a “candy bar” punch, but the bars still taste fantastic with coconut, almonds, and chocolate doing the heavy lifting.

Conclusion

These Almond Joy Krispie Treats bring big candy-bar flavor with minimal effort: chewy krispie treats packed with coconut, crunchy almonds, and a shiny chocolate topping. Make them for a party, gift them in cute wraps, or keep a batch on hand for quick, sweet squares whenever the craving hits.

Irresistible Almond Joy Krispie Treats (No-Bake, Chewy & Chocolatey)

Author: Velma
Total Time: PT30M
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Almond Joy Krispie Treats are a no-bake twist on the classic candy bar—combining gooey marshmallow cereal bars with sweet coconut, crunchy almonds, and rich chocolate.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Krispie Base

6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
4 tbsp unsalted butter
10 oz mini marshmallows
½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Almond Joy Add-Ins

1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
¾ cup whole or chopped almonds

For the Chocolate Topping

1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tbsp coconut oil (optional, for smoother melting)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan

Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

2. Make the Krispie Mixture

Melt butter in a large pot over low heat.
Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Quickly fold in Rice Krispies, shredded coconut, and almonds until evenly coated.

3. Press into the Pan

Transfer mixture to prepared pan.
Press gently into an even layer using a spatula or wax paper (do not pack too tightly).
Let set for 10 minutes.

4. Add the Chocolate

Melt chocolate chips (and coconut oil if using) in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Drizzle or spread chocolate evenly over the top.

5. Set & Slice

Allow bars to set at room temperature or refrigerate 20–30 minutes.
Slice into squares and serve.

Notes

Toast coconut for a deeper flavor and extra crunch.
Use sliced almonds for a more authentic Almond Joy look.
For extra indulgence, add a second chocolate drizzle underneath the bars.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Category: Desserts
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg