Whenever I bite into an Almond Joy chocolate bar, I can’t help but think of my cousin, Ajay. 
I’ve mentioned this story before, but when we were kids, he would take a coconut burfi (Indian fudge) and drizzle microwaved chocolate all over it, and that was his homemade version of “Almond Joy.” At the time I thought he was a GENIUS!
The other day as I took a bite into my Almond Joy chocolate at work, and after thinking about my cousin for about 5 seconds, an idea came over me. The idea of turning all those “almond joy” flavors into oatmeal.
I mean, how bad could it be?
Almonds – lowers cholesterol.
Chocolate – antioxidants.
Coconut – sure, it’s high in saturated fat, however there is some debate over whether these types of saturated fats pose as a health problem. Having said that, coconut is an excellent source of fiber and a good source of protein.
I was so excited about my new discovery that I immediately headed to Whole Foods after work to pick up some Coconut Milk before I finally head home.
And then magic happened…
just like that…
and that…
Undoubtedly delicious! Try it. Now.
NUTRITION: Oats help reduce cholesterol and are a good source of protein and fiber. Almonds and Almond Butter help lower cholesterol and are an excellent source of Vitamin E. Coconut is high in fat and saturated fat and should be eaten in moderation, however it does contain a decent amount of protein and fiber. Coconut Milk is vegan and the brand (So Delicious) I used contains no cholesterol and is a good source of Vitamins D & B12. Bittersweet Chocolate Chips also contain a good amount of fat, however they contain antioxidants.
INGREDIENTS:
* everything in this recipe is vegan, except the chocolate chips, by all means use “vegan” chips to make this recipe officially, vegan.
- Old-Fashioned Oats – 1/3 cup
- Water – 1/3 cup
- So Delicious’ Original Organic Coconut Milk – 1/2 cup
- Vanilla Extract – 1/2 tsp
- Almonds – 4 (slivered)
- Shredded Coconut – 1 tbsp
- Ghirardelli Bittersweet Chocolate Chips – 7 or 8
- Almond Butter – 1 small scoop (preferably homemade – my recipe is coming soon)
DIRECTIONS:
1. Start by heating a small pot on low-medium heat. Add oats, water, and coconut milk. The Coconut Milk brand I used – So Delicious – is rich and creamy with no cholesterol and only 80 calories per cup. 
2. Add vanilla extract. Stir.
3. In the meantime slice a few almonds. 
4. Once the oatmeal heats through, turn off the stove.
5. Add to a serving bowl. 
6. Top with almonds.
7. And coconut.
8. And chocolate chips.
9. And finish it off with a small scoop of almond butter.
10. Stir and allow magic to happen!
I'm sort of on the fence about coconut. I actually never used to like it until I started eating the coconut macaroons from One Lucky Duck (in NYC). Of course now I'm addicted!
This looks fantastic! I'll give it a try on of these days. 🙂
Just love coconut and add it to my granola and oatmeal. The pictures are just gorgeous.
Only you could make oatmeal look so fabulous. Delicious add ins really turn this into a great way to start the day-yum!
I've never actually tried an Almond Joy bar (crazy I know) but I know I would love them…and this oatmeal recipe! I'm on the pro-coconut camp, especially as I don't think I eat that much to have a negative impact. Also I am not sure whether I've told you before but I love the nutrition tidbit you always place above your ingredients/method- it adds a nice touch :)!
OMG! Now I'm craving this! Just might suprise my kids and make this for their dinner 🙂
Hopped over to your blog from So Delicious on FB – glad I did!
~Rebecca
This looks great…and BTW coconut is considered a medium chain fatty acid, and is the good saturated fat. Coconuts have so many health benefits…including keeping your metabolism running and helping you to loose weight. Check out the research on http://www.mercola.com I eat coconut oil or flour everyday!!!
@Ameena – thanks for the tip on One Lucky Duck, need to visit Chelsea Market soon. Hope you try this recipe. 🙂
@Khushboo – you must try Almond Joy, it is delicious. I love coconut too, just eat it in moderation because of the fat even though some say it is good fat. No, you never told me about the Nutrition tidbit, THANK YOU! I'm glad someone took notice. 🙂
I plan to try this but never have coconut milk on hand. I love carrot cake oats – the more cinnamon & raisins, the better! 🙂
@Rebecca – your kids will love it, I'm sure! OMG, that's so great So Delicious linked to me, I found out because of your mention in comments. Thank you so much!
@mannx4 – thanks. I have to try making coconut oil. I realize coconut has a lot of health benefits, but I'm still not certain of the long term affects.
@Claire – me too, I love Carrot Cake oatmeal. It's so yummy. I also love walnuts in it. 🙂
This sounds heavenly! Almond Joy, in any form, is always welcome in my life. 🙂
This looks really really good!! I have had a couple of recipes with oatmeal lately, I just love it. The fact that you used coconut probably adds some really good flavor. I love the fact that this is probably not that sweet at all. I need some right about now 🙂
I would have lost a ton of weight if someone made breakfast for me like everyday! This looks super scrumptious. 🙂
I don't mind to have this everyday, specially since those melting chocolate chips are calling my name
yum! my mouth is watering!
xoxo from nyc & http://www.the-beautiful-things.com
Oatmeal. Named after a candy bar. I'm IN.
xo Josie
http://www.winksmilestyle.com
@eatgood4life.blogspot.com – you're right, it isn't too sweet. The Coconut Milk is already sweetened and I added a teeny bit of sugar in my homemade Almond Butter. Thanks! the oatmeal was really good with coconut. 🙂
@Baker Street – here is the truth… I don't eat breakfast everyday. I know it's a terrible habit, but I don't feel super hungry in the morning. I usually make oatmeal on the weekends. 🙂 Yeah, supposedly if you eat breakfast you can really lose weight.
Thanks guys – this is reallllllllly yummy. I don't lie about food! 🙂
Almond Joy oatmeal?? No way! This is too good to be true haha! This is the perfect breakfast, definitely have to try it!
every time i visit this blog – I get soooo hungry – it clearly is achieving its blog goal on its readers?? 🙂
http://fashioncherry.co/the-truth-about-sugar-skin/
I never thought oatmeal could be as grand and festive as this…Yummy! Thanks for sharing.
This is going to make me even hungrier now! My stomach is growling.
http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
Twitter: @GlamKitten88
I LOVE almond joy's so this recipe is screaming my name.
Wish I could just dive into that! Looks incredible!
wow this looks too good to be true!!! YUM!
@FashionCherry – you just paged me the sweetest compliment. Thank you, girlie! I'm glad you get hungry.
@Rikki – yes way, it's so good. You won't be disappointed.
Thank you everyone for the lovely comments.
That sounds so incredibly yummy!! What a beautiful way to dress up oatmeal.
@Thanks Alison!
NOM NOM. I love this. My favorite oatmeal is usually bananas with cinnamon and toasted almonds, but there is something magical about peaches too!
Hold. The. Phone. That looks so good. Wow- great recipe. I will DEFINITELY give this a try this weekend! Thanks!
@Monique, I hear ya… Love banana oatmeal and toasted almonds, even walnuts, pecans, I love all those nuts.
@Robin – Hope you do try it. It's really good.
Love, love this idea! Awesome – thanks!
could you substitute the coconut milk for coconut oil?
@Connie – Hmmm.. I wouldn't. Coconut milk adds creaminess without a very bold coconut flavor, I believe coconut oil will add a lot of fat & saturated fat with a strong coconut flavor. Is there any reason why you can't use Coconut Milk? You can use any milk you have on hand really.