Almond Joy Brownies with Chocolate Ice Cream and Coconut Shell

Just so you know, most of the recipes I post on the blog are total experiments. I usually find myself in a bind, needing to create a dessert for a gathering, and don't want to make the trip all the way into town to purchase supplies. So, I open up the cabinets and see what I have to work with. On this particular day I wanted something a little more exciting than just plain old brownies. I found almond butter, coconut cream, slivered raw almonds, and some shredded coconut in the cabinets and I immediately thought "almond joy brownies"!

I mixed up the batter according to package directions, and added a couple of tablespoons of coconut cream, and a couple tablespoons of almond butter (no, these were not exact measurements by any stretch of the imagination). Mmmm, brownie batter.

I decided to later the coconut and almond on top of the brownie batter for better presentation and to allow them to toast ever so slightly as they brownies were baked.

Finished pan of goodness.

All served up on a platter, ready for ice cream.

Now this combination was no first time experiment this time around. I love the combination of ice cream and coconut butter, and here's why....

If you plop a few tablespoons of coconut butter (not coconut cream) in the microwave for 30 seconds or until fully melted, then pour it over ice cream, guess what happens? Coconut shell! You know, kind of like that horrible-for-you chocolate shell stuff that you buy off the shelf in the grocery store? The stuff that brought pure joy to you as a kid? Well here's the grown up version. Can't. Get. Enough.

Even if you don't make the brownies, at least try the coconut shell next time you scoop yourself a bowl of ice cream. You won't be disappointed.

Almond Joy Brownie Recipe

- 1 package brownie mix (I prefer the dark chocolate kind), prepared

- 2 tbsp almond butter

- 2 tbsp coconut cream (or heavy coconut milk)

- 1/4 cup chopped or slivered almonds

- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or un-sweetened, depending on how much of a sweet tooth you have)

- 1/4 cup coconut butter

- Chocolate or vanilla ice cream

Directions:

- Mix brownie batter according to package directions

- Add almond butter and coconut cream to prepared batter, mix until incorporated

- Pour batter into a well greased 9x13 pan

- Top with chopped almonds and shredded coconut

- Bake according to brownie package directions

- Serve brownies with a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of melted coconut butter for maximum flavor and enjoyment.