Description
These No-Bake Chocolate Quinoa Bites are protein-packed, rich in chocolate flavor, and easy to make with wholesome ingredients like quinoa, cocoa powder, and nut butter. Perfect for a quick energy-boosting snack or a guilt-free indulgence, they require no baking and can be customized with nuts, dried fruits, and superfoods to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked and cooled quinoa
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup nut butter (such as almond or peanut butter)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts) for added crunch
- 1/4 cup dried fruit (cranberries, cherries, raisins, or apricots)
- Pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or chili powder for spice
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds or goji berries for superfood boost
Instructions
- Cook and Cool Quinoa: Cook quinoa according to package instructions. Spread it out on a baking sheet to cool completely to avoid moisture making the bites soggy and to help them hold their shape.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine nut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well blended. This mixture will act as the glue for all ingredients.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add cooled quinoa, cocoa powder, optional chia or flaxseeds, and mini chocolate chips to the wet mixture. Mix thoroughly with a sturdy spoon or your hands until evenly distributed.
- Form the Bites: Pinch off portions of the mixture and roll into bite-sized balls using your hands. If the mixture feels too sticky, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to firm up before shaping.
- Chill and Set: Place the formed bites onto a lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set. Once firm, enjoy immediately or store for later.
Notes
- Use cooked and cooled quinoa to prevent melting the nut butter and maintain texture.
- Adjust sweetness by starting with less honey or syrup and adding more as preferred.
- Choose creamy nut butter for easier mixing or crunchy for added texture.
- Refrigerate finished bites to help them hold shape and enhance chocolate flavor.
- Customize with seeds, nuts, dried fruits, or spices for varied tastes and nutrition.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Freeze formed bites in a single layer then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Bites can be enjoyed chilled or left at room temperature for 10 minutes if a softer texture is preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (for cooking quinoa)
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Healthy Snack
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites (about 30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg