Crunchy High-Protein Quinoa Bites Recipe
These Crunchy High-Protein Quinoa Bites are a nutritious and satisfying snack featuring puffed quinoa and almond butter, bound together with rich vegan dark chocolate and finished with a touch of flaky sea salt. Light and crispy like popcorn, they deliver a plant-based protein boost perfect for a healthy treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes (melting chocolate)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 bites
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Modern American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 3¾ cups unsweetened puffed quinoa
- ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons smooth almond butter
Chocolate Mixture
- 1¼ cups finely chopped vegan 70% dark chocolate
Finishing Touch
- ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line 2 large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together 3¾ cups of unsweetened puffed quinoa with ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons of smooth almond butter until evenly combined and sticky enough to hold the bites together.
- Melt Chocolate: Place 1¼ cups of finely chopped vegan 70% dark chocolate in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on High in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. This should take about 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
- Mix Chocolate and Quinoa: Pour the melted chocolate over the quinoa and almond butter mixture. Using a rubber spatula, stir the mixture thoroughly until all the puffed quinoa is coated and evenly combined with the chocolate and almond butter.
- Form Bites: Using a tablespoon measure or small cookie scoop, scoop rounded tablespoonfuls of the quinoa mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. Gently press each scoop to flatten slightly, shaping them into bite-sized discs.
- Add Salt and Chill: Evenly sprinkle ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt over the top of the formed bites for enhanced flavor. Refrigerate the baking sheets uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the bites are firm and set.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Ensure the dark chocolate is vegan if adhering strictly to plant-based diets.
- Press the bites gently to avoid breaking but firmly enough to hold their shape.
- These bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- You can add mix-ins like seeds or dried fruit for texture variation.
Find it online: https://bitezly.com/crunchy-high-protein-quinoa-bites-recipe/
