Chocolate Puffed Quinoa Bars - Vegan Family Recipes (2024)

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With a moving happening in exactly 3 weeks, it's safe to say that I am officially stressed. For me Stress (usually) = Chocolate. Although I could probably just chow down on some vegan chocolate chips, I think these chocolate puffed quinoa bars are a (slightly) healthier option.

I even added a bit of cayenne pepper for some heat. This step is completely optional though. I have fallen in love with Gnosis Mayan Heat Bar. They are raw vegan chocolate bars that are infused with cayenne pepper and chili pepper flakes. Chocolate and chili are such a beautiful sweet-spicy pairing that is truly irresistible. Exactly that pairing is what inspired me to add cayenne pepper to these chocolate bars. Might some strange and crazy to some but it's delicious, if you can handle a bit of heat. Like I mention though, the cayenne pepper is optional and if spicy chocolate doesn't float your boat then just omit it.

Either way, my chocolate puffed quinoa bars couldn't be simpler to make. Add everything to a stockpot, heat, refrigerate, cut, and eat. Sounds very simple, right? It is. There's really no reason to not try it. The only downside to this recipe is that you need to wait about 60 min (sometimes less) for the puffed quinoa bars to completely cool and harden in the refrigerator. However, once they are done...oh my...are they delicious!

Chocolate Puffed Quinoa Bars - Vegan Family Recipes (3)Chocolate Puffed Quinoa Bars - Vegan Family Recipes (4)Chocolate Puffed Quinoa Bars - Vegan Family Recipes (5)

Need help finding some of these ingredients? Here are some that I used:

Puffed Quinoa

Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips (Vegan, Gluten free, and Paleo)

Coconut Oil

Chocolate Puffed Quinoa Bars - Vegan Family Recipes (6)

5 from 4 votes

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Chocolate Puffed Quinoa Bars

CourseGluten free, Vegan

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Makes 6

Calories 76 kcal

Author Vanessa @VeganFamilyRecipes.com

Ingredients

  • ½cupPuffed Quinoa
  • cupSlivered Almonds
  • 2teaspoonsmelted Coconut Oil
  • teaspoonSalt
  • ¼teaspoonCayenne Pepperoptional
  • 2tablespoonsmelted Vegan Chocolate Chips

Instructions

  1. Melt chocolate Chips in a double boiler or water bath.

  2. Place all ingredients in a small stockpot and heat over medium heat. Stir constantly until well mixed. Continue stirring for about 3 - 5 minutes being careful not to burn chocolate.

  3. Remove chocolate quinoa mixture from heat and spread into a rectangle (4 ½" by 6") on parchment paper.

  4. Refridgerate for about 30 - 60 minutes until hard. Cut into 6 bars using a sharp knife.

  5. Store in an airtight container in fridge.

Want to try a different puffed quinoa snack? Try these Puffed Quinoa Protein Ballsor Puffed Quinoa Oat Bars!

More Vegan Quinoa Recipes

  • One Pot Lemon Asparagus Quinoa w/ Rocket Pesto (V,GF)
  • Apple Walnut Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
  • Puffed Quinoa Oat Bars
  • Puffed Quinoa Protein Balls

Chocolate Puffed Quinoa Bars - Vegan Family Recipes (10)

Chocolate Puffed Quinoa Bars - Vegan Family Recipes (11)

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Manali @ CookWithManali says

    I have never made quinoa bars! these looks good vanessa, these could satisfy my chocolate craving and are healthy too! Perfect! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  2. Lisa @ The Wellness Wife says

    These look so yummy! And chocked full of protein, too. A guiltless snack/dessert!

    Reply

    • Vanessa says

      Thanks Lisa, they're really delicious!

      Reply

  3. Amrita @ MyWifeMakes.com says

    Yum! This looks amazing, it reminds me of the raw sprouted buckwheat I have in the cupboard. Have you ever tried that? They make really nice, crunchy toppings for banana ice cream and salads! I may make these tonight (if im not feeling too lazy!) with the buckwheat instead!! :)

    Reply

    • Vanessa says

      I've never used raw sprouted buckwheat before. I'll have to buy some. Sounds delicio. I'll really have to look into it.

      Reply

  4. Meghan says

    I'd like to use raw cacao powder instead of vegan choc chips. How much do you think I could use? So excited to make it!

    Reply

  5. Colleen says

    These sound really good! How long do you think they would stay fresh on the counter? Or would you store in fridge? Thanks.

    Reply

    • Vanessa says

      Hi Colleen, If you leave it on the counter I would try to eat them within 2-3 days. I prefer keeping mine in the fridge :)

      Reply

  6. Lara says

    These are so easy to make. Thank you! I never knew what to do with puffed quinoa before but this is an awesome recipe for them!

    Reply

    • Vanessa Croessmann says

      Thanks Lara! I love how quickly they come together ;)

      Reply

  7. Andrea says

    I was out of slivered almonds but still had some maple-ginger glazed almonds I made several days ago, coarsly chopped a handful and added them to the mix. Also, I filled my mini muffin cups to let the mixture set and cool in the fridge. Outcome: simply devine and highly addictive!
    Awesome recipe!

    Reply

    • Vanessa Croessmann says

      Hi Andrea, that sounds delicious! I haven't filled these puffed quinoa bars into mini muffin cups but that sounds perfect! I'll definitely have to try that out. Thanks so much for commenting and stopping by :)

      Reply

  8. Grace says

    I would puff my own quinoa

    Reply

    • Vanessa Croessmann says

      Hi Grace, puffing your own quinoa is a great idea and fairly easy :)

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Chocolate Puffed Quinoa Bars - Vegan Family Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between puffed quinoa and regular quinoa? ›

Puffed quinoa is the result of heating and agitating raw quinoa until it pops, transforming each seed into a light, crispy morsel.

What does puffed quinoa taste like? ›

Puffed quinoa is more like puffed rice. It is light and airy, which is achieved through a mechanical process (which cannot be replicated at home). This recipe creates a beautiful golden brown popped quinoa with a crunchy texture and a slightly nutty flavor.

Is quinoa a lot healthier than rice? ›

Quinoa contains fewer calories and carbohydrates than white rice. Unlike rice, quinoa fibers help to lower cholesterol and control blood sugar levels. Unlike rice, quinoa reduces your blood fat levels after a meal called triglycerides. Quinoa has a higher amount of all essential amino acids.

Are quinoa puffs healthy? ›

With their high protein content and low glycemic index, quinoa puffs are a great snack for anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy snack to enjoy on-the-go or a healthy alternative to traditional potato chips, quinoa puffs are the perfect choice.

Can you eat puffed quinoa raw? ›

A single ingredient.

Popping it doesn't even count as cooking it, so you are still eating it raw which means you get the full benefit of quinoa's nutritional make up.

Does quinoa pop like popcorn? ›

They may not puff up as dramatically as corn or sorghum, but they'll take on a nutty, toasted taste. Now, isn't it about time you got it poppin'? While corn kernels are tastiest popped in fat, you needn't waste oil for your popped quinoa; small seeds and grains can be dry-popped.

What is an interesting fact about quinoa? ›

Unlike some plant proteins, quinoa is a complete protein, meaning that it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot make on their own. Quinoa is also naturally gluten-free and can be eaten safely if one has gluten intolerance such as celiac disease.

Which type of quinoa is healthiest? ›

The darkest variety of quinoa is the black quinoa which is super rich and healthy as compared to the other two versions. It is the healthiest option of quinoa that has more protein, dietary fiber, and less amount of fat content inside. It takes time to cook black quinoa due to its nuttier and fluffy texture.

Which type of quinoa is best? ›

If you've never eaten quinoa, Foroutan suggests trying white quinoa first because it has the mildest taste. Or you might look for a blend of red, black, and white quinoa to get as many antioxidants as possible; levels of these beneficial ingredients vary according to the color of the seeds (red has the highest levels).

What are the three types of quinoa? ›

Although scores of varieties of quinoa exist in the Andes, three are most widely cultivated and available: white, red, and black. This illustrated list will help you recognize them. This is what quinoa plants look like, growing in the high altitudes of mountainous regions.

Is puffed quinoa the same as quinoa flakes? ›

So, you will find quinoa in your breakfast cereal in two forms. Puffed quinoa, and quinoa flakes. Puffed quinoa is less raw than quinoa flakes as it is popped using heat (like puffed rice). Quinoa flakes, on the other hand, are pressed raw (like rolled oats).

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