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!
Need help finding some of these ingredients? Here are some that I used:
Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips (Vegan, Gluten free, and Paleo)
Chocolate Puffed Quinoa Bars
Ingredients
- ½ cup Puffed Quinoa
- ⅓ cup Slivered Almonds
- 2 teaspoons melted Coconut Oil
- ⅛ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper optional
- 2 tablespoons melted Vegan Chocolate Chips
Instructions
-
Melt chocolate Chips in a double boiler or water bath.
-
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.
-
Remove chocolate quinoa mixture from heat and spread into a rectangle (4 ½" by 6") on parchment paper.
-
Refridgerate for about 30 - 60 minutes until hard. Cut into 6 bars using a sharp knife.
-
Store in an airtight container in fridge.
Want to try a different puffed quinoa snack? Try these Puffed Quinoa Protein Balls or Puffed Quinoa Oat Bars!
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!
Lisa @ The Wellness Wife says
These look so yummy! And chocked full of protein, too. A guiltless snack/dessert!
Vanessa says
Thanks Lisa, they're really delicious!
Charlene @ That Girl Cooks Healthy says
These quinoa bars look wonderful Vanessa. I quite like the idea of adding some cayenne pepper to add a little kick.
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!! :)
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.
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!
Vanessa says
Hi Meghan,
I've never made this recipe with raw cacao powder but if you make this vegan chocolate http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2012/01/15/three-ingredient-chocolate-bars-1/ I'm sure you should be able to use that instead of the melted chocolate chips.
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.
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 :)
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!
Vanessa Croessmann says
Thanks Lara! I love how quickly they come together ;)
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!
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 :)
Grace says
I would puff my own quinoa
Vanessa Croessmann says
Hi Grace, puffing your own quinoa is a great idea and fairly easy :)