No-Bake Fudgy Quinoa-Chia Bites Recipe
Introduction
These No-Bake Fudgy Quinoa-Chia Bites are a delicious, healthy snack perfect for anytime you need a quick energy boost. Packed with protein and fiber, they combine the rich flavor of cacao with the crunch of quinoa and chia seeds.
Ingredients
- 1 cup crispy quinoa or cooked white quinoa
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder*
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup any unsalted nut or seed butter* (sunflower, cashew, almond, etc.)**
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine grain salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Line a small baking sheet or any flat surface with wax or parchment paper.
- Step 2: Add all ingredients to a medium sized mixing bowl. Stir well to combine.
- Step 3: Use a 1.5 tablespoon retractable scoop to create tiny bite-sized spoonfuls and place onto the lined baking sheet (9-10 total).
- Step 4: Place the baking sheet on a flat surface in the freezer and allow to set for 3 hours until bites are fully hardened. Leaving them overnight works well, too.
- Step 5: Enjoy straight out of the freezer. The fudgy bites will start to soften at room temperature after about 7-10 minutes—best to eat them one at a time for maximum enjoyment.
Tips & Variations
- Use crispy quinoa for added crunch or cooked quinoa for a softer texture.
- Swap the nut or seed butter depending on preference or allergies; almond butter gives a mild, nutty flavor while sunflower butter is great for nut-free diets.
- Add a teaspoon of shredded coconut or chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the maple syrup amount to taste.
Storage
Store the bites in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. When ready to eat, simply remove a few and let them soften at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Avoid leaving them out too long to maintain their fudgy texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use cocoa powder instead of cacao powder?
Yes, unsweetened cocoa powder can be used as a substitute for cacao powder with very similar results in flavor and texture.
Do I have to use maple syrup as the sweetener?
Maple syrup is recommended for its natural sweetness and flavor, but you can substitute honey or agave syrup if preferred.
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No-Bake Fudgy Quinoa-Chia Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (including freezing time)
- Yield: 9–10 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These No-Bake Fudgy Quinoa-Chia Bites are a nutritious and delicious snack that combines crispy quinoa, chia seeds, and rich cacao powder for a fudgy treat without any baking. Sweetened naturally with pure maple syrup and held together by creamy nut butter, these bites are perfect for a quick energy boost or a healthy dessert, requiring only minimal preparation and chilling time.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup crispy quinoa or cooked white quinoa
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- pinch of fine grain salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup any unsalted nut or seed butter (sunflower, cashew, almond, etc.)
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the surface: Line a small baking sheet or any flat surface with wax or parchment paper. This will prevent the bites from sticking and make it easy to remove them after setting.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the crispy quinoa, cacao powder, pure maple syrup, nut or seed butter, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly into a sticky, fudgy mixture.
- Scoop and shape: Using a 1.5 tablespoon retractable scoop, form tiny bite-sized spoonfuls from the mixture and place them evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. You should be able to make about 9 to 10 bites.
- Freeze to set: Place the baking sheet on a flat surface in the freezer and allow the bites to set for at least 3 hours or until they are fully hardened. For best results, leave them overnight.
- Serve and enjoy: Enjoy the fudgy bites straight out of the freezer. They will begin to soften at room temperature after about 7-10 minutes. For optimal texture, take them out one at a time and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- You can use either crispy quinoa for added crunch or cooked white quinoa for a softer texture.
- Choose any unsalted nut or seed butter according to your preference or dietary needs.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer to maintain freshness and texture.
- These bites are perfect for a quick snack, pre or post-workout energy, or a healthy dessert option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: no-bake, quinoa bites, chia seeds, fudgy snacks, healthy snack, vegan dessert, gluten free, nut butter, energy bites
