Crispy Quinoa Chocolate Bars

These Crispy Quinoa Chocolate Bars are a nutrient-dense snack packed with fiber, protein, and antioxidants that support overall health while providing an indulgent treat! These bars are made with powerful plant-based ingredients that provide fiber and phytonutrients to promote gut health, while dark chocolate offers polyphenols that help combat oxidative stress. Naturally sweetened with honey and rich in healthy fats, these bars are both satisfying and nourishing. They’re also highly versatile, making it easy to swap nuts, seeds, or sweeteners to fit your preferences or dietary needs while keeping the same wholesome base.

Recipe By: Melanya Kushla, MS, RD, CHES at Taste & Thrive
Yield: 12 bars
Serving Size: 1 bar

Ingredients

⅓ cup uncooked quinoa
⅓ cup sliced almonds
2 Tablespoons rolled oats
½ cup natural peanut or almond butter
¼ cup honey
2 Tablespoons ground flaxseed
½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
⅓ cup dark chocolate chips
Pinch of coarse sea salt

Utensils

Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheet
Medium mixing bowl
Spatula
Loaf pan or rectangular (4”x 7”) glass tupperware dish
Parchment paper
Small microwave safe bowl
Chef knife
Cutting board

Directions

Preheat the oven to 300°F.
Place the quinoa, almonds, and oats next to each other on a baking sheet - take care to spread them out in a thin layer ensuring that the almonds don’t cover the quinoa so each gets evenly toasted.
Place in the oven and toast for 12-15 minutes, until fragrant and golden brown.
Meanwhile, line a loaf pan or small rectangular dish with parchment paper, letting it extend up the sides a bit - this will make it easier to remove the bars from the pan once set. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, mix together the almond or peanut butter, honey, flaxseed, and extract until smooth. Microwave for 20 seconds to soften if the nut butter is too stiff to mix.
Reserving ~1 Tablespoon of the toasted almonds for later, add the toasted quinoa, almonds, and oats to the bowl with the nut butter.
Stir until well combined and it forms a dough-like ball.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared dish and spread out evenly, pressing down with the spatula very firmly to flatten and remove any air bubbles.
Next, add the chocolate to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 30 seconds, stir, then heat for another 30 seconds to melt the chocolate.
Spread the melted chocolate onto the pressed quinoa and nut mixture, evenly coating the top.
Gently crush the reserved almonds and sprinkle over the top, along with a pinch of coarse sea salt.
Place the dish in the fridge for 2 hours to allow it to set and form up.
Once hardened, remove from the pan and cut into 12 bars - then enjoy!

Notes

To make these vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey and use vegan chocolate chips, such as Lily’s brand.
Feel free to swap in different types of nuts for the sliced almonds, such as chopped cashews, pecans, pistachios, or walnuts.
Store the bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or in the freezer for 6 months.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

145 calories – 8g fat – 2g sat fat – 15g carbohydrates – 4g protein – 2g fiber – 70mg sodium

Nutrient Highlights

Quinoa: A high-protein whole grain that is quick-cooking and packed full of fiber to help promote healthy gut microbes to support a strong immune system and reduce inflammation. Quinoa promotes satiety and has been linked to increased longevity.
Oats: High in soluble fiber and antioxidants, oats help regulate blood sugar and support a healthy gut microbiome, which is linked to reduced colorectal cancer risk.
Peanut or Almond Butter: Provides vitamin E, healthy fats, and polyphenols that protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, both key factors in lowering cancer risk.
Honey: A natural sweetener that provides antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which help protect the body against oxidative stress. Its lower glycemic index compared to refined sugar means it causes a slower rise in blood sugar levels and is a better alternative.
Flaxseed: Rich in lignans and omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed supports hormone balance and has been studied for its role in reducing breast and prostate cancer risk.
Almonds: Provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, plant-based protein, and fiber to support fullness and steady energy, along with vitamin B6, potassium, and antioxidants that promote cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Dark Chocolate: Packed with flavonoids and polyphenols, cocoa helps reduce oxidative damage and inflammation that can promote cancer development.

Crispy Quinoa Chocolate Bars