Imagine a snack that's not just delicious, but also packed with nutrition and can satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. These Chocolate Almond Quinoa Snack Bars are about to revolutionize your snacking game! Combining the protein-rich power of quinoa, the creamy goodness of almond butter, and the indulgent charm of dark chocolate chips, these bars are a game-changer for health-conscious foodies and busy individuals looking for a quick, nutritious treat.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Ensure that you have 1 cup of cooked quinoa ready. If you haven't cooked the quinoa yet, rinse 1/3 cup of dry quinoa under cold water, then cook it according to package instructions, typically using 2/3 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed. Allow it to cool slightly before using.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This will help prevent the bars from sticking to the pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, 1/2 cup of almond butter, and 1/4 cup of honey. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix these ingredients together until they are well combined and form a sticky mixture.
- Add in the dry ingredients: 1/2 cup of rolled oats, 1/4 cup of cocoa powder, and 1/4 cup of chopped almonds. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky.
- Fold in the 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to press it down firmly and evenly into the corners of the pan. Make sure it is packed tightly to help the bars hold together after baking.
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut the mixture into 10 equal bars using a sharp knife. Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
- Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Almond Quinoa Snack Bars as a nutritious snack or a quick breakfast option!
Tips
- Quinoa Preparation: Ensure your quinoa is completely cooled before mixing to prevent a wet, mushy texture in your bars.
- Parchment Paper Trick: Always use parchment paper with overhanging edges for easy removal and clean cutting.
- Mixing Technique: Mix wet ingredients thoroughly before adding dry ingredients to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Pressing Matters: When transferring the mixture to the pan, press firmly and evenly to help the bars hold together perfectly.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to maintain their structure.
- Storage Hack: Store in an airtight container and they'll stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature or even longer in the refrigerator.
- Customization Option: Feel free to swap chocolate chips with dried fruits or nuts to create your own unique variation!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
