So you’ve heard of Rice Krispie bars? Well, these chocolate puffed quinoa bars are next level. Using quinoa instead of rice doubles the protein in the bars (and adding nut butter to the mix adds even more).
And they are honestly one of the easiest things to make. Only 3 ingredients too!
It’s a great recipe to make ahead. They will last for up to a week in the fridge and are great as an after-school treat.
What actually is puffed quinoa?
Puffed quinoa is made by taking quinoa and heating it until the grains pop and puff up slightly. Similar to how popcorn or puffed rice is made.
The end result is nutritious, small & round crispies which give great texture to these bars.
Where can you buy puffed quinoa
I know some of you have told me in the past that puffed quinoa can be hard to find.
Look in health food stores and online. It’s not something I generally see in the supermarket.
You can usually buy in big bags and they will keep in the cupboard in a jar for a few months, so you can make these treats again and again.
It is also great to add to things like homemade granola and cereals.
Can you puff quinoa yourself?
Apparently, you can. However, I will warn you it’s not as good as the shop bought stuff!
I find it burns easily and doesn’t puff up as much as the type that you get in the shops.
My advice is – save your time and buy it!
Can you use the puffed quinoa straight away or do you need to cook it?
If you buy the quinoa ready-puffed, there is no need to cook it.
I like to toast the puffed quinoa in the oven briefly before using – this isn’t an essential step, but I find it just really adds to the crunch.
Try it yourself and see what works for you.
The three simple ingredients you need:
- Dark chocolate
- Puffed quinoa
- Peanut butter
I’ve spoken a lot about the quinoa, but the other two ingredients are important too!
Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate (with a cocoa content of 70% or higher) is rich in antioxidants. It’s also a source of magnesium and iron. So try and opt for dark chocolate, if you can.
Peanut butter
Always try and use a peanut butter that just contains peanuts (and maybe a little salt) – you may be surprised how much extra ‘fillers’ and sugars some brands will sneak in.
I find the organic brands tend to just use organic peanuts and a pinch of sea salt and that is it – so try to find one like that if you can.
Recipe Tips
- Nut butters: I have used peanut butter in this recipe. If you prefer another nut or seed butter, then please substitute with that. Just keep the quantities the same. I’ve tried them with almond butter, and they also taste amazing. Try and use quite a smooth and runny one so it’s easier to combine.
- Chocolate: I have used dark chocolate chips, but any dark chocolate will do. Just try and make sure it is at least 70% cocoa solids and that way it’s more chocolatey and less sugary!
- Puffed rice: These also work well with puffed rice if you can’t get hold of quinoa. You might just want to crush it a bit so the pieces are smaller.
- Add-ins: If you want to add a few extra to the recipe, please do. Chopped dates or any dried fruit work, as do nuts and seeds. Either sprinkle a few on the top before you put in the fridge or mix through when you add the quinoa. If you add more than a sprinkling, then you might want to put in less quinoa, so it still sticks together well.
RElated recipes
If you enjoyed this chocolate puffed quinoa bar recipe, why not check some other puffed quinoa recipes:
Coconut & Raspberry Puffed Quinoa Bars
Puffed Quinoa & Pistachio Bars
Puffed Quinoa Bars
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups dark chocolate (250g)
- 3 cups puffed quinoa (75g)
- ½ cup smooth natural peanut butter (120g)
Instructions
- Optional first step: Preheat the oven to 180C/350F. Put the puffed quinoa on a baking tray and bake for 5-6 mins to lightly toast. This makes it even crispier!
- Whilst the quinoa is toasting, add the chocolate to a large bowl and melt over a pan of hot water (or for 20-30 bursts in the microwave).
- Add the peanut butter to the melted chocolate and mix to fully combine. Pour in the quinoa and stir to mix in fully.
- Pour into a lined 20cm (8 inch) square baking tin and leave to set in the fridge, for at least an hour.
- Once they are hard you can cut into 12 squares.
Notes
- I buy the quinoa ready puffed. I put the puffed quinoa in the oven to make it extra crispy.
- Store in the fridge.They will last for about 6-7 days.
- You can substitute almond or cashew butter for peanut, if you prefer.
Can you put this into silicone bar moulds?
Hi Gita, yes you can.
Could I freeze these? Thanks, I love your recipes 🙂
Thanks! I don’t tend to freeze puffed quinoa as it think it affects the texture too much. They’ll last for quite a while in the fridge though.
What is the consistency of this bar? Does it remain crunchy or is it chewy?
A little bit of both. The filling is chewy but with a crunch of the quinoa.
Yes maybe try 70 or 80% next time. I usually use one that is 70%.
Fantastic crunch! And so easy too. Will make again.
Amazing! Glad you liked them x
Could I use millet puffs instead ? I can’t find puffed quinoa anywhere 🙁
Yes you can! They may not be quite as crunchy but they will definitely work.
Thank you ! I was waiting for your answer before making it 🙂
How did they turn out?
Will it be just as good to roast in a dry frying pan (so you don’t have to heat up the oven for such a small amount)? Thanks in advance:-)
Yes that should work.
This would be a Gluten Free Recipe- right?
Yes it would.
Would a chocolate bar be okay to use?
Any chocolate that melts well will be fine to use.
About the nutrition: numbers are for the whole amount or per/piece?
Per piece!
This was an easy ”bake” and a treat with terrific crunch. I used a 54 % belgian chocolate I had at home, which turned out to be a little bit too sweet though.
I love your recipes! A huge thank you from Sweden.
Thanks so much – glad you are enjoying them!
Delicious – won’t last 6-7 days!
Haha! Not in my house either! Glad you liked them.
Soooo yummy and extremely satisfying both for the taste and the ease of making. Thankyou so much. I think I’ll pop some cranberries into the mix next time- think they might work well.
Cranberries sounds like a delicious add-in! So glad you liked the bars.
I mixed in about a 1/4 cup of regular chocolate chips and it was just the right amount of sweet.
Sounds delicious!
I’ve got some puffed quinoa but it’s gone past its date. Would it still work if I pop it back in the oven to crisp again?
Also could date paste work instead of nut butter?
Hi Tracey, without seeing it I can’t say 100% but if it’s only recently past its date then it should be ok. As for the date paste, it’s worth a try but I haven’t tested it!
Excellent! Love them. Have already made a second batch!
Love to hear it! And thanks for taking the time to review – always appreciated.
It’s like an Artisan chocolate bars: unique, crunchy and indulgent flavour without guilt
Glad you liked them! Thanks for your comment.
Could I use Arrowhead Puffed Rice if I toast it a bit?
I haven’t tried that particular brand but I’m sure this would be fine.