With only 6 ingredients, these puffed quinoa bars are an easy choice if you are looking for a quick recipe full of good-for-you ingredients. The puffed quinoa really adds to the nutritional profile (and the crunch!) of these bars.
As always, they are very easy to make. They are a great one if you want to get the kids involved in making their own snacks.
It’s also 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.
I’ve used puffed quinoa rather than puffed rice as it’s got a slightly higher nutritional profile – more fibre and more protein. For me, however, it’s the size – the pieces are smaller so they work really well in bars like this.
Also, I know some of you have told me, on Instagram, that puffed quinoa can be hard to find. Look in health food stores and online as it’s not something I generally see in the supermarket.
You can usually buy in big packs. They will keep in the cupboard for a few months so you can make these treats again and again. They are also great to add to things like homemade granola and cereals.
These are a no-bake bar but there is an optional step to toast the quinoa in the oven briefly before using. This isn’t an essential step, they will still work well without doing this, but I find it really adds to the crunch of the final product.
The addition of pistachios and pumpkin seeds adds further to the fibre. In addition, pistachios are high in Vitamin B6 and potassium as well as antioxidants. Whereas pumpkin seeds are good sources of magnesium, copper, and zinc.
The simple ingredients you need for this recipe are:
- Puffed quinoa
- Peanut butter
- Medjool dates
- Pistachios
- Pumpkin seeds
- Dark chocolate
I hope you try them and enjoy them as much as I do – let me know in the comments below.
Recipe Tips
- Always try and opt for a peanut butter that just contains peanuts (and maybe a little salt). Get in the habit of checking the ingredients as 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.
- 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. Try and use quite a smooth and runny one, so it’s easier to combine.
- 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!
- These also worked well with puffed rice, if you can’t get hold of quinoa.
- If you want to swap out the nuts or seeds for others then please do. Sesame seeds work really well as do chopped cashews or almonds. Just chop them up small.
Puffed Quinoa & Pistachio Bars
Ingredients
Ingredients for base:
- 1 cup puffed quinoa (25g)
- 12 large medjool dates pitted
- ⅓ cup natural peanut butter (80g)
- ½ cup unsalted pistachios (70g)
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds (30g)
- ½ tsp sea salt optional
Topping:
- ⅔ cup dark chocolate chips (100g)
- Handful of pistachios and pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Optional first step: put the quinoa on a baking tray and put in the oven at 180C/350F for 5-6 mins to lightly toast (it makes the bars extra crunchy).
- Pit the dates and add them and the peanut butter to a food processor and blend until smooth. Add 2 tbsp water, if needed, as you blend to make it as smooth as possible.
- Add this mixture to a bowl with the remaining ingredients (including the quinoa) and mix well. Place into a lined loaf tin. Press down firmly and leave in the fridge whilst you melt the chocolate.
- Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pan of hot water. Drizzle on top of the bars and sprinkle over a few extra pistachios and pumpkin seeds. Place back in the fridge to set for about an hour.
- Once they are hard you can cut into 12 squares.
Notes
- Store in a sealed tub in the fridge
- They will last for 5-6 days
So quick and easy to make with great texture, nutritious and delicious!
How do you make puffed quinoa?
I buy it already puffed – try online or in a health food store – sometimes called quinoa pops xx
Can’t wait to make these as a mini cupcake. Perfect 1-2 bite afternoon snack when 3:30itis hits.
Enjoy! let me know what you think once you’ve tried them! x