Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps offer the perfect balance between indulgence and health, combining the nutty crunch of quinoa with rich, antioxidant-packed dark chocolate. Whether you’re seeking a quick snack or a dessert to share, these crispy treats satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. Quick to make and highly customizable, they’re the perfect choice for anyone craving a healthy yet delicious bite.

Why You’ll Love This Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps

These Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps are not only quick and easy to prepare—taking only about 10 minutes of active time—but they’re also versatile and nutritious. With crunchy quinoa, creamy almond butter, and smooth dark chocolate, these crisps are a snack that hits all the right notes: sweet, crunchy, and satisfying. Plus, you can personalize them with different nut butters or add dried fruit for extra flavor. Who knew that healthy snacks could taste so good?

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)

• 1/2 cup almond butter

• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

• 1/4 cup dried fruit (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Combine the Base Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, almond butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and sea salt. Stir until everything is well mixed, and you have a sticky, cohesive mixture.

2. Melt the Dark Chocolate
   In a microwave-safe bowl, add the dark chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each one, until smooth and fully melted. Allow it to cool slightly before mixing with the quinoa.

3. Mix Chocolate with Quinoa
   Pour the melted chocolate over the quinoa mixture. Stir thoroughly until every bit of quinoa is coated with the luscious chocolate. You can fold in chopped nuts or dried fruit if you prefer an extra texture or flavor boost.

4. Shape the Crisps
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop spoonfuls of the quinoa mixture onto the sheet and flatten each one slightly to form small discs. They don’t need to be perfect—rustic shapes add charm!

5. Chill to Set
   Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set and firm up. This gives your crisps their crunchy texture.

6. Enjoy Your Treats
   Once set, remove the crisps from the fridge. You can enjoy them immediately, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Chill Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Nut Butter Swaps: Experiment with different nut butters like peanut butter or cashew butter to bring a new flavor to the crisps.

• Sweetener Alternatives: Use agave syrup or coconut sugar for a different take on the sweetness.

• Flavor Boost: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder to enhance the richness of the dark chocolate.

• Fruit Additions: Dried mango or banana chips can give your crisps a tropical twist.

• Crunchy Texture: Add puffed rice or crispy cereal to the mixture for a satisfying extra crunch.

Storage/Reheating

To store, place the Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for several days, though they likely won’t last that long! These treats can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge, or left at room temperature for a softer texture.

FAQs

Can I make Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps ahead of time?

Yes! These crisps are ideal for prepping in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they will stay fresh for several days.

Are Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps vegan?

Yes, they are vegan! By substituting maple syrup for honey and ensuring that the dark chocolate is dairy-free, these crisps are suitable for anyone following a vegan diet.

What can I substitute for quinoa?

If you don’t have quinoa on hand, try puffed rice or rolled oats. They’ll alter the texture slightly but still make a delicious treat.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover crisps in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep them fresh and crisp for several days.

Can I add protein powder to the recipe?

Absolutely! You can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to boost the nutritional value. Adjust the wet ingredients to maintain the right consistency.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Definitely! You can use milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor. However, dark chocolate gives the crisps a richer, more indulgent taste.

How do I make these crisps crunchier?

For an extra crunchy texture, mix in puffed rice, crispy cereal, or even crushed nuts. This adds a fun bite to each crisp.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! These Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps are naturally gluten-free since quinoa and the other ingredients are free from gluten.

How long do the crisps take to set?

The crisps need at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to properly set and achieve the perfect crunch.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?

Yes, you can use honey, agave, or coconut sugar as alternatives. Each will bring its own flavor, but all work well in this recipe.

Conclusion

Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps are the perfect snack to satisfy your sweet cravings while keeping things healthy. They’re easy to make, customizable, and packed with flavor. Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon pick-me-up or serve them at a gathering, these crisps are sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, try out different variations, and let these crisps become your new favorite treat!