Puffed Quinoa Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and delightful treat, the Puffed Quinoa Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Recipe is just the thing! This recipe combines the creamy goodness of peanut butter with rich dark chocolate, all packed into crunchy quinoa puffs. It’s a sweet snack that will satisfy your cravings without any fuss.

What makes this recipe truly special is how simple it is to prepare. You can whip it up in just 20 minutes! Whether you’re satisfying a late-night hunger pang or bringing something special to a family gathering, these bars are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With only 20 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy these delicious bars in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: These bars store well in the fridge, making them perfect for meal prep or snacking throughout the week.
• Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with nutritious ingredients like quinoa puffs and hemp seeds, these bars are a guilt-free indulgence.
• Customizable Flavor: Feel free to tweak the recipe to fit your taste!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s dive into the ingredients! You’ll find that they are simple, wholesome, and perfect for whipping up this delicious treat.

For the Bars

• 3 – 3 ¼ cups quinoa puffs
• 1 ½ cups peanut butter
• 6 tbsp. hemp seeds
• 1 tbsp. SO vanilla extract
• 2 tsp. SO vanilla paste
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• Pinch of salt

For the Topping

• 1 cup + 2 tbsp dark chocolate chips (vegan)
• 1 tbsp. coconut oil
• Extra flaky salt

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily switch up ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add some crunch: Mix in some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for an extra crunch.
• Go fruity: Toss in some dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins for a sweet twist.
• Sweeten it up: If you like it sweeter, add a bit more maple syrup or try using agave nectar.
• Switch the nut butter: Experiment with almond butter or cashew butter if you want a different flavor profile.

How to Make Puffed Quinoa Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by preparing an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper. This step is crucial because it helps prevent sticking, ensuring that your delicious bars come out perfectly shaped.

Step 2: Combine Your Ingredients

In a large bowl, add the quinoa puffs, peanut butter, hemp seeds, vanilla extract, vanilla paste, maple syrup, and salt. Mixing these ingredients together creates that wonderfully sticky base that holds everything together.

Step 3: Press Down Firmly

Once combined, transfer the puffed quinoa mixture into your prepared pan and press down firmly. This step helps compact the mixture so that your bars hold their shape once set.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate

In a small bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Melt them together in the microwave until smooth—this luscious topping adds an irresistible layer of chocolaty goodness!

Step 5: Pour and Cool

Pour the melted chocolate over the pressed-down quinoa puffs and spread it evenly across the top. Allow it to cool in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes until firm. This will make cutting into pieces much easier!

Step 6: Cut and Enjoy!

After chilling, cut into 16 equal squares and enjoy! These bars are not only delicious but also perfect for sharing with friends or keeping all to yourself.

Now that you have this Puffed Quinoa Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Recipe at your fingertips, I hope you’ll enjoy making them as much as I do! Happy snacking!

Pro Tips for Making Puffed Quinoa Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Recipe

Creating delicious puffed quinoa bars is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to guide you!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh peanut butter and high-quality dark chocolate can significantly enhance the flavor of your bars, making them rich and indulgent.

• Press firmly: When transferring the mixture to the pan, ensure you press down firmly. This helps the bars hold together better after cutting, preventing crumbles and mess.

• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to mix in some extras like dried fruits or seeds. This not only adds texture but also boosts the nutritional value of your treats.

• Let them chill: Allowing your bars to set in the fridge provides a firmer texture, making them easier to cut and chew. Patience pays off here!

• Store properly: Keep your puffed quinoa bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. This keeps them fresh and chewy for longer!

How to Serve Puffed Quinoa Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Recipe

These delightful bars can be presented in various ways that make them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a gathering with friends.

Garnishes

• Drizzle of nut butter: A light drizzle of extra peanut butter on top adds an inviting look and enhances the flavor.

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped almonds or walnuts for an added crunch and rustic appearance.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A medley of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the bars. Think strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi for vibrant colors!

• Coconut yogurt: Serve alongside a bowl of coconut yogurt for dipping; its creaminess complements the crunchy texture of the bars wonderfully.

• Herbal tea: Pairing these treats with a warm cup of herbal tea creates a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxation after a meal.

• Veggie sticks: For something light and healthy, serve with crunchy veggie sticks like carrots or cucumber. It balances out the sweetness beautifully!

Enjoy making these puffed quinoa peanut butter chocolate bars – they’re sure to become a favorite treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Puffed Quinoa Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch in advance and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to store and save them for later.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the bars in an airtight container.
• Keep them in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• For added freshness, layer parchment paper between bars to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Cut the bars into squares before freezing for easy access.
• Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

Reheating

• These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature, so simply let them sit out for about 10-15 minutes before eating.
• If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds – just enough to soften the chocolate!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Puffed Quinoa Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Recipe.

Can I use other nut butters instead of peanut butter?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter if you have allergies or simply prefer a different flavor.

How long will the Puffed Quinoa Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Recipe last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these bars will stay fresh for up to one week. They also freeze well for longer storage!

Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Yes! You can add your favorite mix-ins like dried fruits, seeds, or even some crushed nuts for additional texture and flavor. Just be mindful of maintaining the balance of wet and dry ingredients.

Is this Puffed Quinoa Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars Recipe suitable for kids?

Definitely! These bars are a fun and healthy treat that kids will love. They’re packed with nutrients and can be a great energy booster!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up these Puffed Quinoa Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars! They make an incredibly satisfying snack or dessert that’s both nutritious and indulgent. Enjoy making these with your loved ones and don’t forget to share your delightful creations! Happy baking!