• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Alternative Dish
  • Recipes
  • Fall Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Fall Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Fall Recipes
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Dessert

    Chocolate Quinoa Crunch Bars

    By Sarah Pilley · Published Jul 24, 2023 · Updated Jul 24, 2023

    • Share

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Picture of chocolate quinoa crunch bar using popped quinoa. Background shows 3 more chocolate quinoa bars on a pink plate on top of a plaid colorful cloth along with a bowl of popped quinoa. Text reads "Chocolate" in fancy blue lettering and "QUINOA CRUNCH" in white block lettering, and "AlternativeDish.com" at the bottom.

    This easy Chocolate Quinoa Crunch Bars recipe perfectly balances toasty, protein-packed quinoa and luscious, smooth chocolate. These vegan bars are sure to become your go-to, no-bake crunchy treat!

    Chocolate quinoa crunch bars on sheet of parchment paper. In background are 2 more bars. Quinoa crunch bar is sliced through and the popped quinoa looks like tiny polka dots against dark chocolate.

    This recipe is for anyone who has a love for chocolate, like me. I found a quick and easy way to enjoy it that I must share with you... Quinoa crunch bars!

    My taste testers say they're a copycat of a Nestlé Crunch. I've never had one. I just know these bars are delicious!

    Chocolate quinoa crunch will satisfy your sweet tooth while being the perfect high-protein pick-me-up. I love them after early morning runs to boost my energy. They are super easy to make and freeze, so they are always on hand when needed.

    This recipe is my favorite use of popped quinoa, not only because of how easy it is to make but because of how delicious it tastes! 

    These homemade bars perfectly balance popped quinoa's toasted, nutty flavor with smooth and rich chocolate. This easy recipe for quinoa crunch bars will quickly become your go-to treat!

    Here's why you will fall in love with this chocolate quinoa crunch bar recipe:

    • It uses just 2 ingredients!
    • You can throw it together in under 10 minutes.
    • It's vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, oil-free, and can be made refined-sugar free.
    • It's a super simple healthy, no-bake treat or snack.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to Pop Quinoa
    • Directions with Pictures
    • Ways to Customize Chocolate Quinoa Bars
    • Storage
    • FAQ
    • More Easy No-Bake Treats
    • 📖 Recipe

    Ingredients

    To make these chocolate quinoa crunch bars, you only need 2 simple ingredients:

    Ingredients for chocolate quinoa crunch bar in separate glass bowls: popped quinoa and chocolate chips. Text reads "2 INGREDIENTS" in Black on white background with blue border.
    • Popped Quinoa - AKA toasted quinoa! Follow the instructions below to make toasted quinoa within minutes!
      • Alternatively, you could use store-bought puffed quinoa. It has an airier texture, similar to puffed rice. 
      • A different popped grain like amaranth, rice, or farro also works.
    • Chocolate Chips - Use any type of chocolate that you like! Semi-sweet chocolate chips blend great with the toasty flavor of the popped quinoa.
      • Dark chocolate bars also taste delicious but are slightly bitter.
      • For an extra sweet crunch bar, use milk chocolate.
      • For a refined sugar-free chocolate bar, use Lily’s dark chocolate chips!
    • Coconut Oil (optional) - Some people use oil when melting chocolate to help the chocolate harden and produce a nice sheen.
      • I do not find this necessary, the bars harden perfectly without it and still produce a beautiful sheen!

    Please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus recipe instructions.

    How to Pop Quinoa

    You will need a small pan to pop quinoa. This allows you to control the toasting process and ensures that you can pay attention to all the quinoa so that none of it burns. 

    Step by step collage of how to pop quinoa. Step 1 shows raw quinoa seeds moistened with water. Step 2 shows seeds clumped together on hot pan. Step 3 shows breaking up quinoa seeds with whisk on a hot pan. Water is starting to evaporate and the seeds are becoming toasty. Step 4 shows final popped quinoa seeds in bowl.
    1. Moisten quinoa using a small amount of water, a 4:1 ratio works best.
    2. Place about a scoop of moistened quinoa into a small pan heated to medium-high temperature and flatten it into a single layer.
    3. Water will evaporate and dry out the seeds. Break the quinoa up with a whisk.
    4. Once quinoa starts to make a crackling or popping sound, shake the pan around. It will be time to take the quinoa off the stove within a few seconds.
      • Your quinoa will smell toasted and nutty. It will also visibly change to a golden brown. 
      • The whole process goes by within 15-30 seconds.

    Repeat this process until all quinoa is popped.

    Check out how to pop quinoa for more tips and details on the toasting process, plus ways to use it!

    Directions with Pictures

    Here's a step-by-step guide to making chocolate quinoa crunch bars:

    Step by step directions for making chocolate quinoa crunch bars. Step 1 shows melted chocolate. Step 2 shows adding popped quinoa to melted chocolate. Step 3 shows the mixture of chocolate quinoa. Step 4 shows spreading of chocolate quinoa in glass container lined with parchment paper. Step 5 shows lifting the hardened chocolate quinoa crunch bar out of the container. Step 6 shows the chocolate quinoa crunch sliced into 4 bars.
    1. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave for 60 seconds and stir until the chocolate is smooth.
      • You could also use the double boiler method to melt your chocolate.
    2. Add the popped quinoa to the melted chocolate.
    3. Stir until all the popped quinoa is evenly distributed through the chocolate.
      • The mixture will now be thick and chunky.
    4. To make the bars:
      • Use a small glass container or loaf pan (ranging from 6” x 4” to 7.5” x 5.5” for a thinner bar that is easier to bite into) and line it with parchment paper. 
      • Fold the parchment paper over the sides to easily pop out the bars later. 
      • Spread the chocolate quinoa mixture evenly and smooth out the top.
      • If desired, sprinkle extra popped quinoa on top.
    5. Freeze the bars for 20 minutes or until the chocolate is hardened. Then, using the parchment sheet, remove the bar from the container. Let it sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes. 
    6. Cut the quinoa chocolate into your desired number of bars. I sliced mine into 4 bars. You could also halve the bars to make 8 little squares.
      • Tip: Run your knife under hot water before cutting the chocolate for a cleaner and easier slice.

    Ways to Customize Chocolate Quinoa Bars

    The chocolate quinoa mixture easily pops out of silicone molds to make different shapes, like hearts or squares. You could also dollop the mixture directly onto a parchment sheet to make chocolate quinoa bites.

    If you’re feeling adventurous, try some of these ingredient and flavor additions:

    • Use puffed quinoa or puffed rice for a lighter crunch.
    • Make chocolate quinoa bark by adding chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, chopped nuts, oats, flaxseed meal, or hemp hearts.
    • Add a layer of peanut butter or almond butter mixed with maple syrup or agave nectar.
    • Use white chocolate and add peppermint extract or crushed candy canes to make a wintery treat.
    • Add cayenne to give it a hot chocolate flair.
    • Add berries for a burst of fresh flavor.
    • Add roasted chickpeas for an extra large crunch.
    • Sprinkle with sea salt for a salty-sweet crunch.
    Picture of chocolate quinoa crunch bar using popped quinoa. Chocolate quinoa crunch bars are stacked on a pink plate on top of a plaid colorful cloth. Background shows a bowl of popped quinoa with popped quinoa and chocolate chips scattered around.

    Storage

    Store chocolate quinoa crunch bars in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. Before eating, leave the bars out at room temperature for a couple of minutes so the chocolate is easier to bite into.

    FAQ

    What does quinoa crunch taste like?

    The chocolate is smooth, sweet, rich, and perfectly balanced by popped quinoa's toasty, slightly-nutty flavor.

    Are chocolate quinoa crisps healthy?

    I have talked about how fantastic quinoa is, mainly because it is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. And there’s no better way to enjoy it than by mixing it with chocolate!

    Picture of chocolate quinoa crunch bar using popped quinoa. Background shows 3 more chocolate quinoa bars on a pink plate on top of a plaid colorful cloth along with a bowl of popped quinoa.

    More Easy No-Bake Treats

    • Vegan date truffles in a bowl.
      Easy Cocoa Date Truffles
    • Bowl of vegan cookie dough dip made with chickpeas and dates.
      Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip
    • Vegan chia chia seed pudding in a bowl topped with whipped coconut cream and star anise.
      Vegan Chai Chia Pudding

    Did you make this recipe?
    Please leave a rating and tell us how you liked it!

    📖 Recipe

    Chocolate quinoa crunch bar on sheet of parchment paper. In background are 2 more bars. Quinoa crunch bar is sliced through and the popped quinoa looks like tiny polka dots against dark chocolate.

    Chocolate Quinoa Crunch Bars

    This easy Chocolate Quinoa Crunch Bars recipe perfectly balances toasty, protein-packed quinoa and luscious, smooth chocolate. These vegan bars are sure to become your go-to, no-bake crunchy treat!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Resting Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 bars
    Calories: 191kcal
    Author: Sarah Pilley

    Equipment

    • 5.5" diameter pan or other small sized pan/skillet

    Ingredients

    • ½ Cup quinoa see notes below
    • ½ Cup chocolate chips any type of chocolate; see notes below

    Instructions

    To Pop Quinoa

    • Moisten quinoa with a 4:1 ratio of quinoa to water (or soak quinoa overnight, completely submerging it in water.)
    • Place about 1 tablespoon of moistened quinoa into a small pan heated to medium-high temperature and flatten it into a single layer. Note: To determine when the pan is ready, test about 10 quinoa seeds to see if the pan is hot enough. The seeds should crackle or pop within 15 seconds of going on the stove.
    • Water will start to evaporate and dry out the seeds. Break the quinoa up with a whisk.
    • Once quinoa starts to make a crackling or popping sound, shake the pan around. It will be time to take the quinoa off the stove within a few seconds. Your quinoa will smell toasted and nutty. It will also visibly change to a golden brown. The whole process goes by within 15-30 seconds. Blink, and you might miss it! It's only a matter of seconds until the quinoa turns from toasted to burnt! Repeat this process until all quinoa is popped. Let cool for a few minutes before eating (it will be very hot right off the stove).

    To Make Chocolate Quinoa Bars

    • Melt chocolate chips in the microwave for 60 seconds and stir until the chocolate is smooth. You could also use the double boiler method.
    • Add the popped quinoa to the melted chocolate.
    • Stir until all the popped quinoa is evenly distributed through the chocolate.
    • Use a small glass container or loaf pan (ranging from 6” x 4” to 7.5” x 5.5” for a thinner bar that is easier to bite into) and line it with parchment paper. Fold the parchment paper over the sides to easily pop out the bars later.
    • Spread the chocolate quinoa mixture evenly and smooth out the top. If desired, sprinkle extra popped quinoa on top.
    • Freeze the bars for 20 minutes or until the chocolate is hardened. Then, using the parchment sheet, remove the bars from the container. Let them sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes.
    • Cut the quinoa chocolate into your desired number of bars. I sliced mine into 4 bars. You could also halve the bars to make 8 little squares.

    Notes

    See more expert tips, pictures, and variations above for making chocolate quinoa crunch bars!
    • Yield: 4 chocolate bars.
    • Measure ½ cup of raw quinoa to pop. The amount will not change much during the popping process.
    • Instead of popped quinoa, you could use store-bought puffed quinoa. It has an airier texture, similar to puffed rice. You could also try popping a different grain like amaranth, rice, or farro.
    • Use any type of chocolate that you like! Semi-sweet is my personal favorite and balances the toasted flavor of the popped quinoa well.
    • Tip: Run your knife under hot water before cutting the chocolate for a cleaner and easier slice.
    • Storage: Store in the refrigerator or freezer. Let sit for a few minutes before enjoying!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 191kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 120mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 53IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg

    More Dessert

    • Dairy free apple crisp in a bowl with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream on top with cinnamon sprinkled over. The background shows the dish of vegan apple crisp, a red apple, green apple, and two sticks of cinnamon.
      Dairy-Free Apple Crisp (Vegan Gluten-Free Recipe)
    • Vegan protein powder waffle with mixed berries piled on top. The background shows more waffles and the bowl of berries on a white and blue striped cloth napkin.
      Vegan Protein Powder Waffles (Quick & Easy Recipe)
    • Vegan cranberry apple crisp in a bowl with a scoop of ice cream. The background shows a red and green apple and the crisp in a baking dish on top of a red and white gingham napkin.
      Best Vegan Cranberry Apple Crisp (Gluten Free Recipe)
    • 9 gluten-free vegan apple cider donuts on a wire rack on top of a wood background.
      Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Vegan and Gluten Free)
    • Share

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

    Picture of chocolate quinoa crunch bar using popped quinoa. Background shows 3 more chocolate quinoa bars on a pink plate on top of a plaid colorful cloth along with a bowl of popped quinoa. Text reads "Chocolate" in fancy blue lettering and "QUINOA CRUNCH" in white block lettering, and "AlternativeDish.com" at the bottom.
    Headshot of Sarah Pilley.

    Hi! I’m Sarah, and I’m so excited you stopped by! I'm thrilled to share my passion for tasty vegan food with you on the Alternative Dish. I focus on creating recipes that everyone can enjoy with allergy-friendly tips! 

    More about me →

    Fall Recipes

    • Vegan cranberry apple crisp in a bowl with a scoop of ice cream. The background shows a red and green apple and the crisp in a baking dish on top of a red and white gingham napkin.
      Best Vegan Cranberry Apple Crisp (Gluten Free Recipe)
    • 9 gluten-free vegan apple cider donuts on a wire rack on top of a wood background.
      Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Vegan and Gluten Free)
    • Slice of vegan sweet potato pie with dollop of whipped cream on top. Background shows the rest of the pie in a dish, a white plate, and a fall colored gingham napkin.
      Vegan Sweet Potato Pie (Gluten-Free)
    • Vegan brown gravy being poured over mashed potatoes on top of a red and white plaid napkin.
      Gluten Free Vegan Gravy (Quick & Easy Recipe)

    Popular Recipes

    • Cauliflower ceviche in a bowl.
      Cauliflower Ceviche
    • Spoonful of golden colored popped quinoa with bowl of toasted quinoa in background, sitting on top of red, orange, and blue cloth napkin.
      How to Make Popped Quinoa (Easy, Crunchy Recipe)
    • Vegan flourless chickpea brownies on a plate.
      Flourless Chickpea Brownies: Vegan & Gluten Free
    • Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut and Ginger
    • Fork holding noodles coated with beet pasta sauce.
      Pasta with Creamy Beet Sauce (Vegan, GF)
    • Slice of vegan avocado key lime pie on a plate.
      Avocado Key Lime Pie (Vegan, Gluten Free)

    New & Trending

    • Vegan fall harvest salad in a bowl on top of a white cloth with apple chips and pepitas scattered around.
      Vegan Fall Harvest Salad with Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
    • Maple Dijon vinaigrette on a spoon dripping into a jar with more of the dressing.
      Maple Dijon Vinaigrette (Easy Vegan Recipe)
    • Homemade vegan flour tortillas stacked and wrapped in a white cloth napkin.
      Best Homemade Vegan Flour Tortillas Recipe
    • Maple dijon roasted carrots and apples with red onion and garlic on a serving spoon with the roasting pan in the background.
      Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots and Apples
    • Crostino with tofu ricotta, jammy tomato confit, basil chiffonade, and balsamic glaze. More vegan crostini appetizers are in the background.
      Best Vegan Crostini Appetizer with Tofu Ricotta
    • Crostini held by a hand with a baking sheet with more crostini in the background.
      How to Make Crostini from a Baguette (Easy Recipe)

    Footer

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

    Picture of chocolate quinoa crunch bar using popped quinoa. Background shows 3 more chocolate quinoa bars on a pink plate on top of a plaid colorful cloth along with a bowl of popped quinoa. Text reads "Chocolate" in fancy blue lettering and "QUINOA CRUNCH" in white block lettering, and "AlternativeDish.com" at the bottom.

    ↑ back to top

    Simple Sauce Guice &
    Join Our Mailing List!

    Unsubscribe at any time. Thanks for joining the Alternative Dish family.

    Privacy Policy | Accessibility Policy

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Alternative Dish