Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps Recipe | Healthy Gluten-Free Snack

If you want a crunchy, chocolaty, and healthy snack, you should try this easy dark chocolate quinoa crisps recipe.

It’s a homemade, gluten-free chocolate treat that I tried recently, and it’s both delicious and nutritious.

These quinoa chocolate bites are made with dark chocolate and puffed quinoa, and they are a healthy chocolate snack for any time craving — just like my chocolate-covered popcorn with cocoa powder or bakery-style oatmeal chocolate chip muffins recipe.

So, in this post, I’ll give you my step-by-step dark chocolate quinoa crisps recipe and some tips to make it perfect.

Plus, I’ll share tasty pairing ideas that will enhance your overall snacking experience.

 

Why You’ll Love Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps

There are many reasons why I personally love this best dark chocolate quinoa crisps recipe. 

It’s quick, easy to make, and perfect for meal prep.

You only need a few simple ingredients—they might already be in your kitchen—to whip up these puffed quinoa chocolate clusters in minutes.

It’s a customizable recipe, so you can swap ingredients if something is missing or tailor it to your dietary preferences. 

You can make it vegan, dairy-free, or simply turn it into a low-sugar chocolate snack.

Another reason I love these homemade quinoa chocolate bites is that you can prepare them in advance.

For example, if you love having snacks regularly (like I do at 11 am and 4 pm), you can make a big batch at the start of the week.

So you’ll have healthy chocolate snacks ready whenever you want for the next few days.

Overall, this dark chocolate quinoa recipe is perfect if you want nutrient-packed, gluten-free snacks that are as easy to make as they are delicious.

 

Ingredients for Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious snack:

• 1 cup puffed and cooled quinoa
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher for a healthier option) 
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: A pinch of sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast

Pro Tip: You can use reputed brands like Guittard, Ghirardelli, etc, for the best flavor and health benefits.

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making homemade dark chocolate quinoa crisps is easy and simple; here’s the step-by-step guide for this quick chocolate snack:

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Quinoa

You will first have to rinse 1 cup of quinoa underwater to remove any bitterness from it.

Then, you will first combine quinoa with two cups of water for flavor and bring it to a boil.

When it’s about to boil, reduce the heat to low, then cover it and let it simmer for around 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and the water is absorbed.

After that, spread cooked quinoa on a baking sheet in a thin layer and let it cool down completely.

Pro tip: if you want extra flavor, you can toast quinoa in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Melt the Dark Chocolate to Perfection

First, you have to take high-quality dark chocolate chips or a bar.

• If you are using a bar, break it into small pieces. This makes melting easier.

Next, melt the chocolate using any method, such as the boiler method or microwave method.

Boiler Method

• Place a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water.
• Add the chocolate to the bowl and keep stirring.
• Eventually, the chocolate will melt.

Microwave Method

• Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.
• Heat it in 30-second intervals, but stir in between.
• Repeat until the chocolate is completely smooth.

When the chocolate is almost smooth or fully melted, add 1 tablespoon of honey (or any sugar alternative) and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.

• Stir until fully incorporated.

Important: Do not overheat the chocolate—it will seize and become grainy.

Step 3: Combine and Create Your Crisps

Add the cooled quinoa to the melted chocolate mixture and whisk until the quinoa is fully coated with chocolate.

Then, drop a spoonful of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

• Shape them into small clusters to form crisps.

Finally, sprinkle sea salt, crushed nuts (like pistachios), shredded coconut, etc., for extra flavor and texture.

Pro Tip: Use a small cookie scoop for evenly sized crisps.

Step 4: Let Them Set and Enjoy

Once you have made crisps on a parchment-lined baking sheet, place the sheet in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the crisps set properly.

Once they are fully set, transfer them to an airtight container.

• If stored in the fridge, they will stay fresh for up to a week.
• If you keep them at room temperature, they will last for a few days.

Pro Tip: For extra fun, drizzle melted white chocolate over the crisps before serving.

 

Nutrition Value

These dark chocolate quinoa crisps are not just delicious but nutritious, too. They are packed with nutrition. 

Here is a breakdown of their benefits and nutritional value.

• Quinoa is a high-protein, fiber-rich grain, making these dark chocolate quinoa crisps a great post-workout snack or healthy dessert alternative. You can enjoy them anytime during the day.
• Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, which help support heart health and reduce inflammation.
• For a twist, you can also use white chocolate, but keep in mind that dark chocolate with high cocoa content has less sugar compared to white chocolate.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 3g
• Carbs: 15g
• Fat: 6g

 

What to Serve With Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps

What to Serve With Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps (Updated with Internal Links)

These dark chocolate quinoa crisps are versatile, and you can serve them with different beverages, snacks, and desserts.

Here are some of my suggestions for a better snacking experience.

Beverages:

• You can serve these crisps with a warm hot chocolate with cocoa powder and almond milk — its creamy, nutty flavor pairs well with the rich chocolate.
• Besides this, you can blend strawberries, blueberries, and bananas with almond milk and enjoy it alongside the crisps. Or try a chilled strawberry banana chocolate protein smoothie for a refreshing pairing.
• Furthermore, herbal tea is also a great option for a light and refreshing pairing.

Snacks:

• Along with quinoa crisps, you can have some strawberry, banana, or orange slices for a refreshing touch.
• Besides this, you can pair them with Greek yogurt drizzled with honey and topped with nuts—it will taste delicious and add extra protein.
• You can also have a 3-ingredient vegan coconut macaroons recipe for a light, chewy companion snack.
• Or, mix them with chocolate-covered dates with almond butter for an indulgent yet healthy platter.

Desserts:

• You can have quinoa crisps as a crunchy topping on any ice cream, like vanilla, for an extra texture boost — I especially love them over orange chocolate mcflurry.
• Another great option is a rich dark chocolate fondue—use these crispy quinoa bites as dippers alongside fresh strawberries, pineapple chunks, and marshmallows for a fun treat.
• I also love a cheese board with dark chocolate and nuts, as it creates a gourmet dessert experience.

 

Ingredient Substitutes

Want to try some different ingredients? Here are some options you can try:

• You can swap quinoa with puffed rice or oats for a different texture.
• Instead of dark chocolate, you can use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even vegan chocolate chips.
• For a sugar-free, low-carb option, replace honey with alternatives like monk fruit sweetener, maple syrup, stevia, or agave syrup.

 

Tips for Perfect Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps

When you are going to make a Dark chocolate quinoa crisp recipe, make sure you keep these 5 tips in mind. They will help you make a perfect recipe.

1. Use Parchment Paper: You have to line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Add a Pinch of Sea Salt: Sprinkle sea salt to enhance the chocolate’s sweetness and add a gold-matte touch.
3. Store Properly: Store crisps in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, keep the container in the fridge, where they will stay fresh for up to a week.
4. Experiment with Toppings: You can try different toppings like pistachios, shredded coconut, or drizzled white chocolate for extra flavor.
5. Control the Sweetness: Make sure to adjust the sweetness to your preference, whether you are using honey or maple syrup.

 

Conclusion

This was the best dark chocolate quinoa crisps recipe! You can enjoy these easy homemade quinoa chocolate bites anytime as they are nutrient-packed, crunchy, and chocolaty.

Besides this, they’re easy to make and can be paired with dessert beverages and various snacks.

So now what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and make your own batch. And don’t forget to share your experience with me in the comment section. I would like to know.

 

FAQs

Are dark chocolate quinoa crisps healthy?

Yes, this Dark Chocolate quinoa crisps recipe that I share is a healthy snack. And, it is a healthy snack because it provides you with nutrition like protein, fiber, and antioxidants. 

On the other hand, it is gluten-free and low in processed sugar, too. Therefore, you can eat it post-workout, or during snack time, or even late at night. It’s perfect.

Can I make quinoa crisps without chocolate?

Yes, you can use nut butter or honey instead of using chocolate, but it will have a completely different flavor. And, more importantly, it doesn’t have chocolate quinoa bites anymore if there is no chocolate.

How do you store quinoa crisps?

I store these Homemade Chocolate Quinoa Chips in an airtight container, and I keep that container in the fridge. By doing so, they stay ready to eat for the next two weeks. 

By the way, if you want to eat them for a longer time, you can freeze them and they will be ready to eat for the next three months. 

However, I recommend you store them for two weeks, and then you can make them again.

Can I use uncooked quinoa?

No, you shouldn’t use uncooked quinoa, as it won’t provide any texture. 

So you must cook it and cool it down when you are coating it with chocolate.

How long do these crisps last?

If you are, use an airtight container and keep that container at room temperature so it will last for a few days, depending on the temperature in your room. 

However, if you keep that container in a refrigerator, they can last up to a week.

Are they kid-friendly?

Yes, these dark chocolate quinoa crisps are kid-friendly as they are sweet and have a crunchy texture, and kids love that. 

Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some protein and fiber while satisfying your kid’s sweet tooth. So yeah, you can give it to your kids.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Of course, you can make quinoa crisps vegan; you just have to use vegan dark chocolate and replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Can I freeze these crisps?

Yup, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. You just have to place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. 

Then, separate each layer with parchment paper so that they don’t stick with each other.