Are you looking for a crunchy, chocolaty, and healthy snack? Then, you should try this easy dark chocolate quinoa crisps recipe—a homemade, gluten-free snack that’s both delicious and nutritious.
It’s a delicious and nutritious treat made with quinoa and dark chocolate.
This recipe is easy to make. Whenever you want sweet treats or quick or go-to-go snacks, you can make them at home.
So, in this post, I’ll give you the complete dark chocolate quinoa crisps recipe.
Plus, I will discuss some other pairing options that will enhance your overall snacking experience.
Why You’ll Love Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps
I personally love this best dark chocolate quinoa crisps recipe because it’s quick, easy to make, and perfect for meal prep.
You just need some simple ingredients, which are commonly available in the kitchen.
Moreover, it’s a customizable recipe, so you can substitute ingredients if something is missing or when you just want slightly different flavors or have different dietary preferences, such as you’re a vegan.
Besides this, you can prepare them in advance, like making a big batch at the start of the week, and then enjoy snacks over the week.
Overall, this Dark Chocolate quinoa recipe is perfect if you want healthy snacks that are delicious and easy to make.
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 Section
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
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 almond milk latte—its creamy, nutty flavor pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate.
Besides this, you can blend strawberries, blueberries, and bananas with almond milk and enjoy it alongside the crisps.
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 mixed nuts and dried fruit mix, such as almonds, cashews, and dried cranberries, to make your snack even healthier and more satisfying.
Desserts:
You can have quinoa crisps as a crunchy topping on any ice cream, like vanilla, for an extra texture boost.
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.
These are some of my favorite ways to eat quinoa crisps. I’ve tried them with almond milk, fruits, etc., but my personal favorite was milk more than fruit.
You can also experiment with different pairings and share your experience with me in the comments section!
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.
- Use Parchment Paper: You have to line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Add a Pinch of Sea Salt: Sprinkle sea salt to enhance the chocolate’s sweetness and add a gold-matte touch.
- 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.
- Experiment with Toppings: You can try different toppings like pistachios, shredded coconut, or drizzled white chocolate for extra flavor.
- 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
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.
Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps
Ingredients
- 1 cup puffed and cooled quinoa
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips 70% cocoa or higher
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar alternative
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: A pinch of sea salt
- Pro Tip: Use high-quality chocolate like Guittard or Ghirardelli for better flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Quinoa
- Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under water to remove bitterness.
- Boil 2 cups of water, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until tender.
- Spread cooked quinoa on a baking sheet in a thin layer and let it cool completely.
- (For extra flavor, toast it in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes.)
Step 2: Melt the Dark Chocolate
- Break 1 cup of dark chocolate chips into small pieces for even melting.
- Boiler Method: Place a heatproof bowl over simmering water, add chocolate, and stir until melted.
- Microwave Method: Heat chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Add 1 tbsp honey and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the melted chocolate and stir well.
Step 3: Combine and Form Crisps
- Mix the cooled quinoa into the melted chocolate and stir until fully coated.
- Drop spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and shape them into clusters.
- Sprinkle sea salt, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut for extra texture.
Step 4: Let Them Set and Enjoy
- Refrigerate crisps for 30 minutes to set properly.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature (for a few days) or in the fridge (for up to a week).
- (Pro Tip: Drizzle melted white chocolate over crisps for an extra touch.)
Notes
As a passionate home cook and food enthusiast, I’m specialize in recreating popular café and restaurant-style chocolate recipes at home. I have experience in testing and customizing various chocolate-based dishes, I focus on using fresh, high-quality ingredients to make preservative-free, delicious treats. My goal is to help chocolate lovers enjoy their favorite recipes with a homemade touch and personalized twists.