Quinoa Protein Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutrient-Rich: Quinoa is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, making these bars an excellent plant-based protein source.
• Natural Sweetness: Sweetened with dates, these bars offer a touch of natural sweetness without relying on refined sugars.
• Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, such as using almond butter instead of peanut butter or adding chocolate chips for an extra treat.
• Convenient: Prepare a batch and have a healthy snack ready to grab on the go throughout the week.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup pre-rinsed quinoa
• 2/3 cup water
• 16 whole dates, pitted, no sugar added
• 1/2 cup raw almonds, with skin
• 1/3 cup natural crunchy peanut butter (almond butter is an option)
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

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

Directions

1. Cook the Quinoa: In a small saucepan, combine the quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for approximately 15 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

2. Process the Dates: Using a food processor, pulse the pitted dates until they form a ball. Remove them from the processor and set aside.

3. Process the Almonds: In the same processor, pulse the raw almonds until finely minced, being careful not to over-process into flour.

4. Combine Ingredients: Add the dates, minced almonds, peanut butter, and chilled quinoa to the food processor. Pulse until the mixture is well combined.

5. Shape the Bars: Transfer the mixture to a bowl and shape it into six bars, each approximately 2 inches by 1 inch and about 1 inch thick.

6. Prepare the Chocolate Topping: In a small saucepan over low heat or using a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips and honey together, stirring until smooth.

7. Assemble the Bars: Place the shaped bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a spoon, spread a thin layer of the melted chocolate mixture over the top of each bar.

8. Set the Chocolate: Refrigerate the bars until the chocolate topping hardens.

9. Store: Once set, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days.

Optional: For a lighter version, omit the honey and add the chocolate chips directly to the food processor when combining the ingredients.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 bars
• Preparation Time: Approximately 25 minutes (excluding chilling time)
• Chilling Time: At least 2 hours or overnight
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes

Variations

• Nut Butter Choices: Substitute peanut butter with almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or any preferred nut butter.
• Sweetener Options: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan version.
• Add-ins: Incorporate dried fruits, such as cranberries or raisins, or seeds like chia or flax for added nutrition.
• Chocolate Layer: For a richer taste, add a thicker layer of chocolate or mix in cocoa powder with the dry ingredients.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before consuming.

FAQs

1. Can I use cooked quinoa instead of pre-rinsed quinoa?

It’s recommended to use pre-rinsed quinoa and cook it yourself to control the texture and avoid excess moisture.

2. Are these bars suitable for vegans?

Yes, by substituting honey with maple syrup and ensuring the chocolate chips are dairy-free, these bars can be made vegan.

3. How do I prevent the bars from being too sticky?

Ensure the quinoa is fully cooked and cooled before mixing, and consider refrigerating the mixture briefly before shaping.

4. Can I add protein powder to these bars?

Yes, incorporating a scoop of your preferred protein powder can boost the protein content. Adjust the wet ingredients as needed to maintain the right consistency.

5. What can I use instead of chocolate chips?

Chopped dark chocolate, carob chips, or cacao nibs are suitable alternatives.

6. How can I make these bars nut-free?

Use sunflower seed butter instead of nut butter and ensure all other ingredients are nut-free.

7. Can I bake these bars instead of refrigerating?

These bars are designed to be no-bake. Baking may alter the texture and nutritional profile.

8. How can I make these bars sweeter?

You can add extra honey or maple syrup to the mixture if you’d like a sweeter taste.

9. Are these bars gluten-free?

Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making these bars safe for those following a gluten-free diet.

10. Can I use other types of nuts?

Yes, feel free to use other nuts such as cashews, walnuts, or pecans for variety.

Conclusion

These Quinoa Protein Bars are a fantastic and healthy snack option. Whether you’re looking for a quick energy boost or a nutritious on-the-go snack, these bars have you covered. Packed with protein, healthy fats, and natural sweetness, they’re both delicious and customizable. Perfect for meal prep, they will keep you satisfied and energized throughout the day.