Description
These homemade Quinoa Protein Bars are a nutritious snack packed with plant-based protein, healthy fats, and natural sweetness from dates. Perfect for a pre-workout boost or an energy-packed snack on the go, they are easily customizable to suit your dietary preferences. Made with quinoa, dates, almonds, peanut butter, and a touch of chocolate, these bars offer a wholesome alternative to store-bought snacks.
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)
Instructions
- Cook the Quinoa: In a small saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes. Let it cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Process the Dates: Use a food processor to pulse dates until they form a ball. Set aside.
- Process the Almonds: Pulse almonds in the food processor until finely minced, but not to flour consistency.
- Combine Ingredients: Add dates, minced almonds, peanut butter, and chilled quinoa to the processor. Pulse until the mixture combines.
- Shape the Bars: Transfer the mixture to a bowl, shaping it into six bars, about 2 inches by 1 inch.
- Prepare the Chocolate Topping: Melt chocolate chips and honey in a saucepan over low heat or using a double boiler, stirring until smooth.
- Assemble the Bars: Place bars on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spoon the melted chocolate over the top.
- Set the Chocolate: Refrigerate until the chocolate sets.
- Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Notes
- Use almond butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor.
- For a vegan version, replace honey with maple syrup and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
- These bars can be stored in the fridge for a week or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes (excluding chilling time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: 6 bars
- Method: Snacks, Meal Prep, Protein Bars
- Cuisine: No-Bake
