Chocolate Quinoa Peanut Butter Cups
Chocolate Quinoa Peanut Butter Cups
My chocolate quinoa crunch bars are one of my most popular recipes of all time! These chocolate quinoa peanut butter cups were inspired by that original recipe. And, I might even like them better than the original!
My chocolate quinoa crunch bars are one of my most popular recipes of all time! Clearly, we’re all in the mood for some crunchy chocolate bar goodness. These chocolate quinoa peanut butter cups were inspired by that original recipe. And, I might even like them better than the original!
This recipe was inspired by an Instagram comment that suggested adding peanut butter to the chocolate quinoa crunch bars. And I thought–of course! These chocolate quinoa peanut butter cups are another healthy, homemade way to enjoy quinoa as a dessert.
When I was a kid, Nestle Crunch bars were my favorite of the storebought chocolate bars. I haven’t had a Crunch bar in years, and that’s mainly because I’m a big fan of homemade food these days. So, when I’m in the mood for an easy, homemade chocolate bar, instead of driving to the grocery store I reach for my delicious chocolate quinoa crunch bars instead! And these chocolate quinoa peanut butter cups are a great twist on that popular recipe.
I know the chocolate, quinoa, peanut butter combination may sound odd at first, but trust me on this one! It’s like a much healthier Reese’s peanut butter cup, with the added crunch that comes from the toasted quinoa. Get ready to make (and love) you new favorite chocolate quinoa recipe.
How do you toast quinoa?
Toasting quinoa is the key to making these crunchy chocolate cups, well, crunchy! All you have to do is soak your quinoa in water overnight, and then pat them dry. Pour the quinoa in a hot skillet and allow it to toast for 2-4 minutes. As the quinoa toasts, you’ll begin to hear little popping sounds just like popcorn! That means the quinoa is getting toasted. It will also start to smell nutty. Be sure to stir the quinoa continuously while it’s toasting so it doesn’t get too brown. We want our quinoa to be toasted, not burned!
What chocolate can I use for these chocolate bars?
I’m a big fan of dark chocolate, but you can use any chocolate that you like! Milk chocolate (or semi-sweet chocolate) would be great for this recipe too, if that’s more your thing. I recommend melting chocolate chips. I used the Lily’s brand for this recipe which I like because it’s also sugar-free!
Why add coconut oil to the chocolate?
You’ll probably notice a lot of recipes call for adding coconut oil to chocolate while melting. That’s because coconut oil helps the chocolate harden.
What type of nut butter can I use?
I’m a huge fan of almond butter, but you can use peanut butter, cashew butter, hazelnut butter… whatever you like!
Chocolate Quinoa Peanut Butter Cups
Ingredients
- 1 c quinoa, soaked in water overnight and patted dry
- 1 c chocolate chips, melted (I used Lily's sugar free dark chocolate)
- 1/3 c peanut butter or almond butter, your choice!
Instructions
- Heat a sauce pan over medium high heat (get it HOT) and add in the quinoa. Toast for about 2-4 minutes, stirring frequently so it does not burn. The quinoa should start to make popping sounds as it cooks, like popcorn!
- In a separate bowl, mix together the quinoa and melted chocolate.
- Line a muffin pan and scoop about 1 tbsp of the chocolate quinoa into the bottom of each cup.
- Spoon about 1 tbsp of peanut butter or almond butter on top of the chocolate quinoa (it helps if your nut butter is well-stirred and runny).
- Top with the remaining chocolate quinoa and place in the freezer for 1 hr to set. Enjoy!
Notes
I started salt n sprinkles to show that making good food is both fun and easy to do. My recipes are mostly plant-based, and always delicious. I know you'll find just what you're looking for!