For a wholesome and delightful snack, try these mini Peanut Butter and Jam Puffed Quinoa Bites. These bites are kid-friendly and naturally sweetened with honey—they'll be an instant hit with whoever tries them! You can whip up a batch in 15 minutes and easily customize them with your favorite nut or seed butter and jam flavor.
These bites are naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free by choosing dairy-free chocolate chips.
For more healthy snacking, check out my recipes for Tahini Stuffed Dates, High Protein Lemon Mousse, Peanut Butter Energy Bites and Black Bean Brownies.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No bake
- Naturally sweetened
- Customizable -- choose any jam flavor or try a different nut butter!
- Kid friendly!
- Gluten free and dairy free!
Ingredients
- Hemp hearts - or otherwise known as hemp seeds.
- Chocolate chips - I used semi sweet chocolate chips but choose dairy free if necessary and choose naturally sweetened chocolate if you prefer as well.
- Peanut butter - choose well mixed natural creamy peanut butter.
- Jam - Choose any jam flavour you like and you can go with seedless jam if you prefer. Purchase a naturally sweetened jam to have this recipe be entirely naturally sweetened.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
How To Make Puffed Quinoa Bites
Here are the step-by-step instructions to make this recipe.
Step 1: Mix dry ingredients.
Begin by combining the puffed quinoa, hemp hearts, and a pinch of salt in a small mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add the wet ingredients.
Add the natural peanut butter, honey, and pure vanilla extract to the bowl.
Step 3: Mix well.
Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
Step 4: Press mixture into each mini muffin liner.
Line a mini muffin tin with mini muffin liners. Press the quinoa mixture into each well, creating a small indentation in the center of each with the back of a ¼ teaspoon measure.
Step 5: Add jam.
Fill each indentation with ¼ to ½ teaspoon of mixed berry jam.
Step 6: Melt chocolate.
In a double boiler, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the coconut oil until smooth.
Step 7: Add melted chocolate.
Pour the melted chocolate over each quinoa bite, using the back of a spoon to smooth out the chocolate layer.
Step 8: Chill in the fridge.
Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator to allow the bites to set and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Optionally, sprinkle the bites with flaky salt before serving for added flavor and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Ensure that the quinoa mixture is pressed down evenly and doesn't extend above the top of the muffin liner. This allows the melted chocolate to create a smooth and even coating on top of the bites.
- Consider making your own jam using fresh berries for a more vibrant and natural flavor. Homemade jam also allows you to control the sweetness level.
- For a decorative touch, you can drizzle melted peanut butter or a contrasting color of melted chocolate over the bites after the main chocolate layer has set.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations. You can try using different nut butters, jams, or even adding spices like cinnamon to the quinoa mixture for a twist.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can substitute hemp hearts with finely chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) or seeds (such as sunflower seeds or chia seeds) for added crunch and nutrition.
Absolutely! You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter or any other nut or seed butter of your choice based on your preferences.
You can also melt chocolate in the microwave in 15 second intervals and stirring in between until smooth.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within 3-4 days.
More Naturally Sweet Recipes You'll Love
If you tried these Puffed Quinoa Bites or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you!
Recipe
Puffed Quinoa Bites
Ingredients
Puffed Quinoa Mixture
- 1 cup puffed quinoa
- 2 tbsp hemp hearts
- pinch of salt
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Jam Filling
- 3 tbsp mixed berry jam naturally sweet if necessary
Chocolate Topping
- ½ cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tsp coconut oil
Instructions
- Begin by combining the puffed quinoa, hemp hearts, and a pinch of salt in a small mixing bowl.1 cup puffed quinoa, 2 tablespoon hemp hearts, pinch of salt
- Add the natural peanut butter, honey, and pure vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.½ cup natural peanut butter, 2 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Line a mini muffin tin with mini muffin liners. Press the quinoa mixture into each well, creating a small indentation in the center of each with the back of a ¼ teaspoon measure.
- Fill each indentation with ¼ to ½ teaspoon of mixed berry jam.3 tablespoon mixed berry jam
- In a double boiler, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the coconut oil until smooth.½ cup semi sweet chocolate chips, 2 teaspoon coconut oil
- Pour the melted chocolate over each quinoa bite, using the back of a spoon to smooth out the chocolate layer.
- Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator to allow the bites to set. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Optionally, sprinkle the bites with flaky salt before serving for added flavor. Enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure that the quinoa mixture is pressed down evenly and doesn't extend above the top of the muffin liner. This allows the melted chocolate to create a smooth and even coating on top of the bites.
- Consider making your own jam using fresh berries for a more vibrant and natural flavor. Homemade jam also allows you to control the sweetness level.
- For a decorative touch, you can drizzle melted peanut butter or a contrasting color of melted chocolate over the bites after the main chocolate layer has set.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations. You can try using different nut butters, jams, or even adding spices like cinnamon to the quinoa mixture for a twist.
Nutrition
If you make this recipe please leave a comment and give this recipe a rating! I aim to respond to every single comment. I am so grateful when you trust me and try one of my recipe creations in your own kitchen. I love to hear how it went! Let’s connect on Instagram and tag me in your food pics!
‘Til next time,
Christy
Serena says
Where does one find puffed quinoa?
Christy Faber says
I found it at my local health food store (Healthy Planet) in the cereal section! Hope that's helpful.
Megan says
What an awesome snack! Thanks for this idea for after school snack perfection!