Quinoa Chocolate Crisps Recipe

If you’re searching for a delicious, crunchy, and better-for-you treat, look no further than Quinoa Chocolate Crisps. These incredibly moreish bites combine creamy melted chocolate, nutty puffed quinoa, and (optionally) a swirl of peanut butter, all crowned with a pinch of flaky sea salt. The result is a snappy, salty-sweet snack you’ll find yourself craving at all hours. Whether you’re making a big batch for meal prep, after-school treats, or midnight snacks, Quinoa Chocolate Crisps offer the perfect blend of ease, taste, and better-for-you snacking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Quinoa Chocolate Crisps plays a key role, from the deep, rich chocolate base to the airy crunch of puffed quinoa. These pantry staples mingle to create an inviting medley of flavors and textures that make each bite irresistible.

• Dark chocolate (12 ounces): Opt for at least 70% cacao for a bold, rich flavor — it’s the backbone of the crisps and keeps the sweetness perfectly balanced.
• Peanut butter (½ cup, optional): This adds extra creaminess and a hint of nutty depth; skip it if you want a more classic chocolate snap.
• Puffed quinoa (3 cups): The star of the show, lending irresistible crunch and a light, airy texture that makes these bites so unique.
• Flaky salt (for garnish): Just a sprinkle! It brings out the chocolate’s flavor and gives an addictive sweet-salty contrast.

How to Make Quinoa Chocolate Crisps

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Start by preparing your landing zone for deliciousness. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal, or, if you love perfectly round crisps, give a mini muffin tin a quick spray with cooking oil. Both methods work beautifully — it just depends on your presentation style!

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate (and Peanut Butter!)

Next, combine your chocolate and optional peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Give it short bursts in the microwave at 20% power for about 15 seconds at a time, stirring in between until just melted and glossy. No microwave? No problem. A double boiler works too, melting everything gently together for a smooth, luscious mixture. Let it stand for a minute and get perfectly silky.

Step 3: Mix in the Quinoa

Time for the magic! Fold in the puffed quinoa, making sure every tiny sphere is coated in that glossy chocolate-peanut butter bliss. The mixture should look textured and slightly airy — don’t overmix, but make sure all the quinoa is covered.

Step 4: Portion the Crisps

Scoop the mixture onto your prepared tray or into the mini muffin tin, using a cookie scoop or a big tablespoon for uniform bites. Sprinkle each mound with a few flakes of salt. That tiny pinch transforms each bite!

Step 5: Let Them Set

Pop your tray or muffin tin into the freezer for about 30 minutes (or the fridge for an hour) until the Quinoa Chocolate Crisps are firm and set. If you’ve used a muffin tin, slip a knife along the side to gently pop them out. For batch-making, you can move the first round to a baking tray after 15 minutes and keep going!

How to Serve Quinoa Chocolate Crisps

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of flaky sea salt takes these crisps from good to unforgettable. Try a dab of melted white chocolate drizzled on top, or even a dusting of cocoa powder for dramatic flair — the contrast with the dark chocolate is stunning!

Side Dishes

Pair your Quinoa Chocolate Crisps with a tall glass of cold milk, your favorite coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla Greek yogurt for a little extra protein. They’re also fabulous with a platter of fresh berries for a colorful, antioxidant-rich treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Set out the crisps in pretty gold or silver mini cupcake liners for a holiday gathering, pack them into little jars as edible gifts, or stack them high on a tiered dessert stand for a party-centerpiece snack everyone will swoon over. These bites look beautiful and taste even better in any setting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Quinoa Chocolate Crisps in an airtight container in the fridge, laying parchment paper between the layers. They’ll stay perfectly crisp and delicious for up to a week — not that they’ll last that long!

Freezing

Pop any leftovers or big batches into the freezer for up to two months. Again, use parchment between layers to prevent sticking. Take out a few whenever you need a chocolatey, crunchy fix and let them thaw for just a few minutes before enjoying.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat these treats! Simply enjoy them straight from the fridge or, if frozen, let them sit at room temperature for 5 minutes for the best texture and snap.

FAQs

Can I use milk or white chocolate instead of dark?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any chocolate you adore — milk or white chocolate makes these sweeter and creamier, while dark chocolate offers an intense, rich snap that highlights the puffed quinoa. Just be sure to melt it gently for a smooth base.

How do I make puffed quinoa at home?

If you can’t find store-bought puffed quinoa, it’s easy to make yourself. Simply heat plain, rinsed quinoa in a dry skillet over medium heat, shaking frequently, until it pops and turns golden. Let it cool before mixing into the melted chocolate for perfectly crisp Quinoa Chocolate Crisps.

Is there a nut-free option?

Yes! If you’re avoiding nuts, leave out the peanut butter or swap it for sunflower seed butter. You’ll get that same creamy consistency and complementary flavor, making your Quinoa Chocolate Crisps perfectly allergy friendly.

Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?

It’s fun to experiment! Puffed rice, millet, or amaranth all work marvelously in place of quinoa if you want a different type of crunch. The method remains exactly the same for your own custom chocolate crisps.

Do these need to be kept in the refrigerator?

For the absolute best texture and freshness, yes. Keeping Quinoa Chocolate Crisps cool helps them stay firm and preserves their irresistible crunch. They’ll hold together at room temp for a little while if you’re bringing them to a party, but avoid direct sunlight or heat so they don’t melt.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall in love with crunchy, chocolatey goodness, there’s no better place to start than Quinoa Chocolate Crisps. Whip up a batch to share (or not!), and let these little treats bring extra joy to snack time, dessert, or any moment that could use a sweet and salty lift.

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