Name: 4-Ingredient Dark Chocolate Quinoa Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: PT-491144H20M11S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate; 1/2 cup puffed quinoa; 2 tbsp nut butter (almond or peanut); 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey

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4-Ingredient Dark Chocolate Quinoa Bites are one of my favorite healthy treats when I want something sweet, crunchy, and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. These no-bake bites combine the richness of dark chocolate with the crispy texture of puffed quinoa for a snack that feels indulgent but is secretly wholesome.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s ridiculously easy and only takes a handful of pantry staples. There’s no oven involved, and I can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes. The puffed quinoa adds a light crunch, the dark chocolate gives deep, rich flavor, and a bit of nut butter or sweetener ties everything together beautifully. Plus, they’re great for meal prep and freeze well too. 4-Ingredient Dark Chocolate Quinoa Bites

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Dark chocolate (chopped or chips)
Puffed quinoa
Nut butter (like almond or peanut butter)
Maple syrup or honey

Directions

I melt the dark chocolate gently in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan (double boiler style) or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth.
Once melted, I stir in the nut butter and maple syrup until fully combined.
I fold in the puffed quinoa until it’s evenly coated in the chocolate mixture.
I scoop the mixture into mini muffin tins or drop spoonfuls onto a parchment-lined tray.
I chill in the fridge or freezer for 20–30 minutes until firm, then store them in an airtight container.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 bites.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 20–30 minutes
Total time: Around 30–40 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I stir in a pinch of sea salt, cinnamon, or vanilla extract for extra flavor. I’ve also added chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried cranberries for a fun twist. For a protein boost, I mix in a spoonful of protein powder with the melted chocolate.

storage/reheating

I store the bites in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. They stay firm and crunchy cold but soften slightly at room temperature. I don’t reheat them—they’re best served chilled or right out of the fridge. 4-Ingredient Dark Chocolate Quinoa Bites

FAQs

Can I use regular cooked quinoa?

No. I use puffed quinoa to get that light, crispy texture. Cooked quinoa will be too soft and won’t hold together well in these bites.

Where do I find puffed quinoa?

I usually find it in the cereal or health food section of the store. If not, I puff it at home by heating dry, rinsed quinoa in a dry skillet until it pops.

Can I use milk or white chocolate?

Yes. I prefer dark chocolate for its rich flavor, but I’ve used milk and white chocolate too—they just make the bites a little sweeter.

What nut butter works best?

I usually go with almond or peanut butter, but cashew butter or sunflower seed butter works well if I want a nut-free version.

Do I need to grease the pan?

If I’m using a mini muffin tin, I line it with paper liners or silicone molds for easy removal. On a tray, parchment paper works best.

Conclusion

4-Ingredient Dark Chocolate Quinoa Bites are one of my favorite simple treats—crunchy, rich, and naturally sweet. With just a few ingredients and no baking required, they’re perfect for snacking, lunchboxes, or even a healthy dessert. I love how easy they are to customize and how satisfying they are straight from the fridge.