Chocolate Quinoa Bark
A wholesome and delicious treat combining rich dark chocolate with the nutty crunch of toasted quinoa, coconut, and seeds, perfect for snacking or gifting.
Ingredients
For the Bark
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil Adds healthy fats and a hint of sweetness. Use a high-quality, virgin coconut oil for flavor.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup Nature’s sweetener! You can replace this with honey for a non-vegan option.
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa Don’t forget to rinse it before cooking to eliminate bitterness!
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut Use unsweetened for a more authentic nuttiness.
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds Great crunch and adds proteins; feel free to swap with sunflower seeds if needed.
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds Provides an extra nutritional boost.
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds Adds fiber and helps bind the mixture together.
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder Enhances the flavor.
- 250 grams dark chocolate, chopped Aim for 70% or higher for the best health benefits and taste.
- Cacao nibs for garnish (optional) Adds an extra crunch and rich chocolate flavor.
- Liquid sea salt for garnish (optional) Just a sprinkle will elevate the sweetness of the dark chocolate.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for toasting the quinoa.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small saucepan, heat coconut oil and maple syrup over medium heat until melted, stirring gently.
- Add the rinsed quinoa, shredded coconut, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds, and cocoa powder. Mix well.
- Spread the mixture evenly on the baking sheet and press down to compact it.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet.
Finishing Touches
- Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or microwave until smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the cooled quinoa mixture and smooth it out.
- Garnish with cacao nibs and a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Chill in the refrigerator until firm, about 30 minutes. Once set, break into pieces.
Notes
Store your chocolate quinoa bark in an airtight container for up to a week. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge or freeze it for up to three months. Feel free to experiment with flavors and customize it as needed.