These vegan one-bowl chocolate quinoa bars are really quick and easy to make. They're a filling healthy snack or a great treat for kids or adults.
Commissioned recipe.
Kids eat a lot of snacks, don't they? Like, a LOT. Summer holidays are mere days away, so I'm already starting to get prepared for the incessant requests for snacks. I try to keep the house filled with healthy options, and ingredients to quickly whip up healthy snacks.
We've been making versions of these chocolate quinoa bars for years. We use whatever's in the cupboard, perhaps adding chopped dried apricots, seeds or nuts. Sometimes a little almond extract, other times some cocoa powder. As long as the bowl is a sticky mess, you can bake it and then cut it into bars.
I've used puffed quinoa, which is available in larger supermarkets and health food shops. If you can't find any, then substitute extra oats, puffed wheat or rice krispies cereal.
Cooking with Kids
These chocolate quinoa bars are a great treat to make with toddlers and kids, as they can measure, pour and mix. It only takes a few minutes to put it together, then 15 minutes in the oven. Kids aren't known for their patience, so I like to make recipes with them that are fast! I don't always add chocolate to these bars, but sometimes it's nice to get that extra chocolate hit.
These bars are a great portable snack on their own, but sometimes we crumble them onto plain yogurt or nana ice cream (frozen banana pieces whipped in a food processor until it forms ice cream).
I like to have kids snacks on hand, full of veggies or fruit. Like these pear muffins from the lovely Janey at Hedgecombers or my spinach muffins with chocolate chips.
I've been working with Organix Foods for a few years now, helping to spread the word about the importance of healthy eating for kids as part of the No Junk Journey. This month, we're talking about snacks for toddlers. My kids are a bit older (5 & 7) but we still have all the issues surrounding snacks. They burn off so much energy so my kids really do need to constantly refuel.
Healthy Snacks for Children:
- Apples with peanut butter
- 'Baby canapes' - a tray with slices of fruit, vegetables etc...
- Energy balls
- Cookies made with a mashed banana, handful of oats and raisins baked until golden.
- Hummus and veggies
- Frozen yogurt
- Smoothies
Even though my children are a little older than the target age range for Organix Goodies, we still often get them. My kids love the taste and the bright packaging, and I love that they're made with nutritious organic ingredients.
For days out, parties or just general snacking, we often have a stash of their products in the cupboard. The mini oat bites are a big hit at my house, as well as the gingerbread men.
We also love to make beetroot vanilla freakshakes, fruity frozen yogurt bark or fruit summer rolls.
Get more ideas for healthy snacks for children by following #NoJunkJourney on social media.
Disclosure: This recipe for Chocolate Quinoa Bars was sponsored by Organix. Thanks for supporting the brands that make it possible for me to write Veggie Desserts - vegetable cake, healthy food and lifestyle.
Recipe
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Chocolate Quinoa Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 50 g puffed quinoa (or substitute puffed wheat or rice cereal)
- 225 g oats
- 100 g dark chocolate , chopped into chunks
- 175 g maple syrup
- 6 tbsp raisins
- 5 tbsp coconut oil , melted
- 3 tbsp desiccated coconut
- 2 tbsp nut butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180C/350F. Line a 8x8’ square baking pan with baking paper.
- In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together well.
- Spread out into the prepared pan and pat down with the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then allow to cool slightly in the tray. Cut into bars and enjoy.
Lubka Henry
I was looking at some quinoa in my cupboard the other day. Thanks for the cool idea 🙂
Mel
What a fabulous idea for a snack - would never have thought to pair quinoa and chocolate
Helen
These look great, a good work snack too. I love quinoa but have never tried using it in cereal type bars.
Beth @ Twinderelmo
With three kids and the holidays coming up anything that takes 5 minutes and is healthy is a real winner in my book! My friend is vegan too so a great snack for when she pops over x
Margaret gallagher
Yummy
I'll definately give these a whirl
Will be fun as we can all make them together
Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy
I really have to get me some puffed quinoa! It's sound like the perfect snack, particularly paired with chocolate! I can't wait to try this as soon as I get some.
Healthy & Psyched
These sound so delicious. I have been making snack bars with oats, but I should get some popped quinoa to change it up a bit.
Edyta/Innocent Delight
I love all the healthy ingredients in this snack. I will be making it with my 4 year old toddler. Thanks for the awesome recipe 🙂
Kelly @ trial and eater
These look like a great healthy snack for kids!
Jenn Peas and Crayons
My 3 year old would be so super excited to make these! Sounds like a fun rainy day kitchen treat =) Love it!
Jeni @ Coquette Kitchen
My goodness these look delicious! I love the puffed quinoa, and yes, its a brilliant choice for young kids. Also my husband. He goes through the snacks too!
Rhian Westbury
These sound yummy and perfect for the summer holidays when the kids are demanding more food x
Rachel
Everything about this recipe says I need to try them, anything with coconut and chocolate in it gets my vote x
Carla S
i would have never have thought to substitute something like oats or rice krispies for puffed quinoa. What a clever and healthier alternative!
Kara
I love the way you have styled the photography for the recipe. They look delicious too
Oui Stephanie
I've never tried puffed quinoa, trying it with chocolate seems like a good way to get into it! These look just like yummy flapjacks as well! Stephanie xx