Healthy Chocolate Crunch Energy Bites

5 from 2 votes

These no bake energy bites are unlike ones you have had before. They add a certain POP that you can't find too often. Why is that?? We add popped quinoa to these babies to provide a crunch to these healthy chocolate no bake bites! Reminds me of the crunch bars growing up. You will love this healthy snack!

Prep Time5

Cook Time0

Total Time8

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chocolate bars, clean eating, energy bites, healthy recipes, healthy sweets, no bake, quinoa, sweet treats

Servings:

Calories: 112kcal

Author: Alaina Hinkle

Equipment

food processor

Ingredients

8 large dates -- make sure you take the pits out -- I highly recommend the fresh dates from the bulk section of your grocer. Those are the perfect sizes. In the bags the end up getting more dried out & are smaller
1/2 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup raw pecans
3 tbsp natural almond butter or cashew butter want to make sure it is the kind where natural oil occurs at the top. After mixing it, the nut butters will still have a very creamy texture needed for the energy bites
2 1/2 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp oat flour
2 tbsp pop quinoa ( see directions for popping quinoa below)
1/4 tsp salt
( may add 1 -2 tsp of maple syrup if you would like it sweeter, I have done both! I personally like to not add it, because I don't like things as sweet, but what ever works for you!)

Instructions

In food processor add pecans, cashews & dates (make sure you have taken the pits out) Pulse until mixture is fine & tiny pieces, when you press down mixture starts to stick a bit together.
Transfer the mixture from the processor to a medium sized bowl. Then add in cocoa powder, salt & whisk together until fully combined. Then add in almond butter & with a spatula mix until throughly combined, it should start to resemble dough. Then add in 1-1 1/2 tbsp of POPPED quinoa. This gives it that extra nutritional boost as well as an amazing toasty crunch too. Fold that in with spatula also. [THIS is where you will add the maple syrup if you want to. Only 1 tsp or 2.. they are sweetened by dates & the chocolate really comes out with less Maple Syrup, but I understand wanting to add some in, because it is delish either way! You choose what is best for you! :) ]
Then roll into 8 energy bite balls & place in container to freeze! Then keep in freezer & pull them out at any given moment.... & let me tell you it will be EVERY given moment :) Make sure you check out below, how to pop that yummy quinoa

How to POP your quinoa!

Heat up a medium non stick skillet to medium heat. Spray with olive oil & then take a towel & rub in the oil. Let it heat for about 3 minutes, to get it nice and hot at medium. Then layer your white quinoa to cover the whole skillet.
Then wait for about 3 minutes, then start to shake the pan & continue to do so for about 8 minutes. Until you hear the popping & smell the toasting of the quinoa. Continue to shake it, so that it doesn't burn. Until you start to hear the popping die off. It should only take about 8 minutes and you can see it start to brown & smell nutty. Try with a spoon some of it, it should be nice, crispy & nutty! PERFECT for on top of salads, yogurt, in chocolate to add that crunch!
Transfer to a bowl & let cool until real to use. Store in a sealed container.

Nutrition