No-cook superfood heaven. Oh yes indeed!
One bite of this superfood candy, and you’ll be hooked. Not only do quinoa chocolate drops taste as good as any sweet, chocolatey candy available, they’re also made with superfoods like quinoa, almonds, dates, and dark chocolate, so they’re good for you, too. If you don’t have access to a food processor, a blender will work with a little more effort.
Other Quinoa Recipes You’ll Love:
Quinoa Protein Bars
Quinoa Almond Joy Bars
Quinoa Banana Berry Smoothie
Quinoa Chocolate Drops
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup quinoa pre-rinsed
- 2/3 cup water
- 16 dates whole, pitted, no sugar added
- 1/2 cup almonds raw, with skin
- 1/3 cup natural crunchy peanut butter optional, almond butter or SunButter
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Add quinoa and water to a small saucepan, cover and bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cook approximately 12-15 minutes, or until all water has been absorbed. Quinoa should still be warm when adding to the ingredients below.
- Add to a food processor or high powered blender, add dates, and pulse until they form a ball. Remove dates and place in a medium mixing bowl. Add almonds to the food processor and pulse until finely minced. Be careful not to turn the almonds into mill.
- Add dates (ball), minced almonds, peanut butter and warm quinoa to the food processor and pulse until ingredients are well combined. Add chocolate chips and pulse until combined and chips are melted into the mixture.
- Return ingredients to the mixing bowl, shape into 24 - 1" drops or balls. Roll drops in crushed almonds if desired. Place on a dish, refrigerate until set.
Notes
Nutrition Information
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If you love quinoa and it’s versatility, check out The New Quinoa E-book ~ An Alternative to Traditional Recipes.
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These sound wonderful! Could they be made with cashew butter and cashews instead? I am allergic to almonds and peanuts.
Carrie, Definitely!! Cashew butter and cashews work great as well.
I have found one MAJOR flaw in this recipe…I can't eat just one! I think I ate six in one sitting! At 154 calories a pop, that can't be good! They were yummy…too yummy!
I so agree with Deanna!!! These are so amazing. Might have to make another batch, since I’ve eaten so many already!!!
Thank you, Theresa. I’m so happy you enjoyed the Quinoa Chocolate Drops.
Is there another dry fruit option for the daters?
Yes, figs, raisins, prunes, and other dried fruits.
There really is no great dried substitute for dates, because they act as a binder as well as a sweetener here. That said, you can try a mix of honey and more nut butter.
how would you substitute oatmeal for the quinoa? would it need to be cooked as well?
Beth, I’m not sure how oatmeal would work. No, you wouldn’t use cooked oatmeal. Try increasing the peanut butter by 2 tablespoons and use 1/3 cup dry old-fashioned oats. 🙂
OMG… Is all I can say. I have tried similar "healthier" chocolate treats with cocoa and was so very disappointed. Actually, I got these made and was afraid to taste them, but boy was I surprised. They're not just 'good for a healthy treat', they are just great! The perfect bite for my after dinner sweet tooth. Now I must exercise self control as not to eat all 24.
Do you mean fresh or dried figs?
Susie, Dried will work fine.
Is there any appropriate substitution for the almonds? We have 2 with a tree nut allergy in the house. Not allergic to peanuts/peanut butter. Is there a seed or something I could use instead?
Deanna, Yes. Peanuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds will all work.
This appears to be the exact same recipe as the Quinoa Protein Bars other than the chocolate chips are not listed as optional. I understand this would make a difference but the calorie counts are completely different. Is there a reason for this?
Christy, Tthey are smaller for those who want fewer calories.
My daughter(grown) and I both love your recipes while we try to keep our family healthy.
Thank you for your kindness in making your site user friendly. Especially the printing of just
the recipe and instructions.
hobohoney
You're welcome:)!
I made these today & they are really good! I added about a tablespoon of cocoa to them, though, for a bit more chocolate taste. I also rolled them in shredded coconut. Can't wait for dessert tonight!
Can they be frozen?
Carol, Yes, freeze in an airtight container and label with sheets of wax paper between each layer.
They sound heavenly, but I cannot justify using 98 points on one bite.
Cindy, 8 points. 🙂
Can dried cranberries be used instead of dates?
Grace, I can’t promise they would work. The cranberries don’t have the same moisture content as the dates.
Just made these and put them in a container in the ‘fridge and headed off to work – by the time I got home, the container was in the sink empty – the entire family ate them up by the time I got home! Thank you for these heavenly indulgences!
Rachel, I love your comment. It’s the same a my house. lol. Please leave a review if you get a free moment.
Sounds good! I have cooked quinoa in the fridge. How much should I use, precooked.
Hi Linda,
You’ll need 2/3 cup cooked quinoa.