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Quinoa Energy Squares

Quinoa Energy Squares

These no-bake quinoa energy squares are chewy, crunchy, and chocolatey—made with toasted quinoa, oats, nut butter, and a maple syrup blend. They're a quick and healthy snack you can make in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chill time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 Pieces
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American with a healthy twist, No bake, vegan
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup uncooked white quinoa
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • 1/2 cup almond butter or any nut butter
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips dairy-free if vegan
  • 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds optional
  • 2 tbsp dried cranberries or chopped dates optional

Method
 

  1. Toast the quinoa
  2. Add 1 cup of uncooked quinoa to a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly for 5–8 minutes until it starts popping and smells nutty. Let it cool.
  3. Heat the syrup base
  4. In a small pot, mix almond butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla, and sea salt. Warm it over low heat and stir until smooth. Don’t let it boil.
  5. Combine dry ingredients
  6. In a large bowl, mix the toasted quinoa, oats, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and dried fruit.
  7. Mix everything together
  8. Pour the warm syrup over the dry ingredients. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
  9. Press into pan
  10. Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper. Press the mixture firmly into the pan using a flat-bottomed glass or your hands.
  11. Add the chocolate topping
  12. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or on the stove. Pour and spread it over the pressed mixture.

Notes

  • Don’t skip toasting the quinoa—it adds a nutty crunch that totally makes the texture.
  • Press the mixture down really firmly. This helps the bars stick together better once chilled.
  • You can swap almond butter for peanut butter or sunflower seed butter, depending on allergies or preferences.
  • These bars are best stored in the fridge but can last in the freezer for up to a month.