Chocolate Quinoa Crunch Clusters (No-Bake)
Simple no-bake clusters made with quinoa, oats, almond butter, and chocolate.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Yield: 18–20 clusters
🧾 Ingredients
• 1 cup cooked quinoa (cooled and dry)
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup almond butter
• ½ cup honey or maple syrup
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional additions:
• ¼ cup chopped nuts
• ¼ cup shredded coconut
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Dry Base
In a large mixing bowl, add:
• Cooked quinoa
• Rolled oats
If using optional nuts or coconut, add them now.
Stir to evenly distribute all dry ingredients.
2. Warm the Almond Butter Mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan over low heat, combine:
• Almond butter
• Honey or maple syrup
Heat gently until:
• The mixture is smooth
• Easy to stir
• Warm but not boiling
Remove from heat.
3. Make the Chocolate Mixture
Add to the warm almond butter mixture:
• Cocoa powder
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
Whisk until fully blended and glossy.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the chocolate mixture over the quinoa and oats.
Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir thoroughly until:
• All quinoa and oats are coated
• No dry patches remain
• Mixture is thick and sticky
5. Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the dark chocolate chips.
If the mixture is still warm, the chips may soften slightly — this helps the clusters hold together.
6. Shape the Clusters
Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Using a tablespoon or small scoop:
• Drop rounded portions onto the tray
• Press lightly to form compact clusters
Leave a small gap between each cluster.
7. Chill to Set
Place the tray in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, until clusters are firm and hold their shape.
⭐ Helpful Tips
✔ Use fully cooled quinoa so excess moisture does not soften the mixture
✔ Stir thoroughly so coating is even
✔ Press clusters firmly so they don’t crumble
✔ If mixture feels loose, chill the bowl for 10 minutes before shaping
🧊 Storage
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days
• Freeze for up to 1 month
• Best served chilled