Superfood Chocolate Quinoa Bark
Try this Superfood Chocolate Quinoa Bark recipe
Try this Superfood Chocolate Quinoa Bark recipe
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup (either works great (i like
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules (optional (but i love the
- good pinch of flaky sea salt
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa (rinsed + dried)
- 1/2 cup raw almonds (roughly chopped)
- 1/2 cup raw cashews (roughly chopped)
- 1/2 cup mixed raw seeds (i used hemp seeds (flax seeds chia seeds + sesame seeds))
- 12 ounces vegan or dark chocolate (chopped (i like to use 9
- cacao nibs + dried roses (for topping (optional))
- Carbohydrate 1.0626 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 27.20504 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0.00504 g
- Saturated Fat 23.52884 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (376g)
- Sodium 0.756 mg
- Sugar 1.0626 g
- Trans Fat 1.607824 g
- Calories 259 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt together the honey or maple syrup and coconut oil on high power, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Whisk in the vanilla, coffee granules, and salt.
- Add the quinoa, almonds, cashews, and mixed seeds. Stir until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture in an even, thin layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
- While the bark is baking, melt the chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave.
- Spread the melted chocolate over the bark in an even layer.
- Sprinkle with cacao nibs.
- Place the pan in the fridge to set for about 30 minutes (or the freezer for 15).
- Remove and break into pieces. Store in a sealed container in the fridge.
Superfood Chocolate Quinoa Bark: A Busy Mom's Guilt-Free Indulgence
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and ensuring everyone gets a healthy dinner on the table, finding time for myself, let alone indulging in a sweet treat, often feels impossible. But then I discovered this Superfood Chocolate Quinoa Bark, and let me tell you, it's changed my life (or at least my after-dinner routine!).
This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s surprisingly quick and easy to make, perfect for those evenings when you need a little something sweet but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. The quinoa adds a satisfying crunch and a boost of protein, making this far more wholesome than your average chocolate bark. Forget those guilt-ridden moments after sneaking a handful of store-bought sweets; this bark lets me indulge without the post-treat self-recrimination.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. I've experimented with different nuts and seeds, swapping in pumpkin seeds for the hemp seeds, or adding a sprinkle of dried cranberries for a burst of tartness. It's a fantastic way to use up leftover nuts, too! The chocolate is rich and decadent, but the quinoa and other ingredients add a complexity that keeps it from being overly sweet. It's the perfect balance of healthy and indulgent.
I often make a double batch on the weekend and keep it stored in the fridge. It's the ideal snack for those busy weekday mornings when I'm rushing to get the kids ready for school. It’s a great energy booster, too! A couple of squares provide sustained energy, far better than a sugary candy bar which will leave me with a mid-morning crash. The kids even love it – and that's a win-win in my book!
Beyond the Kitchen: This recipe has become more than just a dessert for me. It’s a small act of self-care amidst the chaos. The process of making it, even if it only takes twenty minutes, offers a welcome pause in my day. It’s a moment of quiet calm, a chance to disconnect from the demands of work and family and focus on something creative and enjoyable. And the end result? A delicious, healthy treat that makes me feel good inside and out.
So, if you're a busy mom (or anyone, really!) who's looking for a healthy and delicious snack that's both satisfying and guilt-free, I wholeheartedly recommend giving this Superfood Chocolate Quinoa Bark a try. It's a game-changer. Trust me on this one!
Variations to Explore:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Fruity twist: Incorporate dried fruits like cherries or blueberries.
- Nutty delight: Experiment with different types of nuts like pecans or macadamia nuts.
- Sea Salt Swirl: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the chocolate's richness.
Enjoy! And remember, taking time for yourself, even in small ways, is crucial. This bark is just one small way to nourish both your body and soul.
