These Healthy Quinoa Crispy Treats are a healthier spin on Rice Crispy Treats. They use puffed quinoa as the base with almond butter and brown rice syrup to keep them sticky and sweet. They’re a healthier version of a childhood classic!

Do you remember Rice Crispy Treats and how much fun they were to eat as a child? I can still remember the big bowl my mother made them in and how excited I was to lick the spoon. She’d always make them for summer cookouts and I can still see the gooey marshmallow, feel the stickiness on my fingers, and hear the crunch.

https://youtu.be/UJQkhdcplrw

Healthier ingredients:

Since I still crave my childhood foods from time to time, I’ve decided to give this dessert a healthier upgrade. This version uses puffed quinoa which is not only trendy, but makes them higher in protein. A combination of creamy almond butter and sticky brown rice syrup replace the sugary marshmallow, and vegan chocolate chips are melted and drizzled on top. They cut beautifully, present well and are incredibly delicious!

A note about ingredients:

You can find quinoa puffs in specialty grocery stores and also on Nuts.com. You’ll notice they’re called “Quinoa Puffs” but don’t let the name fool you, they’re actually crunchy which is key to this recipe. Also, I like using Enjoy Life Foods chocolate chips since they’re always free of dairy, soy, corn, gluten and nuts.

I used to make these Quinoa Crispy Treats in bulk for a juice bar and they were always a big hit. Make these for your next party or pot-luck; I promise you wont be disappointed 🙂

Specialty Ingredients for this recipe:

Healthy Quinoa Crispy Treats

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Healthy Quinoa Crispy Treats

Vegan | Gluten-Free | No-Bake

Course Dessert

Servings 12 squares

Ingredients

For the crispy treat:

• 2 1/2 cups crispy quinoa*
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup creamy, unsalted almond butter** all natural
• 1/2 cup brown rice syrup***
• 1 Tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional

For the chocolate drizzle:

• 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips I prefer Enjoy Life Brand
• 1 Tablespoon coconut oil
• coconut oil spray

Instructions

1. Line an 8 x 8 baking dish with parchment paper and spray lightly with coconut oil.
2. In a large mixing bowl combine the quinoa crisps, ground cinnamon and sea salt.
3. In a small saucepan over low heat combine the almond butter, brown rice syrup, coconut oil and vanilla extract until melted and combined.
4. Pour the almond butter mixture over the quinoa crisps and using a wooden spoon mix everything together. Pour this mixture (it will be thick) into your prepared baking dish and I like to use a spatula that I wet lightly with water to smooth the top.
5. Place this into the freezer while making the chocolate drizzle.
6. Place the chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl and heat in the microwave in 30 second intervals stirring briefly in between until fully melted. Be careful not to let even one drop of water get into this bowl, otherwise it will make the chocolate thick and ruin the melting process.
7. Remove the quinoa crisps from the freezer and drizzle the chocolate over the top using a spoon. Place back in the freezer to set for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
8. Store leftovers (if there are any) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 1 month!
9. ENJOY!!!

Recipe Notes

*Option to substitute Crispy Brown Rice/Rice Cereal.
**Option to substitute creamy, unsalted cashew or peanut butter.
***Option to substitute agave nectar or honey (if not Vegan).

Thinking Of Going Vegan But Not Sure Where To Start? Check Out Our One Week Vegan Meal Plan, Complete With Grocery Lists And Recipes!

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