With sweet season in full swing, my candy tooth resides its greatest life. From cookies to pastries to limitless ice cream experiments, I’ve been embracing each indulgence. However recently, my new obsession is puffed quinoa chocolate bark—a deal with that’s as satisfying as it’s easy to make.
It’s a bit extra healthful and nutrient-rich than your common dessert, however nonetheless utterly addictive. Image a chewy, caramel-like base that’s simply the correct quantity of candy, topped with easy chocolate and your selection of crunchy, flavorful toppings. The chances are limitless, however I’ve narrowed it down to 2 irresistible variations: a shiny, nutty tahini pistachio bark and a salted peanut butter chocolate bark that would give any PB cup a run for its cash.
Components for Puffed Quinoa Chocolate Bark
The ingredient checklist for this bark is refreshingly brief, and the toppings are fully as much as you. Use what you’ve gotten readily available, observe your cravings, and lean into the flavors you like most.
Puffed Quinoa. Search for puffed quinoa (not uncooked quinoa) on-line or at your native well being meals retailer. The feel is mild and crispy—suppose Rice Krispies, however barely nuttier. It’s the important thing to that satisfying crunch, and any leftovers are scrumptious sprinkled over yogurt or salads.
Maple Syrup. Use the good things. It provides the bark a refined, caramel-like sweetness.
Nut Butter. Peanut butter for the chocolate model, tahini for the white chocolate. However actually, any nut or seed butter works right here—select your favourite.
Salt. A beneficiant pinch brings out all of the flavors.
Coconut Oil. Only a tablespoon helps the combination come collectively easily.
Toppings. That is the place creativity is available in—chopped nuts, dried fruit, flaky sea salt, or something that feels a bit additional.
Learn how to Put together the Puffed Quinoa Base
The bottom of this bark is the true star—it’s so good, you may simply get pleasure from it by itself. Candy, chewy, and completely crisp across the edges, it’s the type of easy recipe you’ll make on repeat.
It couldn’t be simpler to carry collectively. In a bowl, whisk the maple syrup, nut butter, salt, and coconut oil till easy. Add the puffed quinoa and stir till all the things is evenly coated. Unfold the combination into a fair layer on a lined baking sheet, then bake for about quarter-hour. Because it bakes, the perimeters flip crisp whereas the middle stays chewy—a textural dream. Should you want a crunchier base, bake it a couple of minutes longer (simply regulate it to stop burning).
Let the bottom cool utterly earlier than including the chocolate. I wish to let it set at room temperature, then pop it into the fridge or freezer till agency and able to high. As soon as cooled, you’ll have that excellent steadiness of caramelized chew and lightweight crunch. One of the best of each worlds.
Choices for Topping Your Puffed Quinoa Chocolate Bark
I made two variations of this bark—one darkish and deeply chocolatey, the opposite mild and shiny—however actually, the great thing about this recipe is its flexibility. As soon as your base is baked and cooled, the toppings are fully as much as you.
Salted Peanut Butter Puffed Quinoa Bark
This one leans into the basic chocolate–peanut butter pairing everyone knows and love. It’s a bit bit Butterfinger, a bit bit peanut butter cup—wealthy, nutty, and simply the correct quantity of salty-sweet. A sprinkle of flaky salt brings all the things into steadiness, whereas a contact of sesame provides an surprising, subtle observe. Should you’re feeling indulgent, swirl a spoonful of drippy peanut butter into the melted chocolate earlier than spreading it on high.
Pistachio Tahini Puffed Quinoa Bark
For many who want one thing lighter, this white chocolate model is equally addictive. The bottom is made with tahini, which provides it a refined savory depth, and it’s completed with toasted coconut, pistachios, and freeze-dried strawberries for a pop of coloration and brightness. Swap in raspberries and even chewy dried cranberries if that’s what you’ve gotten readily available—there’s no unsuitable option to make it your individual.
Learn how to Retailer Leftovers (If You Have Any)
This puffed quinoa chocolate bark retains greatest within the fridge or freezer, particularly when you’re planning to get pleasure from it over a number of days. The bottom and chocolate will soften barely at room temperature, so retailer it in an hermetic container and preserve it chilled for that excellent, satisfying crunch.
Can’t wait to see what taste mixtures you dream up—glad snacking!
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Description
A simple and scrumptious chocolate bark recipe with a crunchy quinoa base.
For the Peanut Butter Chocolate Bark:
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 1/2 cup puffed quinoa
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups mixture of darkish and milk chocolate
Toppings of selection: chopped roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, flaky salt
For the White Chocolate Pistachio Bark:
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons tahini
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 1/2 cup puffed quinoa
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups white chocolate
Toppings of selection: pistachios, freeze-dried strawberries, toasted coconut flakes
Preheat the oven to 350 levels F and line a big sheet tray with parchment paper.
Put together the quinoa base. In a bowl, mix the maple syrup, nut butter, coconut oil, and salt. Whisk till easy. Add the puffed quinoa and stir to mix. Add the combination to the sheet tray and unfold right into a layer about 1/2 inch thick. Don’t unfold too skinny, as the bottom will unfold a bit within the oven.
Place the sheet tray into the oven and bake for about 15 – 20 minutes, till the quinoa is deep golden brown. Take away from oven and let cool utterly at room temperature till the bottom is totally set. Set within the fridge or freezer till able to high.
Put together the toppings. Soften chocolate in 15-second increments within the microwave, stirring in between. Unfold a layer to the specified thickness over the quinoa base, then add your toppings. Set again within the fridge till the chocolate has set.
Chop the bark into items and revel in!
Prep Time: 15Cook Time: 15
Key phrases: puffed quinoa, chocolate, bark
