These peanut butter cup quinoa energy bites make a delicious snack that is easy and full of healthy fats and plant protein! Prep them this weekend to snack on all week! (vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free)
No bake protein balls are the most perfect snack for busy moms (or anyone else who's always short on time). While many versions are made with oats, these energy balls utilize leftover quinoa, for a soft, chewy ball that tastes like a peanut butter cup - but healthy!
Why You'll Love Quinoa Peanut Butter Cup Energy Bites
These little quinoa energy bites are so delicious. They taste just like a peanut butter cup but are made with only 5 simple ingredients. I love the texture that cooked quinoa gives to these little bites. I almost always have some cooked quinoa in my refrigerator, so these bites are the perfect use for it. They're so soft and fluffy, with a sweet chocolate drizzle - irresistible! These little bites are perfect for meal prepping on the weekend so that you have snacks ready to go all week.
Are These Energy Bites Healthy?
They are super nutritious! These balls are loaded with healthy fat, fiber, and plant protein, making them the perfect little snack to satisfy your hunger in a hurry, and keep you full for hours. Made with ingredients like quinoa, peanut butter, and chia seeds, you can feel good about them while also enjoying the taste. You can also pop one of these bites as a healthier dessert alternative.
Where Do They Get Their Protein?
These balls get protein from peanut butter, quinoa, and chia seeds, all of which are natural plant-based sources of protein that give each ball just over 3 grams of protein. (They're also all sources of fiber and healthy fat!)
How To Make Quinoa Peanut Butter Cup Protein Balls
- Mix together cooked quinoa, chia seeds, peanut butter and vanilla.
- Scoop and roll into 1 tablespoon balls.
- Melt chocolate chips and drizzle over the balls.
- Let the chocolate firm up and then store in the refrigerator.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes! If you want an extra protein boost, you can add a scoop of your favorite unflavored protein powder (I like collagen powder). Chocolate or peanut butter flavored version would also work. If you go for this option, add 2-3 tablespoons of water to get the right consistency.
Love these protein balls? Try these other healthy and delicious energy balls!
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the comments!
PrintQuinoa Peanut Butter Cup Protein Balls
These peanut butter cup quinoa energy bites make a delicious snack that is easy and full of healthy fats and plant protein! Prep them this weekend to snack on all week! (vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: about 16 balls 1x
- Category: snack
- Method: no bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (just peanuts and salt)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup chocolate chips (vegan/dairy-free if necessary)
Instructions
- Stir together all ingredients except for chocolate chips.
- Scoop mixture by the tablespoon and roll into balls. Place on parchment to set.
- In a microwave-safe dish, melt chocolate chips by microwaving at 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Drizzle over quinoa balls.
- Place balls in the refrigerator to set. Once the chocolate is hardened, store balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Store protein balls in the refrigerator in an airtight container up to 5 days.
- For an extra protein boost, add a scoop of your favorite unflavored protein powder or collagen and 3 tablespoons of water. You can also try peanut butter or chocolate flavored protein.
Keywords: peanut butter cup protein balls, peanut butter chocolate protein balls, protein balls made with quinoa
Joanna says
Do you soak the chia seeds in water first to soften or put it dry. Also what happened if I omit the chia seeds, will rhe dough be too sticky?. Can I replace it with other ingredient? Which one?. So many questions 😂
Thanks
Kaleigh says
No, you don't have to soak them. You can either leave them out or replace with flaxseeds or hemp seeds!
Katie says
Do you know the nutritional value of each one?
Kaleigh says
Hi Katie, I don't provide nutrition information for my recipes, but you can use one of the many free online calculators to estimate it!
Cari says
Hi! I’d like to try this recipe but wanted to clarify if I should measure the 1 cup of quinoa when it’s uncooked or cooked. I have a hard time believing one cup of cooked quinoa will yield 24. I think I will add in mini chocolate chips instead of the chocolate drizzle. Thank you!
Kaleigh says
Hi Cari,
You measure after the quinoa is cooked. They are teaspoon sized bites, so they're pretty small.
Bella says
This looks so incredibly tasty! I cannot wait to try this recipe out, thanks for the share.
Kaleigh says
Thanks for stopping by Bella! Enjoy! 🙂
Anna says
I toasted/puffed the quinoa for this recipe and mixed some white chocolate chips in with the ingredients. I also added about a Tbsp of honey! I used a small cookie scoop to measure them out and then popped them in the freezer for about 20 minutes. Now, they’re stored in the fridge, and they are soooo delicious! Thank you for such an awesome recipe! I will be making this often!
Kaleigh says
I'm so glad you liked it! I'd really appreciate if you could leave a star rating next time! It helps so much as a blogger. 🙂