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Is it just me or have all the food creators on Instagram been popping quinoa recently? I don’t know how one thing can become such a thing overnight, but if everyone is into puffer quinoa right now I am going to have some fun with it! I’ll be honest, I tried popping quinoa myself and when it failed for the 3rd time, I gave up!! Sometimes it’s just plain easier to buy the ingredient. That’s exactly what I did for this recipe. These Puffed Quinoa Cups are so easy to make! They require 4 ingredients and the combination of flavours could be endless. Think ANY nut or seed butter and a wide variation of inclusions such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds, chopped walnuts or pecans, buckwheat groats or black sesame paste and black sesame seeds (halloween treat!!). I love the simplicity of this snack as it doesn’t have any added sugar.
I use dark chocolate chips because it has a higher percentage of cacao. If you love milk chocolate, then do you! You could add this to a silicone mould as well and change up the shapes of your treats. Hearts for Valentine’s day, big thick squares or whatever else you fancy! I meant it when I said the options are endless! If you’ve been looking for puffed quinoa recipes, this puffed quinoa cup is a must-try! Whether you’re craving a healthy snack, a quick dessert, or a high-protein treat, these chocolate quinoa cups deliver flavour, texture, and convenience. Make a batch today and let me know how you customize yours!
Popped quinoa, also known as puffed quinoa, is quinoa that has been heated until it expands, creating a light, crispy texture. It’s pretty similar to puffed rice and you’ll often find it used in granola, granola bars, energy bites and different types of protein snacks. It’s super versatile and easy to enjoy. You can find puffed quinoa in health food stores, or you can make your own at home.
Puffed quinoa has a lot of the same health benefits as regular boiled quinoa. It’s packed with nutrients and unlike traditional puffed rice, quinoa is a complete protein. That means that even in its puffed state it contains all nine essential amino acids; making it a naturally high protein ingredient. If you’re looking for an alternative to puffed rice you definitely should go with puffed quinoa! It is also naturally gluten-free and grain-free, making it a great alternative for those with food sensitivities. Quinoa is rich in fiber, which supports digestion and gut health, while also being loaded with essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc, which help support overall wellness.
These puffed quinoa snacks come together in just a few easy steps:
Line a muffin tin with parchment liners to prevent sticking.
In a heatproof bowl, melt dark chocolate chips in the microwave or over a double boiler until smooth.
In a large bowl, stir in tahini and vanilla extract until fully combined, then fold in the puffed quinoa.
Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to divide the mixture into the muffin tin, pressing it down to create firm cups.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and sesame seeds, then freeze for 2 hours until set. Store these puffed quinoa crispy treats in the freezer for the best texture!
If you want to try making your own puffed quinoa recipe, please be my guest! As mentioned above I really didn’t have much success trying this; the process is simple but requires attention to detail. Start by heating a dry skillet over medium heat. Add a few tablespoons of raw quinoa to the pan, stirring constantly to ensure even heat distribution. You will begin to see the quinoa start popping, much like popcorn. Once popped, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool completely before using. This method takes a bit of practice, and not all the quinoa will puff evenly. If you find it tricky to get consistent results, store-bought puffed quinoa is a great alternative!
Puffed quinoa has a light, nutty flavor with a delicate crunch. It’s not overly sweet on its own, which makes it a great base for both sweet and savory puffed quinoa recipes. When mixed with dark chocolate and tahini, it takes on a crispy, slightly chewy texture that melts in your mouth.
To keep puffed quinoa fresh, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from moisture. If you are using homemade popped quinoa, ensure it is completely cool before transferring it to storage. Puffed quinoa is best when used within three to four weeks for optimal flavor and texture.
Aside from these puffed quinoa cups, there are endless ways to incorporate puffed quinoa into your diet. For a nutrient-dense snack, mix it with nut butter and maple syrup to create homemade quinoa bars. It also makes a great topping for yogurt, smoothie bowls, or oatmeal, adding extra crunch and texture. You can even use puffed quinoa as a gluten-free breadcrumb substitute in savory dishes for added texture without the grains. I haven’t done this yet but puffed quinoa also works amazingly in granola, and maybe – just maybe you’ll see that coming up soon!
It’s so easy!! It’s so tasty and it only takes four ingredients to make! You don’t need to do any baking, the clean-up is minimal and everyone can enjoy this recipe. The fact that it’s dairy free, gluten free, refined sugar free and high protein is reason enough to make these and enjoy them for days to come. They are perfect for kids’ lunches because they are also nut free! Thanks to puffed quinoa and tahini, these cups are packed with protein and fibre, keeping you satisfied and energized throughout the day. Whether you are looking for a healthy meal prep snack or a quick, nourishing treat, these puffed quinoa cups are the perfect option to keep in your freezer for easy access!
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10 Responses
When and how do you add melted chocolate?
Hi Judith! I melt my chocolate on the microwave.. You add all the rest of the ingredients into the melted chocolate. I hope that helps!
Hi ! Don’t we need to temper the chocolate. I tried without tempering and my cups just fell apart since the chocolate didn’t set
Hey Neena, not sure what kind of chocolate you’re using but I used chocolate chips and def did not need to temper. I hope this helps!
Do you use hulled or unhulled tahini? The Amazon link to your favourite tahini doesn’t work here in New Zealand. Thanks
Hello Nadine! My sis in law is from NZ! I just read the container and it doesn’t say? Try to find a tahini thats nice a runny. Sometimes they can be stiff so mix your tahini really well!
Hi, can you recommend a brand of puffed quinoa or a link? Thanks, Maria
HI! I use GOGO Quinoa 🙂
kan het ook met gepofte boekweit?
I have never tried this recipe with puffed buckwheat but I am sure it would be amazing!