These Quinoa Almond Joy Bars taste just like the classic candy bar but with a healthier twist! Each mini bar contains only 94 calories and is packed with four superfoods. These bite-sized treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while maintaining a clean-eating lifestyle.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1/3 cup quinoa, dry
2/3 cup water
12 whole dates (no sugar added)
1/2 cup whole almonds (with skins, optional)
1/2 cup coarse almond meal
1/2 cup finely grated coconut
2 to 3 teaspoons water
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for gluten-free, use Enjoy Life brand)

Directions

In a small saucepan, add quinoa and water. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight). If you have pre-cooked quinoa, use 1 cup.
Add dates, almonds, coconut, and cooked quinoa to a food processor. Pulse until well combined and a ball forms.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Add water, one teaspoon at a time, until the mixture holds together. Shape into 14 mini bars.
Melt chocolate chips in a small saucepan over low heat or use a double boiler. Drizzle melted chocolate over each bar.
Refrigerate until the chocolate hardens. Store in an airtight container for several days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrients

Serving Size: 1 mini bar
Calories: 94 kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Sodium: 2mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
SmartPoints (Freestyle): 4

Why Quinoa Makes the Perfect Base for These Bars

Quinoa is often referred to as a “superfood” for a reason. This ancient grain is not only a fantastic source of plant-based protein but also contains a good amount of fiber, making it a great choice for boosting energy and improving digestive health. Unlike many other grains, quinoa is also a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce on their own.

In addition to its protein content, quinoa is rich in vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, manganese, and B vitamins. These nutrients are essential for supporting metabolic functions, heart health, and maintaining a healthy nervous system. By incorporating quinoa into these bars, you’re not just enjoying a tasty treat, but also nourishing your body with essential nutrients.

The quinoa serves as the perfect base for these bars, providing structure and texture while also contributing to their nutritional value. When combined with the other ingredients, quinoa helps bind everything together, ensuring that the bars hold their shape and remain satisfying without being too heavy.

The Sweetness of Dates: Nature’s Candy

One of the key ingredients in these Quinoa Almond Joy Bars is dates, which are used to naturally sweeten the bars. Dates are a nutrient-packed fruit that provides a rich source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They’re a great alternative to refined sugar, offering a natural sweetness that doesn’t cause the blood sugar spikes associated with processed sugars.

Dates are an excellent source of potassium, which is essential for regulating blood pressure and supporting muscle function. They also contain antioxidants, such as flavonoids and carotenoids, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, the fiber content in dates helps support digestive health by promoting regularity and feeding the beneficial bacteria in your gut.

The natural caramel-like flavor of dates adds depth and richness to these bars, making them a healthier substitute for the sugar-filled fillings found in traditional candy bars. When blended with the other ingredients, dates contribute to the chewy texture of the bars, creating a satisfying and indulgent treat.

Almonds: A Nutty, Nutrient-Dense Addition

Almonds are another star ingredient in Quinoa Almond Joy Bars, adding both flavor and health benefits. These nuts are a great source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to support heart health by reducing bad cholesterol levels. They also provide a good amount of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium.

The protein content in almonds helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and keep you feeling full and satisfied, making these bars a perfect snack to curb hunger. Additionally, the high fiber content of almonds supports digestive health and promotes gut function. The rich, nutty flavor of almonds also pairs beautifully with the other ingredients, contributing to the bars’ delightful taste and texture.

You can opt for whole almonds with skins or almond meal, depending on the texture you prefer. The almonds add crunch and depth to each bite, enhancing the overall experience and giving the bars a satisfying bite.

Coconut: A Tropical Touch for Texture and Flavor

No Almond Joy-inspired recipe would be complete without coconut. The addition of finely grated coconut in these bars adds a delightful tropical flavor, enhancing the overall sweetness of the dates and complementing the rich nuttiness of the almonds. Coconut is also packed with healthy fats, including medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which have been shown to support brain health and promote fat-burning.

Coconut is also rich in fiber and essential minerals like iron and potassium, which help support the body’s overall health. The finely grated coconut provides a chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunch of the almonds and the soft, chewy consistency of the dates. This combination of textures makes each bite of the Quinoa Almond Joy Bars a satisfying and enjoyable experience.

The Indulgent Touch of Chocolate

What would these bars be without a drizzle of chocolate? While the base of the Quinoa Almond Joy Bars is healthy and nutritious, the addition of semi-sweet chocolate chips elevates the treat to something truly indulgent. The richness of the chocolate complements the natural sweetness of the dates and coconut, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Chocolate is packed with antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. The key here is moderation – using a small amount of semi-sweet chocolate chips ensures that the bars retain their healthier qualities while still satisfying your craving for something sweet. If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can easily substitute regular chocolate chips for a vegan or dairy-free variety.

The chocolate drizzle on top of each mini bar not only enhances the flavor but also adds a glossy, professional finish, making the bars look just as good as they taste.

The Perfect Portion Size

One of the best things about these Quinoa Almond Joy Bars is their portion size. At only 94 calories per mini bar, these treats are perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy something sweet without overindulging. The bars are designed to be bite-sized, so you can easily grab one when you need a quick energy boost or snack. This portion control makes them a great choice for those who are mindful of their calorie intake but still want to enjoy a satisfying, delicious treat.

The small size of the bars also makes them perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a party, packing a snack for work, or sharing with friends, these mini bars are an easy and convenient option. They’re portable, easy to store, and perfect for on-the-go snacking.

A Healthier Alternative to Traditional Candy Bars

Traditional candy bars are often loaded with refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients. Quinoa Almond Joy Bars, on the other hand, are made with whole, natural ingredients that provide lasting energy and nourishment. By using quinoa, dates, almonds, and coconut, these bars offer a cleaner, more nutritious alternative to conventional candy bars.

With only 4 grams of sugar per serving and 2 grams of fiber, these bars are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt. They also provide a good amount of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, which help keep you feeling full and energized for longer.

Conclusion

Quinoa Almond Joy Bars are a delicious and healthy treat that offers the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. With the natural sweetness of dates, the richness of almonds, the tropical flavor of coconut, and the indulgence of chocolate, these bars provide all the flavors of the classic Almond Joy candy bar with a much healthier twist. Packed with superfoods like quinoa, almonds, and coconut, they offer a nutritious and satisfying snack that won’t leave you feeling guilty. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout snack, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a healthier alternative to traditional candy bars, these Quinoa Almond Joy Bars are sure to hit the spot. Try them today and enjoy a bite-sized indulgence that supports your clean-eating lifestyle!

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