Quinoa Crunch Peanut Butter Cups Recipe
These Quinoa Crunch Peanut Butter Cups are a deliciously healthy twist on classic peanut butter cups, featuring a crispy quinoa layer, creamy peanut butter filling sweetened with maple syrup, and a rich dark chocolate coating. Perfectly balanced with a delightful crunch and satisfying flavors, these no-bake treats are easy to prepare and freeze for a quick energy-packed snack.
- Author: Lila
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 12 peanut butter cups 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Chocolate Layer
- 1 cup dark chocolate
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 3 tbsp quinoa crisps
Peanut Butter Filling
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp coconut flour
- Melt Chocolate Base: Start by adding chocolate chips and coconut oil to a medium bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring well in between, until the chocolate is completely smooth and creamy.
- Combine with Peanut Butter and Quinoa: Mix in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter and the quinoa crisps thoroughly into the melted chocolate mixture. Set this chocolate-quinoa mixture aside.
- Prepare Peanut Butter Filling: In a small bowl, mix peanut butter and maple syrup until smooth. Gently fold in the coconut flour until the peanut butter filling thickens and becomes pliable.
- Assemble Cups – First Layer: Add about 1/2 tablespoon of the chocolate mixture into the bottom of each silicone cupcake liner, spreading it evenly to form a base layer.
- Add Peanut Butter Filling: Roll 1 teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture into a ball, then gently flatten it slightly. Place the flattened peanut butter ball into the center of each chocolate base layer in the liners, taking care not to touch the sides.
- Top with Chocolate: Spoon additional chocolate mixture over the peanut butter filling to fully cover it, smoothing the tops carefully.
- Freeze to Set: Place the filled silicone liners in the freezer until the peanut butter cups are fully firm, approximately 1-2 hours.
- Serve: Once set, remove the peanut butter cups from the liners and enjoy immediately or store them refrigerated or frozen for later snacking.
Notes
- Use silicon cupcake liners for easy removal; if unavailable, use paper liners but expect more delicate handling.
- Dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content works best for a rich flavor and less sweetness.
- The coconut flour helps thicken the peanut butter filling, but you can adjust the quantity slightly if needed for desired consistency.
- Store finished cups in an airtight container either in the refrigerator for up to a week or the freezer for up to a month.
- Feel free to substitute quinoa crisps with puffed rice or crushed nuts for different textures.
Keywords: peanut butter cups, quinoa crisps, no-bake dessert, vegan chocolate treat, healthy snacks, gluten free dessert, crunchy peanut butter cups