Here is my easy, 5-ingredients, no-bake quinoa almond date protein balls recipe using wholesome ingredients that are perfect for a dessert, breakfast, or snack.
Note: The original recipe posted in Dec 2016 has been updated with detailed step-by-step photos and a recipe video.
In addition to using whole ingredients, these homemade truffles are naturally sweetened for a perfect protein-packed snack, breakfast on the go, or a healthy treat! The texture of these protein balls is so satisfying, almost like eating brownies but without the added fats and sugars.
Ingredients
- Quinoa – Gluten-free, high in protein and antioxidants and has all the essential amino acids
- Almonds – Helps prevent heart diseases, supports healthy brain function, helps control blood sugar, helps fight cancer and inflammation
- Dates – Promotes heart, brain, and digestive health and are anti-Inflammatory
- Peanut butter – Packed with antioxidants, heart-healthy monounsaturated fat
- Dark Chocolate – Provides energy, fat, minerals, and antioxidants to help maintain overall health
Convinced yet to make these… like right NOW? With all the nutrition packed in them, quinoa-almond-date truffles are possibly the easiest thing to make and enjoy. These delicious truffles also make for a perfect homemade holiday gift for your neighbors, friends, and family.
How to make Quinoa Truffles
Here is my easy step by step recipe:
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly 2-3 times. Drain the water and add ⅓ cup of water and quinoa to a stainless steel bowl. Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot insert. Place the quinoa bowl on the trivet and place the trivet in the Instant Pot. Close the lid and pressure cook for 4 minutes followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release. Note: To make quinoa on Stovetop – Add ⅓ cup of quinoa, ⅔ cup of water in a small saucepan and bring to boil over medium-high heat. Lower the heat and cook covered for 10 mins.
- Add almonds, dates, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and cooked quinoa in a food processor. Blend together for 2-3 minutes or until all the ingredients are well-blended.
- Scoop out the mixture one tablespoon at a time and roll into round truffles. Then roll them in finely chopped almonds.
- Chill in the refrigerator until ready to be served.
Tips and Substitutions
- Use any nut butter in place of peanut butter
- Seed butter such as the Sacha Inchi butter or sunflower seed butter can be used instead of nut butter
- Dark Chocolate chips can be replaced with 1 to 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- White organic quinoa works best with this recipe. Check out my Instant Pot Quinoa recipe to make ahead the quinoa as a meal prep
- If using the bigger Medjool dates, add only 8 or 9 pitted dates
Storing
These truffles stay good at room temperature for a day and can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week.
More Quinoa Recipes
Here are some more quinoa recipes to try
Quinoa Salad Instant Quinoa Dosa
- Quinoa Idli
Enchilada Quinoa
