These Mocha Quinoa energy bites are the perfect no bake sweet treat that double as a perfect post workout snack. The base for this recipe is a bit unexpected, I used cooked quinoa instead of oats, which adds protein and healthy carbs. These energy bites are easy to make and don't require any baking! They are vegan, gluten free, grain free, dairy free, and packed with awesome chocolaty mocha flavor!
Why you should make these Mocha Quinoa Energy Bites
Did you guys know that throughout college I was a barista? Well, this pretty much cemented my love for all things coffee flavored for the rest of my existence. Even with all the flavored syrups and goodies to choose from, I never diverged far from my beloved mocha. The chocolate coffee combo is seriously so heavenly. Ok please tell me I'm not the only one that goes crazy for this flavor combo?? Yeah didn't think so.
So you have to understand how excited I got when I saw that Nuzest had a coffee flavored protein powder! I've been putting it in everything I can think of from breakfast quinoa bowls to banana bread to overnight oats. More recipes to come in the near future featuring this awesome flavor. I can't get enough of it and I think you deserve to celebrate with me.
GET 10 OF MY DELICIOUS NO-BAKE ENERGY BITE RECIPES IN THIS FREE EBOOK
The base of these energy bites is quinoa. The glue of these energy bites is coconut butter. It adds a creamy, sensuous texture to the energy bites. Coconut butter also helps these energy bites set up in the fridge, so don't skip out on it. Just a note, I'm sure that almond butter, cashew butter or peanut butter would be a good substitute if you can't tolerate coconut butter. Also, I think you will want to reduce the liquid by 1-2 tbs. since the almond/cashew/peanut butter will not set up as firm as the coconut butter.
Let's talk about why I'm really so excited about these mocha quinoa energy bites. They are ice cold and packed with healthy carbs which help refuel muscles and send glycogen to fatigued muscles. They are also packed with protein from the Nuzest and the quinoa.
Protein helps fuel muscles. Without it, muscles do not grow. Since it takes so long to digest, protein is my go-to way to keep hunger at bay, making these a great afternoon snack as well.
I'm already starting to feel the effects of the summer heat and my workouts. The humidity in the South starts early in the year and it's in full swing already. Even 15 to 20 minutes after my workout I just can't seem to get my body to cool down, especially if I have to get into my hot car after my workout. These mocha quinoa energy bites are a great post-workout snack, they are ice cold which means I am craving them as soon as I get home, which is a great way to get my fuel within 60-90 minutes, which is what is recommended after heavy weight lifting or intense exercise.
Mocha Quinoa Energy Bites are a great on the go snack
Energy bites are great to have in the fridge when you get that sweet craving. They are just a small burst of sweet, and since they are full of healthy protein, fats and carbs, they help fill you up instead of making you crave more sweets! After you make these quinoa energy bites, you will be hooked!
If you love these mocha quinoa energy bites, you have to try these other great energy bites!
- Lemon Blueberry Energy Bites
- Double Chocolate banana energy bites
- Chocolate strawberry energy bites
- Hemp Brownie bites (low carb)
More Quinoa Recipes
If you have been following me for any length of time, you know I love batch cooking on the weekends as part of my meal prep! What does this mean? Well essentially instead of making just one meal worth of food, I try to make big batches at once (it usually doesn't take any extra time) and find ways to use up these big batches all week by seasoning them up as the week goes on.
Quinoa is one of my favorite grains to cook in big batches! It holds up so well in the fridge and it's super versatile! You can use it in your breakfast, lunch and dinners throughout the week!
Out of this world Quinoa Coconut Banana Muffins
Quick and easy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Mocha Quinoa Energy Bites
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbs coconut butter
- 1 tbs unsweetened applesauce
- 1 scoop Nuzest protein powder, coffee - or chocolate protein powder of choice with 1/2 tbs. ground espresso
- 2 tbs hemp hearts - optional
- 2 tbs cacao nibs - optional
Instructions
- In a glass bowl combine all the ingredients, saving the coconut butter for last.
- Stir in coconut butter and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
- Scoop out in tablespoon sized bites and roll into a ball.
- Drizzle with coconut butter, refrigerate at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
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Nutrition Information
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Jill
Hi there
Just stopped by to let you know that I featured this on my Round Tuit post this week!
A Round Tuit 269
Thanks again for linking up! Hope you have a great week!
Jill @ Creating my way to Success