Mocha Quinoa Energy Bites (No Bake)

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 quinoa protein balls are easy to make and don’t require any baking!

Mocha quinoa energy bites with coconut frosting over a green tray and a small white plate with additional energy bites in the background
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Why you will love this recipe

  • These quinoa protein balls are the perfect afternoon snack! So easy to make and super filling, these will help you get through that 3pm slump.
  • Great for grab and go snacking! You can make these early in the week for meal prep and grab 1 or 2 anytime you need a pick-me-up.
  • Perfect for post workout! Get in lots of fiber and protein with these energy bites. The quinoa adds so much fiber to these energy bites.
  • Naturally gluten free, dairy free and vegan! Modify the recipe to be more kid friendly by using chocolate or vanilla protein powder.
Small white bowl full of mocha quinoa energy bites surrounded by cacao nibs

Ingredients

  • Cooked Quinoa
  • Dairy free milk
  • Cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
  • Coconut butter or nut butter of choices (almond, cashew, peanut butter or sunflower seed butter)
  • Unsweetened applesauce
  • Vegan protein powder
  • Espresso powder
  • Hemp hearts (optional)
  • Cacao nibs (optional)

Instructions

Combine the cooked quinoa, dairy free milk, cacao powder, applesauce, protein powder, espresso powder, hemp hearts (optional) and cacao nibs (optional) in a large bowl. Mix well.

Drizzle in the melted coconut butter (or nut butter of choice), stirring well to fully incorporate.

Refridgerate at least 1 hour.

Scoop out the mixture into 1 tablespoon sized balls. Roll with your hand to make the perfect shape.

Drizzle with additional coconut butter (optional) or melted chocolate (optional).

Close up of Mocha quinoa energy bites with coconut frosting over a green tray

Top tips

  • These quinoa protein bites are best if kept refrigerated, especially if you add the coconut butter drizzle on top.
  • Use a tablespoon to measure out the batter to ensure you have similar size balls. However you will find that for the best presentation, you will want to roll the balls with your hands. If you find the batter sticks to your hands, wet your hands slightly before rolling.
  • Allow these quinoa energy balls to set in the fridge 15-20 minutes after rolling to help them fully set up. If you add coconut butter drizzle or chocolate drizzle, you can even set them up in the freezer.
Mocha quinoa energy bites in a white bowl surrounded by more quinoa energy bites

What is the best protein to use

Quinoa is packed with protein. Did you know that quinoa is a seed, not a grain and it has all 9 essential proteins in it? That being said, to add more protein to this recipe, you can add a serving of your favorite protein powder.

I love Nuzest protein, but you can use whatever your favorite protein is. If you don’t want to add protein powder, you will want to use 1/3 cup of oat flour or gluten free flour of choice plus 2-3 tablespoons coconut sugar or brown sugar.

Other flavor combos you can use

These mocha energy bites use cacao powder + espresso powder to make that mocha flavor. You can add these mix-ins to the cacao + espresso powder or choose to omit the espresso to make them chocolate protein bites. Here are some other flavor combinations you can try:

  • Chopped pecans, walnuts or cashews
  • Chopped dried cherries
  • Freeze dried strawberries, raspberries or bananas, chopped
  • Mini chocolate chips
Green tray filled with mocha quinoa energy bites

More quinoa recipes to try

Quinoa is one of my favorite grains to cook in big batches! Did you know you can cook a large batch in the instant pot? 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!

★ Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!
Small white bowl of mocha quinoa energy bites

Mocha Quinoa Energy Bites

These energy bites are easy to make, packed with protein, good carbs and healthy fats they are the perfect afternoon snack! The best part, they don’t require any baking! The are vegan, gluten free, dairy free, and packed with awesome chocolaty mocha flavor!
4.75 from 4 votes
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: quinoa energy balls, quinoa energy bites, quinoa protein balls
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

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.
  • Optional: Drizzle with more coconut butter or melted chocolate chips, freeze15-20 minutes. Store in the fridge after topping has set.

Notes

Storage: 
Fridge: Store in the fridge up to 5 days in a air tight container. 
Other flavor options:
Omit the espresso powder and instead use:
  • Crushed freeze dried strawberries or raspberries
  • Crushed freeze dried bananas
  • Mini chocolate chips
 

Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts
Amount per Serving
Calories
53
Fat
 
3
g
Carbohydrates
 
3
g
Fiber
 
1
g
Protein
 
3
g
Where does nutrition info come from? Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy, sourced from the USDA Food Database.
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27 Comments

  1. 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

  2. I’ve never tried Vega One, but this recipe makes me want to give it a try. Pinned and stumbled. Thanks for linking up and sharing with us at Funtastic Friday. Hope you join us again this week.

  3. Yum! Thanks for sharing on My 2 Favorite Things on Thursday! Hope to see you again tomorrow!! Pinned!

  4. 5 stars
    Hi Sam,
    I love the fact that these yummy bites are made with nutritious quinoa. I am delighted that you shared your wonderful healthy and delicious Mocha Quinoa Energy Bites with us on the Healthy Happy Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I’m pinning and sharing.

  5. I had never thought of including quinoa in my protein bites. I can’t wait to try this recipe the next time I make them! :)

  6. This look AMAZING! Cannot wait to try them. Always looking for a new way to sneak some whole grains into the week’s meal plan

  7. 5 stars
    These sound absolutely delicious. I’m obsessed with date balls currently, so I feel like these will totally be right up my alley. I love mocha but I also love all things espresso flavor! My favorite college job was in graduate school – does that count? I worked at Lulu lemon.. the discounts were totally worth it :) Happy Wednesday!

  8. oh my gosh, these sound and look AMAZING!! ANd they have quinoa! so they’re basically a vegetable, right? :)
    xo, Candace | Lovely Little Rants

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