Mocha Quinoa Energy Bites (No Bake)

These mocha quinoa energy balls are one of my go-to snacks for busy days. Packed with fiber, plant-based protein, and just the right amount of natural sweetness, they’re perfect for that afternoon slump or a quick post-workout boost. The cooked quinoa adds a fun texture and helps keep you full longer.

They’re easy to prep ahead, naturally gluten free, dairy free, and vegan; ideal for grab-and-go snacking all week. Want to make them more kid-friendly? Just swap the mocha protein powder for chocolate or vanilla. Whether you’re fueling a workout or just powering through your to-do list, these energy bites have your back.

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.

Refrigerate 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).

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.

★ Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!

Mocha Quinoa Energy Bites

These energy bites are easy to make, packed with protein and the perfect afternoon snack! The best part, they don't require any baking!

4.75 from 4 votes

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Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Total Time: 15 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• ½ cup cooked quinoa
• ½ cup dairy free milk
• 2 tablespoons cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons coconut butter - or nut butter or peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce
• 1 serving Nuzest protein powder - or 1/3 cup oat flour
• ½ tablespoon espresso powder
• 2 tablespoons hemp hearts - optional
• 2 tablespoons cacao nibs - optional

Instructions

• In a glass bowl combine all the ingredients, saving the coconut butter for last.
  ½ cup cooked quinoa, ½ cup dairy free milk, 2 tablespoons cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons coconut butter, 1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce, 1 serving Nuzest protein powder, ½ tablespoon espresso powder, 2 tablespoons hemp hearts, 2 tablespoons cacao nibs
• 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.

Recipe Notes

Storage: 

Fridge: Store in the fridge up to 5 days in a air tight container. 

 

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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• 397

Author: Samantha Rowland

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: quinoa energy balls, quinoa energy bites, quinoa protein balls

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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

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!

• Quinoa Breakfast Bowls
• Out of this world Quinoa Coconut Banana Muffins
• Quinoa Pumpkin Salad
• Sweet Potato Quinoa Bowls