Name: Quinoa Mocha Energy Balls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: ½ cup cooked quinoa; 2 teaspoons cocoa or cacao powder; 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules (regular or decaf); 1 tablespoon hot water; ¼ cup+2tsp peanut butter (smooth or crunchy); 20 dried dates (pitted, chopped, small variety, not medjool); 1½ tablespoons maple syrup; 3-4 tablespoons ground almonds/almond flour; crushed peanuts or cocoa for coating

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Mocha flavoured quinoa energy balls are packed full of healthy protein and delicious flavours. They make fantastic, healthier snacks perfect for chocolate as well as coffee lovers.

Side view of chocolate energy balls coated in cocoa and crushed nuts on metallic tray.

These chocolate peanut butter quinoa energy balls contain 3 of my favourite ingredients. Chocolate, peanut butter and coffee are delicious on their own but they also work together really REALLY well!

I am a huge fan of mocha and have used chocolate and coffee in my recipe for mocha overnight oats as well as mocha yogurt. But this is the first time I’ve used these ingredients along with the peanut butter together. And I am super happy with the results!

Quinoa is another ingredient that’s high in protein and fibre, ideal to use in an energy balls recipe. It has a pretty neutral flavour, which makes it super versatile - suitable to use in sweet and savoury recipes alike.

Another fantastic quality of quinoa is that it is light and fluffy, which is especially useful in this protein balls recipe. Peanut butter as well as dates are quite dense so the addition of the quinoa loosens the mixture a little and improves the texture.

By definition energy balls are a healthy snack. They should be satiating, high in protein and ideally sweet enough to satisfy our sugar cravings. These quinoa peanut butter energy balls are exactly that!

What coffee to use in mocha quinoa energy balls

You can use either regular or decaffeinated coffee in this recipe. Although espresso makes a better beverage than instant coffee in this recipe the latter works better. Simply dissolve two teaspoons of instant coffee granules in a little hot water. It’s quick and easy to do.

Top down view of nut and cocoa coated energy balls in white dish with peanuts in brown dish on top of dark tray.

Step-by-step recipe instructions

1.In a small bowl dissolve 2 teaspoons of coffee in 1 tablespoon of hot water. Add the chopped dates and stir to combine with the liquid. Set aside for 15 minutes stirring occasionally and squashing the dates with the back of a spoon.

Chopped dates in small metal bowl with spoon.

2. In a large bowl combine the quinoa, dates, peanut butter and maple syrup and stir.

Cooked quinoa, peanut butter and cocoa in large metal bowl, with dates in small metal bowl in top right corner.

3. Blend until the mixture is sticky and homogeneous but still has some texture.

Quinoa chocolate mixture in large metal bowl with stick blender end piece.

4. Stir in 3-4 tablespoons of ground almonds. The mixture should be very thick. Place in the freezer for 15 minutes (it will be easier to work with).

Chocolate quinoa mixture with ground almonds and large spoon in large metal bowl.

5. Remove the mixture from the freezer and form small balls. Either refrigerate or coat in cacao, chocolate flakes, sesame seeds etc. then refrigerate.

Chocolate balls on top of white plate with cocoa powder and bowl in top right corner.

Top tips and FAQs

Quinoa: To save time I recommend preparing the quinoa ahead. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions and once cooled refrigerate, covered, for up to 3 days.
Peanut butter: If your peanut butter has no added salt add a pinch of sea salt into the puree. Also, because not all peanut butter has the same consistency you may have to use a little more ground almonds if your peanut butter is runny.
Cacao: I usually use cacao in my chocolate recipes as it’s a little healthier than cocoa but you can use either. You may also like this collection of 27 everyday healthy cacao recipes.
Coating: These quinoa balls can be enjoyed as they are but you can coat them in cacao/cocoa, sesame seeds, coconut flakes, chocolate flakes or another ingredient if you like.
Storing: Keep refrigerated, covered, for up to 2 days.

Close-up view of nut and cocoa coated energy balls in white dish with peanuts in background on metallic tray.

Keep in touch!

How have your chocolate quinoa energy balls turn out for you? Let me know in the comments below, thanks!

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