• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Everyday Healthy Recipes
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About Me
  • Contact
  • Cookie Policy
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • About Me
    • Contact
    • Cookie Policy
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Sweet Things/Desserts

    Quinoa Mocha Energy Balls Recipe

    January 20, 2019 By Monika Last Updated November 30, 2022 14 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    Close-up side view of Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls on oven tray.

    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.

    See also Christmas chocolate truffles!

    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.

    You might also like

    • Peanut Butter Chocolate Prune Energy Balls
    • Cheesecake Balls 2 Ways (Strawberry and Mango)
    • Peanut Butter Chocolate Truffles

    Keep in touch!

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

    Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for regular recipe updates! Or you could subscribe to this blog and receive all my latest recipes right into your mailbox!

    Side view of energy balls coated in cocoa and crushed nuts on top of dark tray.

    Quinoa Mocha Energy Balls Recipe

    Mocha quinoa energy balls with peanut butter are packed full of healthy protein and delicious flavours.  They make fantastic, low carb snack perfect for chocolate as well as coffee lovers.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Snack
    Cuisine: gluten free, vegan
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Chilling Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 12 balls
    Calories: 113kcal
    Author: Monika Dabrowski

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup (90 g) cooked quinoa
    • 2 teaspoons cocoa or cacao powder
    • 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules regular or decaf
    • 1 tablespoon hot water
    • ¼ cup+2tsp (70 g) 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

    Instructions

    • Dissolve the coffee in the hot water and pour the mixture over the dates. Stir and set aside for 15 minutes stirring occasionally. Mash with the back of a spoon before combining with the other ingredients.
    • Blitz all the ingredients (including the dates mixture), except the ground almonds, until the mixture is sticky and homogeneous but still has some texture (I used a stick blender to do this). Stir in the ground almonds and place the mixture in the freezer for 15 minutes (it will be easier to work with).
    • Remove from the freezer, form small balls and roll in the crushed nuts or cocoa (or leave as they are). Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. Keep refrigerated.

    Notes

    Top tips for making mocha quinoa energy balls

    • 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.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 113kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 33mg | Potassium: 167mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 11g | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg

    *Nutritional information is automatically generated and should be considered as an estimate.

    **A note about baking: If using a fan-assisted oven refer to your appliance's instructions and adjust the temperature accordingly.

    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @Monika8021 or tag #EverydayHealthyRecipes!
    « Sweet Potato Mango Smoothie
    Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Dip »
    268 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. notso

      April 29, 2021 at 8:58 am

      love these balls! peanut-dates-coffee combo is great! I left out the maple syrup and added a pinch of cinnamon (I even drink my coffee with it :D). thank you for the great recipe!

      Reply
      • Monika

        April 30, 2021 at 11:03 am

        You are welcome, glad you liked it! Adding a pinch of cinnamon to this recipe is a great idea:)

        Reply
    2. Kat (The Baking Explorer)

      February 15, 2019 at 8:05 am

      5 stars
      They look so moreish and sound so full of goodness!

      Reply
      • Monika

        February 15, 2019 at 2:37 pm

        Thank you Kat!

        Reply
    3. Jhuls | The Not So Creative Cook

      February 12, 2019 at 8:56 am

      I love these, Monika!! I may need to find organic peanut butter ASAP! Hmm, but I think I can use cashew butter, right? Also, I need to get maple syrup - I love the taste better than honey. Thanks for sharing, Monika.

      Reply
    4. Midge @ Peachicks' Bakery

      January 25, 2019 at 5:36 pm

      5 stars
      Gorgeous photos! And I bet these are great flavour combination! #CookBlogShare

      Reply
      • Monika

        January 25, 2019 at 7:59 pm

        Thank you Midge, I've made these twice since last week, everyone loved them!

        Reply
    5. Domneika

      January 23, 2019 at 4:20 pm

      Hello, would you be so kind to add me to your board https://www.pinterest.com/monika8021/the-frugal-foodie/. My Pinterest is https://www.pinterest.com/infomedialive/ . Thank You 😀

      Reply
      • Monika

        January 23, 2019 at 5:17 pm

        Great! Just sent you an invite!

        Reply
    6. Balvinder

      January 22, 2019 at 4:28 pm

      Loving all the ingredients in this recipe 🙂

      Reply
      • Monika

        January 23, 2019 at 7:52 am

        Thanks Balvinder!

        Reply
    7. DeeDee

      January 21, 2019 at 1:09 am

      These look delicious Monika!!

      Reply
      • Monika

        January 21, 2019 at 12:46 pm

        Thank you Dee Dee! They are also easy to make and so nutritious!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I am Monika, welcome to Everyday Healthy Recipes! This blog is all about simple recipes with a healthy twist, old classics with a modern take, and an occasional Polish dish thrown into the mix - all easy to make, healthy and delicious, perfect for everyday cooking.

    Find out more about me →

    Popular Posts

    • Authentic Polish Potato Dumplings (Kopytka)
    • Spinach & Feta Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
    • Mediterranean Vegetable Stew with Beans
    • Leek and Potato Dumpling Stew (Vegan)

    Polish Recipes

    • Authentic Polish Bigos Stew Recipe
    • 6 Pierogi Recipes Plus Tips for Making Pierogi
    • Polish Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Golabki) in Tomato Sauce
    • Polish Chicken Noodle Soup (Rosol)

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • About

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for recipe updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2023 · Everyday Healthy Recipes