Quinoa Brownies Recipe

Introduction

Discover a deliciously wholesome twist on a classic treat with these Quinoa Brownies. Packed with nutritious ingredients, they are fudgy, flavorful, and perfect for anyone looking for a gluten-free, dairy-free dessert option.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup almond butter
• 2 medium ripe bananas
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips (or chopped pecans or walnuts)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place quinoa in a bowl, cover with cold tap water, and soak for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
2. Step 2: Drain quinoa in a sieve and rinse well to remove any impurities.
3. Step 3: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper and lightly oil it with coconut oil.
4. Step 4: Transfer the soaked quinoa to a blender. Add cocoa powder, maple syrup, almond butter, bananas, almond milk, baking powder, and vanilla extract.
5. Step 5: Blend on high for about 30 seconds, using the tamper or stirring to push batter from the sides to the center. Continue until the batter is smooth and no quinoa pieces remain.
6. Step 6: Stir in the chocolate chips or chopped nuts by hand if using.
7. Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
8. Step 8: Bake in the center rack for 17-19 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Step 9: Cool the brownies on a wire rack for 30 minutes before cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

• For a nuttier flavor, substitute almond butter with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.
• Use chopped walnuts instead of chocolate chips for a crunchy texture.
• Ensure quinoa is well-soaked and rinsed to avoid any bitter taste.

Storage

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy chilled. They also freeze well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cooked quinoa instead of soaking it?

It’s best to soak and blend the raw quinoa as directed to achieve the smooth, fudgy texture. Cooked quinoa may result in a grainier consistency.

Are these brownies gluten-free and vegan?

Yes, these brownies are naturally gluten-free and vegan as they use quinoa, almond milk, and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Quinoa Brownies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 129 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 58 minutes
• Yield: 9 to 12 brownies (depending on size) 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Delicious and nutritious quinoa brownies that combine wholesome ingredients like ripe bananas, almond butter, and unsweetened cocoa powder to create a rich, moist, and naturally sweet treat. These brownies are dairy-free, gluten-free, and perfect for a healthy dessert or snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Uncooked Quinoa
• 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
• 1/3 cup Maple Syrup
• 1/4 cup Almond Butter
• 2 medium Ripe Bananas
• 1/4 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/3 cup Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate Chips (or chopped pecans or chopped walnuts)

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Instructions

1. Soak Quinoa: In a bowl, place the quinoa and cover it with cold tap water. Soak for 30 minutes up to 2 hours to soften and remove bitterness.
2. Drain and Rinse: Drain the soaked quinoa using a sieve and rinse thoroughly to remove any remaining impurities.
3. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and lightly oil it with coconut oil to prevent sticking.
4. Blend Ingredients: Transfer the drained quinoa to the blender jug along with cocoa powder, maple syrup, almond butter, ripe bananas, unsweetened almond milk, baking powder, and vanilla extract.
5. Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high speed for about 30 seconds. Use the tamper attachment or push the batter from the sides towards the center to ensure everything blends evenly until no quinoa pieces remain and the batter is smooth.
6. Mix in Add-Ins: Stop the blender and gently fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts as desired.
7. Transfer Batter to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and optionally sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for added texture and flavor.
8. Bake: Place the pan on the center oven rack and bake for 17 to 19 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center – it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
9. Cool: Once baked, cool the brownies on a wire rack for 30 minutes before cutting into squares to allow them to set properly.

Notes

• Soaking quinoa helps reduce its natural bitterness and improves texture.
• You can substitute the maple syrup with honey or another liquid sweetener of choice.
• Use ripe bananas for maximum natural sweetness and moisture.
• Almond butter can be replaced with any nut or seed butter you prefer.
• Ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free if you want to keep this recipe vegan and dairy-free.
• Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes (including soaking time)
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: quinoa brownies, gluten free brownies, dairy free brownies, healthy brownies, vegan brownies, almond butter dessert, banana brownies