Frosted Quinoa Bites Snack (Printable Version)
Protein-rich quinoa bites topped with creamy frosting make a perfect healthy snack or treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Quinoa Bites Base
01 - 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
02 - 1/2 cup rolled oats
03 - 1/3 cup almond flour
04 - 1/4 cup honey or pure maple syrup
05 - 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
06 - 1/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
07 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
09 - 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
10 - 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
11 - 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
12 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
13 - 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
# How To Make:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or lightly coat with cooking spray.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, rolled oats, almond flour, honey, applesauce, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed and mixture holds together when pressed.
03 - Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of mixture into each mini muffin cup. Press down gently with the back of the spoon or your fingers to compact each bite firmly.
04 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until edges are golden brown and tops appear set. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan before removing—this prevents crumbling.
05 - While bites cool, combine softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until completely smooth and creamy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
06 - Once bites have cooled completely, top each with a small dollop of frosting using a spoon or piping bag. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to allow frosting to set before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You get protein and fiber in something that feels like eating cake for breakfast
- The frosting transforms them from healthy snack into party worthy treat without any guilt
02 -
- Hot quinoa will make your mixture gummy and weird, so let it cool completely before mixing
- These need to be completely cool before frosting or it will melt right off
03 -
- A tablespoon or cookie scoop creates perfectly uniform bites every time
- If your mixture feels too dry, add another teaspoon of applesauce