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Quinoa
Chocolate-Covered Puffed Quinoa Bark
5.0
(3)
3 Reviews
This quinoa bark combines crunchy puffed quinoa with creamy peanut butter and a drizzle of dark chocolate for a snack that’s sweet, salty and satisfyingly crisp. Freeze-dried strawberries add fruity flavor and a pop of color to each bite.
By Megan Ginsberg Published on March 5, 2026
Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD
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Active Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
25 mins
Servings:
12
Nutrition Profile:
Sesame-Free Low-Sodium Soy-Free High-Fiber Vegetarian High-Protein Egg-Free Gluten-Free
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Plant-based proteins team with antioxidant-rich dark chocolate to create a satisfying snack.
The puffed quinoa delivers crunch, while dark chocolate and peanut butter bring rich flavor.
With just a few minutes of hands-on time, it’s a snack that comes together fast.
This Chocolate-Covered Puffed Quinoa Bark is our new favorite crunchy snack. Puffed quinoa and chia seeds provide fiber, while creamy peanut butter and dark chocolate bring rich, satisfying flavors. Finished with pops of tart freeze-dried strawberries and a sprinkle of flaky salt, this easy no-bake bite is ideal for snacking, sharing or stashing in the fridge for a little something sweet anytime. Keep reading for our expert tips on how to prep this delicious recipe, smart ingredient substitutions and more!
Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen
These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too!
Crush the strawberries lightly and avoid turning them into powder so you get pops of tart flavor and texture throughout.
Press the mixture firmly into the pan. It helps the bark hold together and makes cleaner cuts once chilled.
Microwave the chocolate in short intervals and stir often to prevent scorching.
Nutrition Notes
The percentage of dark chocolate indicates the cacao content. A higher percentage of cacao means a higher flavonoid content to help protect against heart disease and improve blood flow to the brain. Dark chocolate contains magnesium, which plays a role in regulating mood and sleep to help us feel more relaxed, making this a great bedtime snack.
Quinoa is a pseudocereal, meaning it’s technically a seed but cooked and eaten like a grain. This complete source of plant-based protein is also gluten-free. You’ll find gut-healthy fiber along with flavonoids and polyphenols to help reduce inflammation. Puffed quinoa has the same benefits as quinoa with an airy crunchy texture.
Chia seeds add protein, soluble fiber and omega-3 fats to this chocolate snack. You’re also getting antioxidants along with the dark chocolate to help protect against inflammation, support brain health and protect against certain cancers.
Creamy peanut butter offers plant-based protein along with antioxidants and healthy fats. Despite peanut butter being higher in calories because of its fat content, the majority of its fats come from unsaturated fat, particularly monounsaturated fats. That protein and fat in peanut butter makes us feel more satisfied with this snack.
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Ingredients
1/2x
1x
2x
Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings
1 (1-ounce) package freeze-dried strawberries, coarsely crushed, divided
3 cups unsweetened puffed quinoa
2 tablespoons chia seeds
¾ cup smooth natural peanut butter
2 tablespoons unrefined coconut oil
5 ounces 60% dark chocolate, finely chopped
½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
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Directions
Ingredients
Keep Screen Awake
1/2x
1x
2x
Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings
1 (1-ounce) package freeze-dried strawberries, coarsely crushed, divided
3 cups unsweetened puffed quinoa
2 tablespoons chia seeds
¾ cup smooth natural peanut butter
2 tablespoons unrefined coconut oil
5 ounces 60% dark chocolate, finely chopped
½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
Ingredients
Line a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Reserve 2 tablespoons crushed freeze-dried strawberries in a small bowl. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups puffed quinoa, 2 tablespoons chia seeds and the remaining crushed strawberries.
A bowl containing a mixture of puffed quinoa and small pink pieces
Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.
Stir ¾ cup peanut butter and 2 tablespoons coconut oil together in a small microwavable bowl. Microwave on High until melted, about 1 minute. Pour the peanut butter mixture over the quinoa mixture and stir until evenly coated. Transfer to the prepared pan and press evenly into the bottom. Freeze, uncovered, until firm, about 10 minutes.
Tray of puffed quinoa and fruit spread on parchment paper for preparation
Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.
Place chopped dark chocolate in a medium microwavable bowl. Microwave on High in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth, 1 minute, 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
Drizzle the melted chocolate over the chilled quinoa mixture. Sprinkle with the reserved 2 tablespoons strawberries and ½ teaspoon flaky salt. Refrigerate, uncovered, until the chocolate is firm, about 5 minutes. Cut into 12 (3¼-by-3-inch) pieces. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
A recipe image of Chocolate-Covered Puffed Quinoa Bark.
Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.
To make ahead
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is puffed quinoa and where can I find it?
Can I use a different grain instead of puffed quinoa?f
Can I use a different freeze-dried fruit?
Can I freeze this?
Recipe developed by Anna Theoktisto
EatingWell.com, March 2026
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Nutrition Facts
(per serving)
282
Calories
17g
Fat
27g
Carbs
8g
Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Serving Size 1 piece
Calories 282
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 27g 10%
Dietary Fiber 4g 16%
Total Sugars 7g
Added Sugars 5g 10%
Protein 8g 16%
Total Fat 17g 22%
Saturated Fat 6g 28%
Cholesterol 1mg 0%
Sodium 152mg 7%
Calcium 39mg 3%
Iron 3mg 18%
Magnesium 93mg 22%
Potassium 296mg 6%
Zinc 1mg 13%