Introduction

These quinoa brownies are a deliciously fudgy and nutritious twist on a classic treat. Packed with wholesome ingredients like bananas and almond butter, they offer a naturally sweet and gluten-free option for brownie lovers. Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a healthier dessert without sacrificing flavor.

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

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

Tips & Variations

For a nuttier flavor, swap almond butter with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter.
Add a pinch of salt to enhance the chocolate flavor if your cocoa powder is unsweetened.
For extra texture, mix in chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips.
Make sure to blend the batter well to avoid quinoa graininess in the brownies.

Storage

Store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. They also freeze well—wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer warm brownies.

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 rinse uncooked quinoa to soften it and remove bitterness. Using cooked quinoa may alter the texture and moisture balance in the batter.

Are these brownies vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe uses plant-based ingredients like almond milk and maple syrup, making it vegan. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, so these brownies suit gluten-free diets as well.

Quinoa Brownies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 134 reviews

Delicious and nutritious quinoa brownies made with wholesome ingredients like bananas, almond butter, and maple syrup. These gluten-free, dairy-free brownies are a healthier twist on the classic treat, blending protein-packed quinoa with rich cocoa and dairy-free chocolate chips for a moist, fudgy texture.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 2 hours soaking time)
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 28 minutes (including soaking and baking times)
Yield: 9 brownies (cut into 3x3 squares) 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

Soak Quinoa: In a bowl, place the quinoa and cover it with cold tap water. Allow it to soak for 30 minutes to 2 hours to soften.
Drain and Rinse: Drain the soaked quinoa in a sieve and rinse thoroughly to remove any impurities or residue.
Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, lightly oiling it with coconut oil to prevent sticking.
Combine Ingredients: Transfer the drained quinoa to a blender jug along with unsweetened cocoa powder, maple syrup, almond butter, ripe bananas, unsweetened almond milk, baking powder, and vanilla extract.
Blend Batter: Blend on high speed for about 30 seconds, using the tamper or blender tool to push batter from sides to center. Continue blending until the batter is smooth and no quinoa pieces remain.
Add Mix-ins: Stop the blender and gently fold in the dairy-free dark chocolate chips or your choice of chopped nuts, mixing evenly through the batter.
Pour into Pan: Pour the smooth batter into the prepared baking pan, and optionally sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for added texture and flavor.
Bake: Place the pan on the center rack of the oven and bake for 17-19 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating fudgy brownies.
Cool and Serve: Remove brownies from the oven and cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes before slicing into squares to serve.

Notes

The soaking time for quinoa can be adjusted between 30 minutes and 2 hours depending on your schedule.
Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and better texture.
You can substitute almond butter with any other nut or seed butter if preferred.
Optional: Adding extra chocolate chips on top enhances chocolate flavor and adds a pleasing look.
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

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