Vegan Energy Bites with hemp seeds, quinoa and chocolate

A couple of weeks ago, I asked you guys what you wanted to see more of on my blog. One thing some of you mentioned was healthy snacks to enjoy between meals or to bring to Uni. Something that’s healthy, yet tastes like a dessert.

I was thinking about something with nuts and dates – nuts to make it filling and dates to add some sweetness to it. I also wanted to add some crunch so I thought seeds would do the trick. Since I wanted the bites to be rather small, I wanted to use seeds that are rather small in size. What could be better than hemp seeds? When I opened the kitchen drawer to bring out the hemp seeds, I happened to find an almost empty bag of puffed quinoa. Instead of more seeds I decided to go with the quinoa. And then something to spice it all up – cardamom and vanilla of course. The base was ready.

Then I just needed something to top the thing with. Something not too sweet, something different. Chocolate of course! Just a thin layer, but enough to make it much more delicious. And there you have it – a new recipe. 

That’s basically how I work when I create a new recipe. I have an idea, then I go through my kitchen to find stuff that could possibly work. Sometimes it’s a success, but quite often I have to change something (or everything) before I’m happy with the result. I’ve made these several times over the last couple of weeks – they are just perfect when you need a little pick-me-up in the afternoon. Both me and K love them and I hope you will too. They are really simple to make, all you need is a blender and a fridge. 

Also, check out my recipe for energy balls with cashew butter and coffee. Another healthy treat that is really good and perfect to bring to Uni or work. Or eat at home. Happy baking!

Chocolate Energy Bites with hemp seeds and chocolate 

10 – 12 fresh dates
2 tbsp water 
1 dl nut butter or tahini 
2 1/2 dl puffed quinoa
2 1/2 dl hemp seeds (shelled)
pinch of pure vanilla powder
1/2 tsp ground cardamom

30 – 40 g dark chocolate (at least 70% cacao)

Instructions

1. Pit the dates and cut in smaller pieces. 
2. Place the dates in a blender and add water and nut butter. 
3. Mix until smooth. 
4. Stir in puffed quinoa, hemp seeds, vanilla and cardamom and stir until well combined. 
5. Cover a square baking tin (about 15 x 15 cm) with parchment paper. 
6. Pour the batter into the tin and spread out evenly. 
7. Melt the chocolate and pour it over the batter. 
8. Place in the fridge for an hour or two. 
9. Cut in squares and enjoy. 
10. Store in the fridge, they are good for at least 4 days.