No-Bake Vegan Chocolate Puffed Cereal Bites (Gluten-Free)
Get ready for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious treat with these No-Bake Vegan Chocolate Puffed Cereal Bites! In this quick and gluten-free recipe, you will discover how just 4 simple ingredients can create a healthy, satisfying, and chocolatey snack that’s perfect for any occasion. With crunchy puffed quinoa or millet, rich dark chocolate (I used Trader Joe’s!), and a touch of creamy peanut butter, these bites are naturally sweetened, packed with nutrients, and guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. They take only minutes to prepare.
Nutritional Benefits
Dark Chocolate (Trader Joe’s): Rich in antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which can support heart health. May also improve mood and cognitive function.
Puffed Quinoa or Millet: Both are similar nutritional benefits, both being gluten-free whole grains that provide fiber, plant-based protein, essential minerals like magnesium and iron, and antioxidants.
Almond Milk: Low in calories and sugar (if unsweetened). Provides calcium and vitamin E, supporting bone and skin health.
Peanut Butter: A good source of healthy fats and plant-based protein. Adds creaminess and a satisfying flavor, also rich in vitamins and minerals.
More Healthy Desserts
Beyond a Snack
- Crumbling them over yogurt or ice cream.
- Using them as a topping for smoothie bowls.
- Adding them to trail mix.
- Incorporating them into a dessert bar platter.
Flavor Variations
- Spiced: Add cinnamon, cardamom, or a pinch of cayenne.
- Fruity: Mix in dried fruit or use a different type of freeze-dried fruit.
- Nutty: Add different types of chopped nuts.
- Seedy: Add different types of seeds, like chia, or flax seeds.
Holiday Adaptations
Christmas
- Peppermint Bark Bites: Add 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract to the melted chocolate. Top with crushed candy canes or vegan peppermint candies before the chocolate sets.
- Gingerbread Bites: Add 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, and a pinch of nutmeg to the melted chocolate. Drizzle with melted vegan white chocolate for decoration.
- Cranberry-Orange Bites: Add the zest of 1/2 an orange to the chocolate. Mix in some dried cranberries.
- White Chocolate Snow Bites: Use melted vegan white chocolate instead of dark. Top with shredded coconut “snow” and/or vegan white chocolate chips.
Valentine’s Day
- Strawberry Chocolate Bites: Add freeze-dried strawberries (or raspberries) and a bit less puff cereal.
- Pink Peppermint Bites: Add a 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the melted chocolate.
- Rose-Flavored Bites: Add a few drops of rosewater to the melted chocolate for a delicate floral aroma and flavor.
- Heart-Shaped Bites: Use a heart-shaped silicone mold to make the bites.
Easter
- Bunny Bites: Shape the bites into bunny shapes or use a bunny-shaped mold.
- Bird’s Nest Bites: Before setting, make a small indentation in the center of each bite. After setting, fill with a few vegan jellybeans or mini chocolate eggs to resemble a bird’s nest.
Halloween
- Spooky Spider Bites: After the bites have set, use melted vegan white chocolate or black decorating gel to draw spider legs on each bite.
- Pumpkin Spice Bites: Add 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to the melted chocolate. Top with chopped pecans or pumpkin seeds.
- Orange and Black Bites: Drizzle the orange and dark chocolate over the bites for a Halloween-themed look.
Thanksgiving
- Pecan Pie Bites: Add chopped pecans to the chocolate mixture and a bit less puff cereal.
- Cranberry-Walnut Bites: Mix in chopped walnuts and dried cranberries. Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Pumpkin Spice Bites: Add 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice and a tablespoon of pumpkin puree to the melted chocolate.
4th of July
- Red, White, and Blue Bites: Use melted vegan white chocolate and drizzle the colored chocolate over the set bites. You could also add freeze-dried blueberries and strawberries.
General Tips for Holiday Adaptations
- Colors: Use natural food coloring to tint the chocolate or add colorful toppings.
- Flavors: Incorporate seasonal spices, extracts, and fruits.
- Shapes: Use cookie cutters or silicone molds to create festive shapes.
- Toppings: Get creative with sprinkles, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and drizzles.
- Presentation: Arrange the bites on a platter in a festive way.
More Chocolate Recipes You Will Love
- Chocolate Oats Mint
- No-Bake Vegan Raspberry Chocolate Discs
- Easiest Plant-Based Homemade Yogurt
- Easy Green Fruit Salad Recipe
No-Bake Vegan Chocolate Puffed Cereal Bites (Gluten-Free)
Ingredients
- 150 grams dark chocolate Trader Joes
- 1.5 cups puffed millet or quinoa
- 1 tbsp almond milk to mel chocolat
- 1 tbsp peanut butter mixed in the melted chococated
Instructions
- Gently melt vegan chocolate with almond milk (or coconut oil) in a bowl. Stir in peanut butter if using.
- Add puffed quinoa (or millet) to the melted chocolate. Stir until well coated. If cereal is soft, toast on stove top.
- Spoon the mixture onto a parchment-lined sheet, making small mounds. Add any toppings you like (sea salt, nuts, etc.) before the chocolate hardens.
- Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes and enjoy!