When I first embarked on my journey toward a healthier lifestyle, I often struggled to find desserts that satisfied my sweet tooth without sacrificing my nutritional goals. It was during one of those late-night kitchen adventures that I decided to experiment with a mix of my favorite superfoods: chia seeds and quinoa. The result was an irresistible batch of Nutty Superfood Jumbles that not only tasted amazing but also packed a punch of nutrients. These delightful bites became a staple in my kitchen, and I often shared them with friends, who couldn’t believe how delicious healthy eating could be!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa (cooled)
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (or cocoa nibs for a healthier option)
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
  • 1/4 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or apricots, chopped)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled cooked quinoa and almond flour. Stir well until evenly mixed.

Add the chia seeds, peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and sea salt to the mixture. Use a spatula or your hands to mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and form a sticky dough.

Fold in the dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and dried fruit, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Using a tablespoon, scoop out a portion of the mixture and shape it into a ball or a small patty. Place each formed jumble onto the lined baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between them as they will slightly spread while baking.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, these Nutty Superfood Jumbles can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. Enjoy them as a quick snack, a post-workout boost, or a delightful dessert that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized!

As I shared these jumbles with family and friends, their eyes lit up with every bite. It became a tradition to make them for gatherings, reminding us all that choosing a healthy lifestyle doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or joy.