Chocolate Chip Quinoa Snack Cake Recipe

Ever had a dessert that feels like a warm hug in a pan? Let me take you on a delicious journey with my quinoa chocolate chip cake—it’s got all the cozy vibes and a surprisingly delightful twist!

I love this chocolate chip quinoa snack cake for how beautifully it balances indulgence and nutrition. With a base of cooked quinoa, all-purpose flour, and Greek yogurt, it’s a protein powerhouse.

The brown sugar and vanilla, meanwhile, deliver one of the most delightful sweet moments I’ve had in a while, all the more so because they’re balanced by the melted chocolate and the chocolate chips. If you want a dessert that’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds, this is a solid contender.

Chocolate Chip Quinoa Snack Cake Recipe Ingredients

• Cooked quinoa: Packed with protein and fiber, it adds a nutty texture.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and necessary carbohydrates.
• Melted butter: Adds richness and keeps the cake moist.
• Coconut oil: Delivers healthy fats and subtle tropical flavor.
• Brown sugar: Sweetens the cake with a hint of caramel.
• Greek yogurt: Keeps the cake tender while adding protein.
• Chocolate chips: Bring sweetness and delightful chocolate bursts.

Chocolate Chip Quinoa Snack Cake Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cup chocolate chips

How to Make this Chocolate Chip Quinoa Snack Cake Recipe

1. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking pan that is 8×8 inches (20×20 cm) and has straight sides by greasing it and setting it aside.

2. In a bowl of medium size, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. In a big bowl, blend together the melted butter, melted coconut oil, and brown sugar. Mix until well combined.

4. Incorporate the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and Greek yogurt until the batter is emitting smooth vibes.

5. Lightly mixing in the wet part of the recipe, try to get it fairly evenly distributed with the cooked quinoa. You can do this with a spatula, using the paddle and going along the bottom of the bowl and up the sides of the bowl all around.

6. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.

7. Carefully mix the chocolate chips into the batter. Do not overmix.

8. Place the batter in the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

9. For 30-35 minutes, bake, or until a toothpick stuck into the center comes out free of any residue.

10. Permit the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack prior to cutting and dishing out. Enjoy!

Chocolate Chip Quinoa Snack Cake Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan
3. Grease or cooking spray
4. Medium-sized bowl
5. Large bowl
6. Spatula
7. Mixing spoon or electric mixer
8. Measuring cups and spoons
9. Wire rack
10. Toothpick

FAQ

• Can I use any type of quinoa?Any type of cooked quinoa will work in this recipe; however, the flavor is much stronger with red or black quinoa, and there are more textural issues (it can be mushy) with those types as compared to white quinoa.
• What can I use instead of coconut oil?Additional melted butter may be substituted, or for a neutral oil, use canola or vegetable oil.
• Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?Indeed, a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be used in lieu of regular flour.
• Can I use a sugar substitute?Coconut sugar and granulated sugar substitutes like erythritol can be used in this recipe for a lower-calorie option.
• How should I store the cake?For up to 3 days, you can keep the cake at room temperature in an airtight container. If you prefer a cooler storage option, the next best place to keep it is in the fridge, where it will stay good for up to a week.
• Can I use other types of chocolate?Certainly! You can try using dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. Feel free to experiment.
• Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt?Sour cream or plant-based yogurt can easily be used to create a dairy-free version.

Chocolate Chip Quinoa Snack Cake Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Use whole wheat flour in place of all-purpose flour. “It has a nutty flavor that adds a little something extra to the muffins, and it packs way more nutrients than all-purpose flour,” Webb says.
Change brown sugar for coconut sugar in this recipe for a slightly different caramel taste and a lower glycemic index.
Use applesauce or mashed banana instead of half the butter for a healthier option.
To achieve a fruitier flavor profile, replace coconut oil with olive oil.
You can substitute sour cream for Greek yogurt, and vice versa, with similar results in texture and flavor. When using sour cream in place of Greek yogurt, use the same amount and mix sufficiently to combine.

Pro Tips

1. Rinse the cooked quinoa thoroughly before using to remove any bitterness and ensure a mild flavor in your final bake.

2. Ensure the melted butter and coconut oil are cooled slightly before mixing with other ingredients to prevent them from cooking the eggs prematurely.

3. For an extra burst of flavor, toast the quinoa lightly in a pan before mixing it into the batter. This adds a nutty depth to the cake.

4. Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter just before baking to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during the baking process.

5. Let the cake rest for at least 15 minutes in the pan after baking. This allows it to firm up and makes cutting into neat slices easier.