Buncha Crunch was one of those movie theater snacks I had a very specific affection for. You know what I’m talking about — those little clusters of crunchy, chocolatey goodness that you cannot stop eating once you start. Especially when paired with buttered popcorn. This quinoa dupe captures that exact energy but swaps the ingredients for something you can actually feel good about eating. Puffed quinoa coated in chocolate with a little crunch and sweetness, I mean it is so good and so much better for you than anything you would find in a candy box.
Puffed quinoa is the ingredient that makes this work. When quinoa is popped or puffed, it becomes light, airy, and has this satisfying little crunch that is completely addictive. It absorbs chocolate beautifully and creates clusters that have the same kind of texture and snackability that made the original so appealing. You can find puffed quinoa at most health food stores or online, and it is worth keeping a bag around because it is one of those versatile pantry staples you end up putting in everything.
The chocolate base is straightforward. Good quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate melted down with a little coconut oil to keep it fluid and give the clusters a nice sheen. A pinch of flaky salt and a touch of vanilla stirred in makes a real difference but are certainly not required. Once you combine the melted chocolate with the puffed quinoa, you drop spoonfuls onto parchment and let them set up completely before eating. That is the whole recipe. Truly, THAT is IT.
You can keep these simple or dress them up depending on your mood. A sprinkle of flaky salt on top before they set is a great addition. Dried fruit, toasted coconut, or a drizzle of white chocolate can all take these in different directions. They make a genuinely lovely homemade gift if you package them up in a little bag or tin, and they keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of weeks (if they last that long, which in my experience they do not!).
This is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a genius for figuring it out because they are that good. Simple, satisfying, and endlessly snackable (as a good chocolate treat does). I hope you love it as much as I do, and that you share them with someone you like! Tag me @herbyeats when you make them, I would love to see if you post about it!
Healthy Quinoa Buncha Crunch Dupe
Equipment
- Baking sheets (2)
- Parchment paper
- Heat-proof bowl (for double boiler)
- Small saucepan or pot
- Rubber spatula or spoon
- Tablespoon or cookie scoop
- Microwave (alternative to double boiler)
Ingredients
- 2 cups puffed quinoa
- 8 oz good quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate 60–70%, chopped
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Melt chocolate and coconut oil together in a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of barely simmering water (double boiler), stirring until smooth. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Add puffed quinoa to the melted chocolate and fold until every piece is evenly coated.
- Drop heaped tablespoons onto the prepared parchment, spacing slightly apart. Sprinkle immediately with flaky sea salt.
- Let set at room temperature for 30–45 minutes, or refrigerate for 15 minutes to speed up the process.
- Once firm, store in an airtight container in a cool spot or the fridge.