Do you tend to think of quinoa as just an alternative to oats at breakfast or a substitute for rice at supper? Think again! These delicious quinoa dessert recipes show you just how great this ancient grain is in sweet treats.
The information provided on this site is based on my personal experience living with alpha-gal syndrome. I consistently cite and link to expert sources, but nothing published on this site should be perceived as medical advice.
Alpha-gal sensitivities vary by person. You should understand your dietary restrictions, making any adjustments needed, and directing any questions to your physician.
Although quinoa (pronounced as “KEEN-wah”) has been grown in the Andes Mountains for thousands of years, it was relatively unknown in the United States until a few years ago. Today, this plant-based protein that acts like a grain is a popular ingredient that’s naturally gluten free.
Related Article: Power Up with Quinoa, a Complete Protein for Alpha Gals
In This Article
Why Use Quinoa in Desserts?
Quinoa desserts are not only delicious, but they help make sweet treats a little more healthy. This naturally gluten-free superfood is incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of desserts.
High in Protein and Other Nutrients
Cup for cup, quinoa flour is lower in calories, lower in carbs, and higher in protein than all-purpose flour. It’s also higher in dietary fiber and calcium. So when you use quinoa flour in your baked goods, you add nutrients without sacrificing satisfaction.
Gluten Free
Quinoa is naturally gluten free. So if you have celiac disease, a gluten intolerance, or otherwise follow a gluten-free diet, quinoa flour provides a way to continue to enjoy your favorite baked goods.
Unique Flavor
Quinoa has a slightly nutty flavor that can add depth to baked goods and help enhance the flavor of other ingredients like nuts, fruits, and spices.
Different Types of Quinoa for Dessert
Whether you’re baking muffins, crafting homemade granola bars, or whipping up a batch of cookies, there are several ways to incorporate quinoa into baked goods. But how you bake with quinoa often depends on the type that you’re using.
Cooked Quinoa
Whether it’s white, red, black, or tri-color, cooked quinoa adds extra texture to baked goods. It’s also a great way to use up leftover quinoa from another recipe.
Quinoa Flour
Made from the ground seeds, quinoa flour is a great gluten-free substitute for wheat flour in breads, cookies, and cakes.
Quinoa Flakes
Quinoa flakes look a bit like rolled oats. They are a quick-cooking form of quinoa that can be used instead of oats in baked goods.
Quinoa Puffs
Quinoa puffs are a small, light, puffed version of quinoa. They look a lot like puffed rice and are typically used the same way in recipes.
Best Quinoa Dessert Recipes
From cookies to cakes, there are many delicious ways to incorporate quinoa into dessert. These are some of my favorite alpha-gal friendly quinoa dessert recipes.
NOTE: Because the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports that most people with alpha-gal can tolerate “moderate, lean dairy,” some of the recipes below may include butter, cheese, or another dairy product. If you are an alpha gal who avoids dairy, please make a dairy-free substitution. From vegan butter to plant milk cheeses, Miyoko’s is one of my favorite brands. And, even if you can tolerate dairy, I recommend that alpha gals stick with vegetarian cheese.
1
Coconut Quinoa with Fruit
2
Quinoa Chocolate Chunk Cookies
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Quinoa Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Chocolate Cake with Quinoa
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Gluten-Free Orange Cake
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White Chocolate Quinoa Crisps
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Chocolate Almond Quinoa Cake
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Quinoa Yogurt Parfait
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Gluten Free Apple Cake made with Quinoa
Do You Like Quinoa Desserts?
How do you like to use quinoa in dessert recipes? Do you prefer to use cooked quinoa, quinoa flour, quinoa flakes, or quinoa puffs? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Okay I had no idea you could do so much with quinoa! This is awesome!
I mean any ingredient that goes with dark chocolate works for me! 🙂
Quinoa is one of my favorites. I had no idea you could make dessert out of it.
Folks aren’t kidding when they call it a very versatile grain! 🙂
Folks aren’t joking when they say it’s a very versatile grain! 🙂
Sage I was just diagnosed w alpha gal idk how long I’ve had it or if it’s new!! I was eating pork when they called me. My face itches and head itches stomach swells like I’m bloated and kinda loose a breathe here n there ibhave asthma so they sayvim at high risk of bad reactions. My level was 8.4 what was yours
Hi Michael, I’m so sorry you are now part of the alpha-gal club. Do you have a healthcare provider who understands AGS and can help you navigate life with this food allergy?
Love quinoa!! I tried the coconut quinoa and it’s super delicious! I can’t wait to try the others on this list. Thank you so much!!!!
Coconut quinoa is really creamy and super delish.
So glad I’ve found your post! I’ve been looking for Quinoa recipes and I even found a treat! – Quinoa dessert! I loved the Quinoa Yogurt Parfait and I can’t wait to try the others. Thanks!
That parfait is pretty yummy!
I was looking for a healthy dessert ingredient and came across this post by accident. I thought this was perfect and so I tried it. I tried the quinoa flakes for my baking needs and I totally fell in love with this ingredient. Definitely healthy and… nice taste too! I’ll try the other ones too!
Quinoa is a great way to sneak a little more protein into whatever dish is satisfying my sweet tooth.
I am so glad I found this! I am trying to incorporate more quinoa into my diet and this is perfect! I can’t wait to make some of these recipes!
You’ll have to let me know which one you like best!
It’s amazing how versatile quinoa can be – these all look so great. So far, I’ve given CCC recipe a try and loved it, can’t wait to try the rest!
We eat a lot of quinoa here!
Sage, thank you for all of these recipes and ideas. I had no idea you could do so much with quinoa. I can’t wait to try these recipes when I’m well enough! God bless you!
We are big fans of this superfood at my house! Feel better soon! <3
I love quinoa but I’ve never made any desserts with it. I can’t wait to try these! I am starting with the chocolate chunk cookies – they look amazing!
They are delish!