Choc Crunch Freezer Bites

A no-bake chocolatey freezer bite with a fudgy cacao and hazelnut base and a crunchy puffed quinoa topping - prep-ahead, freezer-friendly and ready when the after-school hunger hits.

These little bites are fun, freezer-friendly and easy to make in silicone moulds or a lined container. The hazelnut meal gives them a soft chocolate-hazelnut flavour, and works with ground flaxseed to add a gentle fibre-friendly boost.

They are still very much a chocolatey treat - just with a few fibre-friendly ingredients tucked in.

Ingredients

Fudgy base

• ½ cup smooth peanut butter, or nut butter
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• ⅓ cup cacao powder
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed / flax meal
• 3 tablespoons hazelnut meal
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Almond meal can be used instead of hazelnut meal if that's what you have on hand.

Choc crunch topping

• 1 cup milk chocolate, chopped
• ⅓ cup smooth peanut butter, or nut butter
• ⅔ cup puffed quinoa

Dark chocolate can be used instead if your family prefers it.



Method

1. Use square, star-shaped or mini silicone moulds, or line a small container or loaf tin with baking paper.
2. In a bowl, mix the peanut butter, maple syrup, cacao powder, ground flaxseed, vanilla and salt until smooth.
3. Add the hazelnut meal and mix until the base becomes soft and fudgy.
4. Press the mixture firmly into the silicone moulds or lined container.
5. Melt the milk chocolate gently, then stir through the peanut butter and puffed quinoa until combined.
6. Spoon the choc crunch topping over the fudgy base and spread it out evenly.
7. Place in the fridge or freezer until firm.
8. Pop out of the moulds or slice into small bites. Store in the fridge or freezer.

 

Taste note

The fudgy base may taste a little rich or bitter before the choc crunch topping is added. The milk chocolate topping helps balance this out once the bites are assembled.

If your child prefers a sweeter flavour, you can add an extra 1–2 teaspoons of maple syrup to the base, or reduce the cacao slightly to ¼ cup.

Texture note

For a softer bite, store in the fridge.

For a firmer freezer bite, store in the freezer and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Swaps and notes

For a milder flavour, use almond meal instead of hazelnut meal.

For a less intense chocolate flavour, reduce the cacao to ¼ cup.

For families who prefer a richer chocolate taste, use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate.

For a smoother version, skip the puffed quinoa topping and simply drizzle melted chocolate over the base.

Silicone moulds make this recipe fun and easy to portion. Stars, squares, hearts or mini shapes all work well.

A note on fibre

Approximate fibre per bite will vary depending on the brands used and the size of each piece. Based on approximately 16 bites, each bite provides roughly 2g of fibre. Ground flaxseed and hazelnut meal are the main fibre-contributing ingredients in this recipe.

Little Belly note

These bites use ground flaxseed and hazelnut meal for a gentle fibre-friendly boost, while keeping the flavour chocolatey and familiar.

The puffed quinoa adds a fun crunchy topping - but texture can be a big yes-or-no for some little ones. If crunch isn't their thing, you can skip the puffed quinoa and make a smoother chocolate version instead.