Strawberry Chocolate Quinoa Breakfast Bowls
5 from 5 votes

These strawberry chocolate quinoa breakfast bowls are a satisfying, whole grain breakfast option that tastes like dessert! Protein-rich quinoa is cooked with cocoa powder and non-dairy milk, so that it becomes chocolatey and creamy. Top the quinoa with sliced strawberry and flaked coconut for a breakfast bowl that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

A round, ceramic bowl containing a chocolate and quinoa breakfast bowl is resting on a white surface.

Until this past Sunday, when I made these cocoa strawberry quinoa breakfast bowls, my breakfasts had gotten pretty routine. Most days it’s either tostadas (loosely based off of the recipe from Food52 Vegan, though I usually use Pacific or Amy’s refried beans instead of homemade these days), overnight oats, or savory oats. All wonderful options, but even the most cherished breakfast can lose some of its appeal when you eat it almost.every.day.

Now that I have a tiny breather from school, I’ve been making more creative breakfasts, and this sweet, creamy quinoa breakfast bowl is a wonderful place to start. It’s undeniably chocolatey without being overly sweet or cloying first thing in the morning, and it’s packed with tasty ingredients, including fresh strawberries and toasted coconut. It may look fancy, but making it is nearly as simple as making a pot of quinoa–and it’s a little more fun, at that.

A close up, overhead image of a whole grain breakfast with coconut shreds and fresh fruit.

To make the bowls, you simply cook up quinoa in a mixture of water and non-dairy milk (this is how I always prepare breakfast quinoa, whether I end up making it chocolatey or not). When the quinoa is fully cooked, you stir in extra milk and cocoa powder. If you have raw cacao powder, that will work perfectly, too, though you may want to decrease the amount to 2 or 2 1/2 tablespoons, as I find raw cacao to be a little bolder and more bitter than regular cocoa.

Next, you pile the bowls high with toppings of choice. I chose strawberries because they’re perfectly in season and so appealing right now, as well as some tasty toasted coconut flakes/chips (I prefer these to regular shredded coconut, and I usually get this brand). Cocao nibs and mini chocolate chips also take the bowls to the next level!

A gray, ceramic bowl contains fresh berries, coconut flakes, and chocolate-infused whole grain.

You can easily double the recipe and freeze portions for future breakfasts, topping the bowls when you’re ready, or you can choose different garnishes and fresh fruit to serve with it. It’s a delicious meal, one that feels like a special treat but isn’t quite as labor intensive as a baking project.

While I didn’t serve these to my mom on Mother’s Day–I was busy making her a batch of her very favorite muffins instead–I think these bowls would be a really nice choice for a special occasion or a brunch with friends.

A round, ceramic bowl containing a chocolate and quinoa breakfast bowl is resting on a white surface.
5 from 5 votes

Strawberry Chocolate Quinoa Breakfast Bowls

Author – Gena Hamshaw
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dry quinoa (180g)
  • 1 2/3 cups oat, soy, almond, or cashew milk (395mL)
  • 1 cup water (240mL)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 3 tablespoons agave or maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 2 cups strawberries, halved or quartered, depending on size (280g)
  • 1 cup toasted coconut flakes (60g; substitute shredded coconut, chopped walnuts, or sliced or slivered almonds)
  • 1/4 cup cacao nibs (50g; substitute vegan mini chocolate chips)

Instructions

  • Rinse the quinoa through a fine sieve. Add it, along with 1 cup water and 1 cup non-dairy milk, the vanilla extract, the salt, and the syrup, to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cover. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is creamy and has absorbed all of the liquid.
  • Stir in the cocoa powder and remaining 2/3 cups non-dairy milk, along with a touch of extra sweetener if desired. Divide the quinoa between four serving bowls. Top each with the berries, coconut flakes, and cacao nibs or chocolate chips, if desired. Serve.
A quinoa breakfast bowl is served in a gray, ceramic bowl. It's topped with bright red, sliced strawberries.

If chocolate isn’t your thing, you can omit it and add a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice instead. Carob powder is also totally fine in place of the cocoa/cacao.

I think that having food routines is basically a really good thing. It can keep us anchored in times of stress and busyness, and routines give special meaning to certain foods and meals. Still, variety is important, not only from a nutritional standpoint, but also because it helps to keep our relationship with food fresh, creative, and rewarding. I’m glad that I’m branching out with my breakfasts a bit this week.

Who knows–I might even get crazy and make some pancakes.

I wish you all a wonderful Tuesday, and I’ll be back later this week with a soft taco recipe I’ve been dying to share with you all!

xo

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Categories: Recipes, Breakfast, Vegan Bowls
Method: Stovetop
Ingredients: Quinoa
Dietary Preferences: Gluten Free, No Oil, Soy Free, Vegan
Recipe Features: 30 Minute or Less, Meal Prep, Quick & Easy

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    16 Comments
  1. I may have fallen into a breakfast rut – this sounds like the perfect way to break free. Especially with all of the strawberries I’m finding at the farmer’s market =)

  2. I’ve been doing something similar with oats lately and I love the flavor combination. I’ll have to try this with quinoa!

  3. 5 stars
    It looks delicious. I would like to make it with carob powder. How much should I use?

  4. Breakfast ruts are the worst! Good thing your breaking out of it. Chocolate is a great way to do it – that’ll get me flying out of bed. Quinoa is so hearty for breakfast and although I’ve had it before, never with chocolate. What a delicious idea, Gena! I needed this. Thank you! Now, about those tacos… (!!)

  5. Thanks so much for this breakfast bowl! It looks absolutely delicious, and I plan to make it this weekend for breakfast. I am always looking for alternatives to oatmeal for breakfast, and this seems like a perfect choice.

    I might add some pumpkin seeds and a teaspoon of coconut nectar on top. And maybe some grated dark chocolate…I love chocolate for breakfast!