Who here hasn’t snagged those addictive Aussie bites from Costco, right? They’re like the ultimate win-win: delicious enough to please the pickiest eaters and packed with nutritious ingredients that make moms feel like superheroes. Well, guess what? You can whip up your very own batch of these tasty treats right at home. Perfect for those crazy mornings, a sweet little surprise in lunchboxes, or just the right pick-me-up with your afternoon tea or coffee. The best part? They’re super simple to make, no chef’s hat required. So, let’s dive into making these delightful bites that are about to give your usual Costco run a run for its money.

If you love munching on healthy snacks – that don’t necessarily taste healthy – you’ve got to make our muffins and homemade granola!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy and ready in just about 30 minutes.
  • Packed with whole grains, seeds, and dried fruits for a nutrient boost.
  • Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a wholesome dessert option.
  • Freezer-friendly so you can make a big batch and freeze for later use.
A stack of three Aussie bites.

Aussie Bites Recipe

Aussie Bites have a chewy and slightly crispy texture, thanks to the combination of oats, quinoa, and dried fruits. They are slightly sweet from the combination of honey, coconut, and apricots. The bites are satisfying and filling, making them a great on-the-go snack option for both adults and children and a great breakfast.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Overhead view of a kitchen counter with bowls of measured out oats, seeds, coconut, dried fruit, butter, and sugar.
  • Rolled Oats: Provide a hearty base and fiber. Quick oats can be used in a pinch, though the texture will differ slightly. Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
  • Dried Apricots and Raisins: Offer natural sweetness and chewiness. Feel free to substitute with any dried fruit like cranberries or dates, but don’t simply omit.
  • Seeds and Nuts: Flaxseed, sunflower seeds, and chia seeds add crunch and nutritional value. Swap out or add any seeds or nuts you prefer.
  • Canola Oil: Chosen for its mild flavor and versatility in the original store-bought Aussie bites. For substitutions, melted coconut oil, melted butter, vegetable oil, or avocado oil can be used
  • Quinoa: Adds a unique texture and protein. Both cooked and uncooked quinoa work, with cooked quinoa giving a softer texture.
  • Honey and Vanilla Extract: Sweeten the bites naturally and add flavor depth. Maple syrup can be used as a plant-based alternative to honey.
A collage of six images showing the process of how to make Aussie bites from start to finish.

Can I make Aussie Bites Without a Food Processor?

If you don’t have a food processor, you can mix the dry ingredients by hand and finely chop the dried fruits and nuts. The texture will be chunkier but just as delicious.

Customize Your Aussie Bites

Adding Mini Chocolate Chips:

  • Sweetness and Flavor: Enhance with a quarter cup of mini chocolate chips for a subtle, chocolatey taste.
  • Adjustable: Feel free to increase up to half a cup if you’re a big fan of chocolate.
  • Mix-In: Add the chocolate chips into the batter before baking for a sweet surprise.

Making Them Nut-Free:

  • Allergy-Friendly: Omit nuts and substitute with seeds or additional dried fruits.
  • Substitution Quantity: Use a quarter cup of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or extra dried fruits like raisins or apricots in place of nuts.
  • Texture and Flavor: Maintains a good mix of textures and flavors while being safe for nut-free environments.

Muffin Pan Options

Mini Muffin Pans:

  • Ideal Size: Perfect for authentic, bite-sized treats.
  • Fill Level: Fill cups nearly to the top, as they don’t rise much.
  • Baking Time: Typically 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.

Standard Muffin Pans:

  • Larger Treats: Results in bigger Aussie bites, great for a snack or breakfast.
  • Fill Level: Fill each cup about halfway to ensure even baking.
  • Baking Time: Around 12-15 minutes, may need a bit longer due to size. Use golden brown color and clean toothpick test as doneness indicators.

General Tips:

  • Non-stick Pans: Grease well if pans aren’t non-stick to prevent sticking.
  • Cooling: Let bites cool in the pan before moving to a wire rack to help them set.
  • Freezing: Both sizes freeze well. Freeze individually on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

Troubleshooting

  • If your bites are too crumbly, add a bit more melted butter or honey to the mixture.
  • For bites that are too moist, add a small amount of additional oat flour or rolled oats.

Tips From the Chef

  • Pulse the ingredients in the food processor until just combined to keep some texture.
  • Allow the bites to cool completely in the pan to set properly before removing.
Close up view of homemade Aussie bites.

When are Aussie Bites Ready?

  • Color: Look for a golden brown hue on the edges and top.
  • Texture: The outside should be slightly crisp, while the inside remains soft.
  • Firmness: They should hold together well but still have a slight give when pressed.

Storage Instructions

Store Aussie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.

More Healthy Snack Recipes

Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, Facebook Watch, or our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.