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? Theyโre super simple to make, no chefโs hat required. So, letโs 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.
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
- 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.
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.
Muffin Pan Options
Mini Muffin Pans:
- Ideal Size: Perfect for authentic, bite-sized treats.
- Fill Level: Fill cups nearly to the top, as they donโt 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 arenโt 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.
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
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Best Bran Muffins Ever
30 mins
Authentic Guacamole
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Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and weโve 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.
Love them! Great to put in school lunch boxes or take along on bike trail rides! I have # grandsons with allergies to eggs, wheat and dairy, I used coconut oil in them in place Pamof the butter and they are awesome!
Thank you so much for this recipe!!!!
We had these when we were visiting some friends in PA and now – back in Germany – I started to crave them when I gave a friend some travel tips for the US.
So I just made them and they are beyond delicious โค๏ธ
I have never had Aussie Bites, but wondered if you could use dates instead of apricots since I have those on hand. Thanks! I love your recipes!
Yes indeed Cindy. You can absolutely substitute anything really. Coconut oil for the butter, rice for the quinoa. etc.
I have to say THANK YOU for this recipe. Literally a dead on copy cat. I tried making a vegan version and it turned out quite well. Basically I used vegan butter and also threw in a โflax eggโ (basically a little flax in a spoonful of warm water to make a slurry) to help the ingredients bind. I have also substituted the canola for coconut oil. The recipe is cool prof even with these substitutions. I will treasure this recipe forever! And my 87 year old Aussie bites loving grandma is going to be so happy when I share!
These are so delicious!
I tried Aussie bites a few years ago when a friend gave me some, but I don’t have a Costco membership… So made this recipe and they are sooo good.
I used uncooked quinoa. and after I had finished combining everything, just before baking, the batter seemed a little dry and crumbly so I added 1 to 2 tablespoons of water just to moisten it a bit and they turned out great!
Next time I think I’ll add some walnuts; I think they would go really well.
My son in law loves Aussie bites from Costco, so did the rest of our family. I added chocolate and peanut butter chips. Theyโre in the oven now. Thanks for the recipe.
Excellent recipe! My kids love them and the fact that they’re nutritious makes it that much better. Thanks for sharing!
The last time I tried a recipe for Aussie bites (different one) my husband described them as sawdust. Ha. This one worked. I loved the cooked quinoa in it and the recipe was flexible. I accidentally left out the sugar, but they were fine. Possibly a little less addictive without the sugar, but still excellent. Thanks for sharing!
So very easy to make. So very delicious. So much cheaper to make than buying in Costco. Followed recipe exactly except Included half teaspoon salt. Delighted with the taste. Will try cooked quinoa next time for less gritty bite.
Great! A real hit and we think tastes just like the real thing and a fraction of the cost.