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.
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 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.
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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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.
I have made these twice now, once with cooked quinoa and once with uncooked, and both times delicious, just slightly different texture. Honestly, it will come down to personal preference. Subbed dates for the raisins since that’s what I had in the pantry. I also omitted the regular sugar as we don’t like things overly sweet (and all I had on hand was sweetened coconut), so the honey and dried fruit were plenty for us. Added a 1/2 tsp. salt after reading some other reviews, and love the contrast to the sweetness. Thanks for the recipe! Definitely beats paying the price for them at the store!
Loved these! They were a little too sweet though so next time I’m gonna leave out sugar. I so subbed coconut oil and used salted sunflower seeds and salted butter. My only complaint is that they were too crumbly and wouldn’t stay together. I’m going to try to add an egg as some suggested unless anyone else has better solutions.
Oh my goodness. These are excellent! I substituted applesauce for the butter and date sugar for granulated and they turned out beautiful. Everyone in the family loved them. I will never have to pay the exorbitant price again.
Do you rinse the quinoa until water runs clear if you don’t cook it, or do you just put it in dry? Thank you!
We’ve done cooked and uncooked quinoa and both ways are yummy. I also replace the butter with applesauce, just for a healthier option.
Tastes just like the original Aussie Bites, AND I don’t even include the 1/4 cup sugar.
The recipe is really easy to follow but the bites are too sweet.
I think reducing or eliminating the granulated sugar would help make them taste less candy-like. I’ve seen other recipes with just honey, so I wonder what the added sugar brings.
Love this recipe, came out delicious 😋😋
A great snack! I find they get tastier after a couple of days stored in the fridge.
I love these for breakfast! Like everyone, I substitute what I have on hand and dates are my #1 ingredient I love in these. I bought a bag of shaved dry coconut pieces and did not know what to use them in, this was the best place. You gave us the basics and now we can make it our own as seasoned bakers. My 12 year old granddaughter is visiting me from Florida, she loves them, so I went out and bought her the trays and papers for the bites (all from Dollar Tree) and a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop to use as I find this perfect, and press down the mixture. She has it all now to make them at her home as mom is very conscious of what her young girls eat. Thanks again!