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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Easy Authentic Hummus
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Best Bran Muffins Ever
30 mins
Authentic Guacamole
15 mins
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.
Hi Rachel,
My son is deployed right now and is asking us to send the usual beef jerky, trail mix, nuts etc. While at Costco my husband saw the Aussie Bites and I food saved 4 per pack and sent it to him. I sent numerous items in 2 boxes and the only thing he sent a message to me about was the Aussie Bites. They are expensive, so I thought I would search online and found your recipe. Have you ever food saved or froze these? I will try to make some later this week, but thought I would check to see if anyone has frozen them or food saved for later. Thanks, Robin
Yes! They are freezable. I haven't tried any other kind of preservation, buy I do know they stay good for quite a while. Give your son my best! I am grateful for his service!
I doubled the recipe yesterday and cooked half of it to see how they turned out – I obviously did something wrong as they are not binding together – i have a lot of baked crumbs
any ideas on how I can salvage the other half of the recipe so they bind together when baked – thanks Karen
It sounds like you don't have enough of the wet ingredients to bind it all together. In the video I show close ups so you can get a better idea of the texture it should be. Add a tad more oil and honey until you reach the texture shown.
Even the crumbs are tasty though, I had one fall apart because I wasn't patient enough w/ it and I just ate it with a spoon. like a muesli! ๐
I had these for the first time at a meeting last night, went to a store immediately after and saw the price tag (eek!), and this morning I started looking for a recipe. They are SO good. Thanks! Will try to make some this weekend.
I had these for the first time at a meeting last night, went to a store immediately after and saw the price tag (eek!), and this morning I started looking for a recipe. They are SO good. Thanks! Will try to make some this weekend.
I made these last night and they came out so yummy. Thanks much for this awesome recipe! Even though I forgot to put the honey, it had the perfect sweetness. I want to try these with the buckwheat groats next time instead of oats. What do you think of it?
Shalini
how many calories are in these?
I am not a registered dietitian or a chemist so I can't really stand behind any calorie count I could give you. There are number of calorie counters online where you can input recipes for a good estimate, but I do not provide a calorie count on my site for numerous reasons.
I used my fitness pal. 105 cal each.
130 in just one of the Costco Aussie Bites
AND 8 grams of sugar which is high so why not cut back on the sugar when there already is honey and sweet pieces in them?
This is meant to be a replica of the store product. There are lots of recipe options out there for healthier versions, they just aren’t the same as the store bought.
good answer.
has anyone tried subbing any of the oil for applesauce? I've often had good luck with it and it reduces the oil while adding moisture. Figured I'd check and see if anyone has tried it yet. Can't wait to make these!
I did it this morning and it worked great. I still used the butter but not the oil.
I can't have dairy, so I will have to substitute coconut oil for the butter. I don't mind if the flavor is slightly altered, my concern is the texture. I love how moist the Aussie bites from Costco are. I've tried a vegan version of the recipe and they were disappointingly dry. Are these nice and moist?
These are nice and moist as written. One of my test versions used coconut oil and the result was still moist. The flavor was different, but it was still moist.
Awesome, thanks!
Hi Rachel – You have used cooked quinoa. While I think the COSTCO one's have raw quinoa. Quinoa is better cooked for our digestive system…guess I'll make this at home now ๐ Thanks for the recipe.
Hi Rachel – I tried this recipe last night. It was amazing and nutrition packed. I din't find chia seeds, so skipped that and added some organic dates and cranberries instead of raisins. I loved it. Thank you for the recipe – Priyanka