Indulge in the delightful combination of textures and flavors with these homemade Aussie Bites, a scrumptious replica of the popular Costco classic. The sweet and chewy treats boast a medley of mouthwatering elements, including dried fruit, crunchy seeds, and warm, toasty oats, making them an excellent option for meal prep or snacking on-the-go. This recipe yields twenty-four bite-sized morsels, perfect for satisfying your cravings.
Why You Will Love These Aussie Bites
Indulge in the perfect balance of flavors and textures with this homemade Aussie Bites recipe. With just the right amount of sweetness, crunchiness, and chewiness, each bite is a satisfying treat that’s hard to put down. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a healthy addition to your lunch, these bites are designed to please. Their portability is just as impressive as their taste.
Simply pack them in a reusable container or bag, and they’ll remain intact, crumb-free, and ready to devour on the go. The best part? They won’t take up much space, making them an ideal companion for school or work lunches. What sets this recipe apart is its emphasis on using only the freshest, wholesome ingredients. We’ve closely followed the ingredient list from Costco’s Aussie Bites, but with the added bonus of homemade love and care.
The result is a snack that not only tastes amazing but also boasts impressive health credentials. The best part? This recipe is incredibly easy to make. With no chopping or peeling required, simply measure and pour your ingredients into a food processor for less than 15 minutes of prep time. Let the appliances do the work while you reap the rewards. This recipe makes a generous batch, perfect for meal prepping and keeping healthy snacks on hand.
And with its gluten-free and peanut-free status, it’s an excellent option for kids and those with dietary restrictions. It’s no wonder everyone loves this recipe – it’s a game-changer for healthy snacking.
Equipment
Invest in a trifecta of kitchen essentials to revolutionize your snack game! First, consider a food processor that effortlessly chops and pulses ingredients together. This will have you whipping up healthy snacks in no time. Next, grab a small cookie scoop for precise measuring and portioning – perfect for baking or cooking. And finally, don’t forget a 24-well mini muffin pan for bite-sized treats that are sure to please.
Instructions
Before you begin, preheat your oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F (180°C). Take a moment to prepare a mini muffin pan with 24 wells by greasing it lightly with butter or a non-stick spray.
Next, transfer 1 cup of rolled oats to a food processor. Process the oats on high speed until they have broken down into a fine flour-like texture, which should take approximately 3 minutes.
Add the remaining dry ingredients – including the rest of the oats, dried fruit, sugar, shredded coconut, puffed rice cereal, ground flax, pumpkin seeds, salt, and baking soda – to the food processor with the oat flour. Process until the fruit and seeds have been broken down into smaller pieces.
Now, incorporate the wet ingredients – namely melted butter, brown rice syrup, and vanilla extract – into the mixture.
Pulse the mixture until everything is well combined, which should take around 4-5 pulses.
Use a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop to portion out the oat mixture evenly among the prepared pan’s wells. There should be just enough to fill each well completely. Gently press down on the mixture in each well to ensure it’s compact and won’t crumble after baking.
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops start to turn a golden brown color.
Check on them after 10 minutes to gauge their progress.
Once the bites have finished baking, remove the pan from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Once they’ve cooled, pop each bite out of its well to enjoy.
Substitutions
To transform this recipe into a vegan-friendly version, simply replace the melted butter with an alternative. The Costco Aussie Bites suggests using canola oil, while coconut oil is also a viable option. For a milder flavor, opt for refined coconut oil instead. Additionally, if you encounter difficulty in finding brown rice syrup, you can substitute it with agave nectar, honey, or maple syrup – each offering a distinct sweetness.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility; feel free to combine your favorite dried fruits, such as raisins, currants, cherries, blueberries, and more. Furthermore, swap out the pumpkin seeds for sunflower seeds or chia seeds to add texture and depth to the dish.
Variations
Transform the mixture into a sheet pan and shape it into bars, deviating from bite-sized treats. For an added layer of indulgence, fold in a generous amount of mini chocolate chips for a rich, velvety texture. If you’re seeking an even greater textural contrast, incorporate your preferred roasted nuts – toasted pecans or almonds are excellent choices. To awaken the flavors, infuse a pinch or two of warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger.
Alternatively, inject an energy boost by sprinkling in a few scoops of your favorite protein powder. If you’re looking for a no-bake alternative, consider these chewy no-bake granola bars instead.
Storage
For optimal storage, store these bites at room temperature in a cool, dry place within an airtight container for up to two weeks. Alternatively, you can keep them fresh in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. When freezing is necessary, place the bites in a freezer-safe, airtight container or zip-top bag and store for up to two months. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature on a countertop or refrigerate, allowing for easy access when needed.
Serving Suggestions
Packing the perfect lunchbox just got a whole lot easier with these homemade Aussie Bites, a healthy and delicious snack that provides a much-needed energy boost to power through that afternoon slump. What’s more, they’re incredibly versatile – layer them with yogurt and fresh berries for a sweet and satisfying parfait, or use them as a crunchy addition to your favorite fruit charcuterie board.
They also make a fantastic sweet treat to include on a dessert platter or cheese board when entertaining.
FAQs
Are Aussie Bites Actually Healthy?
Aussie bites offer a nutritional powerhouse in every serving. Rich in fiber, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and essential micronutrients, they make for a satisfying snack option. Boasting an impressive caloric count under 100 per bite, these wholesome treats are an excellent choice for those seeking a guilt-free indulgence. As with any snack, it’s crucial to maintain portion control and moderation, particularly when weight loss is the ultimate objective.
Why Are They Called Aussie Bites?
The origins of this product can be traced back to Australia, where it’s affectionately known as an ‘Aussie’. As its popularity grew, it spread northward to Canada and the United States, where it gained widespread acceptance at retailers like Costco and Sam’s Clubs. These stores praised the snack for its wholesome and satisfying nature, which is made possible by the use of high-quality organic ingredients.
Are Aussie Bites Gluten Free?
While an Aussie bite may be a gluten-free snack option, its oat-based composition means that cross-contamination with gluten can occur during processing. For individuals with gluten allergies or celiac disease, it’s essential to look for the ‘certified gluten-free’ label to ensure their safety and avoid any potential reactions.
Related Recipes
Satisfy your snacking cravings with wholesome treats that pack a punch of flavor and nutrition. When it comes to oat-based goodies, we’re big fans of simplicity – take our 3-ingredient oatmeal cookie recipe, for instance. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for an afternoon slump. But if you’re looking for something new, why not try your hand at making some yummy parfaits or a handful of peanut butter granola? Both recipes are surprisingly easy to whip up and always a hit with snack enthusiasts.
And for an added bonus, you can skip the crowds at Costco and make your own Aussie bites at home – it’s a game-changer!
Aussie Bites – Copycat Recipe
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Australian-inspired treats with this scrumptious homemade Aussie Bites recipe. These crispy and chewy bites are packed with wholesome goodness from dried fruit and seeds, making them an ideal choice for meal-prepping healthy snacks that satisfy your cravings. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, cooking time of 12 minutes, and cooling time of 10 minutes, you can enjoy the perfect blend of convenience and deliciousness.
Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet treat or a satisfying snack, this recipe yields 24 mouthwatering muffins that are sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Equipment
When it comes to whipping up a batch of sweet treats, having the right tools can make all the difference. A reliable food processor is essential for chopping, slicing, and pureeing ingredients with ease. Meanwhile, a small cookie scoop allows you to portion out the perfect amount of dough or batter for each treat. And let’s not forget about the mini muffin tin – it’s the perfect size for baking individual-sized snacks that are sure to please.
Instructions
To begin, preheat your oven to a consistent temperature of 350°F. Next, prepare a mini muffin pan by greasing it with butter or a non-stick spray. With the pan ready, focus on preparing the oat mixture. Start by processing 1 cup of rolled oats in a food processor until they break down into a fine flour, which should take around 3 minutes.
Then, add the remaining dry ingredients – including additional oats, dried fruit, sugar, shredded coconut, puffed rice cereal, ground flax, pumpkin seeds, salt, and baking soda – to the processor with the oat flour. Process until the fruit and seeds are broken down into small pieces. Once the dry ingredients are well combined, add in the wet ingredients – melted butter, brown rice syrup, and vanilla extract – and pulse until everything is fully incorporated. This should only take 4-5 pulses.
Portion the oat mixture into the prepared pan using a tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, ensuring that there’s enough to fill all 24 wells without overfilling. Press down firmly on each well to compact the mixture and prevent it from crumbling after baking. Finally, place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, checking the tops for golden brown coloration around the 10-minute mark.
Remove the pan from the oven, allow the bites to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, and then carefully remove them from the wells once cooled.
