If you’ve ever found yourself reaching for those irresistible snack bites at Costco, get ready to be thrilled with this Homemade Aussie Bites (Costco Copycat) Recipe. These little bites are a powerhouse of wholesome ingredients like oats, dried fruit, and shredded coconut, offering a naturally sweet and nutty flavor that’s as satisfying as it is nourishing. Perfect for breakfast on-the-go or a healthy afternoon pick-me-up, these gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free gems bring a taste of Australia right into your kitchen. Once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to nailing the perfect texture and flavor of the Homemade Aussie Bites (Costco Copycat) Recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding chewiness, crunch, sweetness, or that irresistible coconut aroma you’ll come to love.
- 1-¾ cups rolled oats: Use certified gluten-free oats if needed, they provide the hearty base and chewy texture essential to Aussie bites.
- ¼ cup dried apricots: Adds natural sweetness and a bit of tartness — swap with prunes, figs, or dates if you prefer.
- ¼ cup raisins or cranberries: These little bursts of sweetness complement the dried apricots perfectly.
- ¼ cup coconut sugar: A natural sweetener that lends a mild caramel note.
- ¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut: Provides that signature, fragrant coconut crunch.
- ¼ cup puffed amaranth: Or puffed, cooked, or raw quinoa for a light, airy texture.
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds: Adds subtle nuttiness; pumpkin seeds are a great alternative.
- ¼ cup flax meal: Boosts fiber and gives a slight nutty flavor while helping bind the bites together.
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds: For added nutrition and natural binding power.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Provides warm spice that elevates every bite.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Helps with the texture, giving a subtle rise.
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil: Brings moisture and that lovely, smooth coconut richness.
- ¼ cup maple syrup: Or honey or agave nectar, this binds and sweetens naturally.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
How to Make Homemade Aussie Bites (Costco Copycat) Recipe
Step 1: Prepping the Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 24-count mini muffin pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier clean-up. Then, pop 1 cup of rolled oats into a food processor and pulse until they become a fine flour. This step is crucial to get that perfect blend of texture that mimics the store-bought version.
Step 2: Adding the Mix-Ins
Next, add the remaining ¾ cup of rolled oats along with the dried apricots, raisins or cranberries, coconut sugar, shredded coconut, puffed amaranth, sunflower seeds, flax meal, chia seeds, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda to the processor. Pulse repeatedly until the dried fruits are chopped finely but still have small, chewy pieces throughout.
Step 3: Binding Everything Together
Pour in the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Pulse a few more times until all the ingredients are evenly moistened and combined. This step ensures your Aussie bites will hold together nicely without being too sticky or crumbly.
Step 4: Shaping and Baking
Divide the mixture evenly into the mini muffin cavities, pressing down to compact each one well. If you prefer, use a small cookie scoop to form 24 small mounds onto a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. Let them cool completely right in the pan or on the sheet before transferring to your storage container.
How to Serve Homemade Aussie Bites (Costco Copycat) Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Homemade Aussie Bites (Costco Copycat) Recipe by sprinkling a pinch of extra shredded coconut or a dusting of cinnamon right before serving. A drizzle of dark chocolate or nut butter can also take these snack bites to a whole new level of indulgence without overpowering their natural flavors.
Side Dishes
These bites pair beautifully with a warm cup of herbal tea or a fresh fruit smoothie for a balanced breakfast or snack. Serve alongside Greek yogurt or your favorite dairy-free alternative for a protein boost that complements the wholesome oats and seeds.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist during brunch or a party, arrange them on a wooden platter with fresh berries and edible flowers. Stack a few to create mini towers or place them inside mason jars with layered granola and fruit for a grab-and-go treat that looks as delightful as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Homemade Aussie Bites (Costco Copycat) Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for about one week. This makes them a fantastic batch-cooking option for busy mornings or quick snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
To keep Aussie bites fresh longer, freeze them in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to three months. When you’re ready, simply thaw at room temperature or warm gently for just a few minutes.
Reheating
If you prefer your bites warm, reheat them in a toaster oven or microwave for 15–20 seconds. This will bring back their soft, chewy texture and enhance those cozy cinnamon and coconut flavors.
FAQs
Can I substitute the dried fruit?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap dried apricots for prunes, figs, or dates, and raisins for cranberries according to your taste or what you have on hand. Each option brings a unique sweetness and texture to the bites.
Are these Aussie bites truly gluten-free?
They are gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. This ensures no cross-contamination with gluten-containing grains for sensitive diets.
What if I don’t have puffed amaranth?
Puffed quinoa is a fantastic alternative, but you can also use puffed millet or leave it out if unavailable, though the texture will be slightly different. The puffed grains add a light crunch that’s worth including if you can.
Can I make these bites nut-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally nut-free if you substitute sunflower seeds instead of pumpkin seeds or vice versa. Avoid any nuts, and you’ll have a safe, crunchy snack suitable for nut allergies.
How sweet are these Aussie bites?
These bites are mildly sweet, relying mostly on natural sugars from dried fruit and a touch of coconut sugar and maple syrup. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less maple syrup or sugar.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making your own snacks that are both wholesome and bursting with flavor, and this Homemade Aussie Bites (Costco Copycat) Recipe is a shining example. Not only will you have full control over the quality of your ingredients, but you’ll also enjoy the satisfaction of sharing a healthy treat with your family and friends. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it becoming your new favorite go-to snack!
Print
Homemade Aussie Bites (Costco Copycat) Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites
- Diet: Gluten Free,Vegan
Description
This homemade Aussie Bites recipe is a delicious and healthy snack inspired by the popular Costco treat. Made with gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free ingredients including rolled oats, dried fruits, shredded coconut, puffed amaranth or quinoa, chia seeds, and natural sweeteners, these bite-sized snacks are perfect for breakfast or anytime you need a nutritious energy boost.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1–¾ cups rolled oats *
- ¼ cup dried apricots (substitute with prunes, figs, or dates)
- ¼ cup raisins or cranberries
- ¼ cup coconut sugar or brown/cane sugar
- ¼ cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- ¼ cup puffed amaranth or puffed, cooked, or raw quinoa
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
- ¼ cup flax meal
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- ⅓ cup coconut oil, melted
- ¼ cup maple syrup (or honey, or agave nectar)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 24-count mini muffin pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Process Oats into Flour: Add 1 cup of rolled oats to a food processor. Process until the oats become a fine flour-like consistency, which helps bind the mixture.
- Add Remaining Dry Ingredients: To the oat flour in the food processor, add the remaining ¾ cup rolled oats, dried apricots, raisins, coconut sugar, shredded coconut, puffed amaranth, sunflower seeds, flax meal, chia seeds, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. Pulse repeatedly until the dried fruit is finely chopped and all ingredients are roughly combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Pulse again until the mixture is evenly moistened and well combined, forming a sticky dough.
- Form Aussie Bites: Divide the mixture evenly into the prepared mini muffin pan cavities, pressing down firmly to compact each bite. Alternatively, use a small cookie scoop (1 tablespoon) to form 24 mounds on a lined baking sheet, pressing lightly to shape.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the bites turn golden brown on top.
- Cool and Store: Allow the Aussie bites to cool completely in the pan or on the baking sheet before removing them. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats if gluten sensitivity or celiac disease is a concern.
- You can substitute dried apricots with prunes, figs, or dates based on preference or availability.
- The sweetness can be adjusted by using less or more maple syrup or sugar alternatives.
- If you don’t have a food processor, finely chop the dried fruit and mix the oats well to combine.
- For a nut-free version, ensure that sunflower or pumpkin seeds are used and no cross-contamination occurs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
