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
