These irresistible, but healthy, no-bake zucchini granola bites are perfect for tucking in your child's lunch box. They also happen to be gluten-free and vegan.
When my boys headed off to the first day of school last year, I tucked a couple of Healthy(er) No-Bake Cookies into their lunch boxes. Even though I can’t be with them during the school day, I want them to take a piece of home with them and for them to know that Steve and I are thinking of them. This year I wanted to do something a little different, something healthier than cookies (though there is something to be said for really good chocolate chip cookies).
A few months ago, I made Carrot Cake Granola Bites and got rave reviews from both of my boys and their buddies. Since their grandma’s zucchini bread is one of their favorite treats during the holidays and zucchini seems to be practically spilling out onto the streets at this time of year, I thought I’d do a different take on the original granola bites.
These snacks or desserts (they could be either) are gluten-free and, if you use agave nectar rather than honey (if you are a vegan who prefers to avoid honey), they are also vegan.
Be sure to squeeze the excess water out of the grated zucchini so that the granola bites are not overly moist.
The recipe:
In a large bowl, mix together the oats, almonds and chia seeds.
Stir in the almond butter, agave nectar and cinnamon until well combined.
Place the grated zucchini on a sheet of paper towel and squeeze out the excess liquid. Add the zucchini to the oat mixture.
Using 1 ½ tablespoons (packed) of the mixture for each bite, roll the mixture into bite-sized balls. Using a medium-sized cookie scoop makes this process easier. Also, spray your hands with cooking spray to stop the mixture from sticking.
Place the granola bites on a baking sheet, cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Serve.
Store the remaining granola bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Other healthy treats:
Cookin' Canuck's Light(er) No-Bake Cookies with Dulce de Leche, Sea Salt & Oatmeal
Cookin' Canuck's No-Bake Carrot Cake Granola Bites
All Day I Dream About Food's Low Carb Dark Chocolate Almond Bark
Skinnytaste's Healthy Cookies
Jeanette's Healthy Living's Almond Joy Raw Bars
No-Bake Zucchini Bread Granola Bites Recipe {Gluten-Free & Vegan}
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats
- ⅓ cups sliced almonds chopped
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ¾ cup almond butter
- 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoons agave nectar or honey
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup packed grated zucchini
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the oats, almonds and chia seeds.
- Stir in the almond butter, agave nectar and cinnamon until well combined.
- Place the grated zucchini on a sheet of paper towel and squeeze out the excess liquid. Add the zucchini to the oat mixture.
- Using 1½ tablespoons (packed) of the mixture for each bite, roll the mixture into bite-sized balls. Using a medium-sized cookie scoop makes this process easier. Also, spray your hands with cooking spray to stop the mixture from sticking.
- Place the granola bites on a baking sheet, cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Serve.
- Store the remaining granola bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Veronica
My daughter is vegan and loves these granola bites so I have a batch of these ready for her every other week. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Christina Moore@ YourMindYourBody
What I can comment in this recipe is PERFECT. Best recipe for vegetarian. I cooked it twice and they really loved to eat it. I made many for our snack time.
Kara Mathys @Wellnessgrit
That no-bake zucchini bread granola bites absolutely something new for me! Looks yummy! Can I pin this post on my Pinterest board? My followers will love it. Thx for sharing recipe, I definitely add it to my cookbook!
Robin Hamilton @Wellness Wires
These no-bake zucchini bread granola bites are the food of champions! Dying to eat this! Thanks for posting it, Dara!
Bella Hardy @ Healthnerdy
I had a similar no-bake zucchini bread granola bites at a restaurant recently and found myself craving it and wondering if I could recreate them today.
Jill Roberts @ WellnessGeeky
I am obsessed with healthy food! Definitely no bake zucchini bread granola bites recipe will be yummy! My husband would love it! Thanks for sharing!
tami
How long can they go unrefridgerated with the zucchini??
Marina
Awesome recipie!
But... it's not gluten free, oats are not gluten free.
Paula
Thanks for sharing; these are unusual and so tasty! I adapted the recipe for heartburn here: http://lowacidyum.wordpress.com/2014/03/21/zucchini-almond-snack-bites/
Nutmeg Nanny
Oh wow!! I am absolutely loving these bites 🙂 perfect use of excess zucchini
Carolyn
These are so great, Dara! No bake and full of healthy things.