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
Printable Recipe
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.
Gomo | cHow Divine
Love no-bake snacks! These look so healthy & delicious. They would be perfect snacks for kids & adults alike. It's serendipitous that I have all of the ingredients. Perfect!
Jess S. @ Floptimism
Hi there! Every week on my food blog, Floptimism, I write a post called the Weekend Wrap-Up where I share some of my favorite web finds from the past week. I loved this zucchini recipe so much that I featured it on this week's round up! I've included the link below in case you're interested. Thank you for such incredible work, and enjoy your weekend!
http://floptimism.blogspot.com/2013/08/weekend-wrap-up-going-off-deep-end.html
Melanie @ Just Some Salt and Pepper
Such a cute idea!
carolinaheartstrings
This looks so delicious. I cannot wait to try this one. A great family favorite in the making.
Jackie {The Beeroness}
Well that's just the perfect road trip snack.
Karen
These are so cute...I'm definitely going to try them. I make no-bake cookies a lot but love the idea of adding in veggies. Thanks!
Kate@Diethood
This is so creative!! I can totally imagine myself hanging out with these lovelies and popping them in my mouth, one by one. 🙂
Kristen
You are so smart with the things you come up with! What a great idea!
Laura
These would be the perfect snck for my boys! So healthy and different 🙂
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
Fabulous idea, though I might have to add in some mini chocolate chips too ;).
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
I was tempted to do the same, Laura!
Taylor @ FoodFaithFitness
These look awesome! I have SO much zucchini...and a husband who likes treats. This seems like a perfect way to sneak some veggies into him!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Taylor. I hope your husband enjoys them!
Jen @ Jen's Favorite Cookies
What a fun snacky treat! These would not last long at my house.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Jen. Believe me, they don't last long here, either.
Juli
I love the carrot version. Can't wait to try these!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Juli! I hope you like the zucchini ones just as much.
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain
These bites are completely brilliant! Love the use of zucchini!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Lauren! I'm just glad they're so easy to make because my kids are already asking for another batch.
Megan {Country Cleaver}
What a great lunch box treat Dara! Can you pack a few for my lunch?! 🙂
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Come on over, Megan...I'd be happy to make you a batch.
Maria
Love these Dara! Such a fun recipe! Pinned!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Maria! This is definitely a recipe we'll be making again and again.
Deborah
I love this, Dara!! What a great snack!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Deb. My kids love these and have been snacking on them for the past 2 days.
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl
This is such a brilliant idea!!! And another good way to use zucchini this time of year.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Liz. We have zucchini coming out of our ears. I had to do something...fast! 🙂
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
This is so exciting! I made your carrot cake granola bites a while ago and LOVED them! This is such a great "round two"! Totally going to try these...soon!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
I'm so glad you enjoyed the carrot version, Katrina! I hope these zucchini ones live up to those for you.
Tieghan
These are such a great idea! I bet if I added just a few chocolate chips I could actually get my four year old sister to eat them for snack or dessert at school! Everything has to have chocolate with her!
These are so cute and I love the idea! Thanks for sharing, Dara!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Tieghan. I was tempted to add chocolate chips, but luckily my kids didn't notice the omission. 🙂