Pin It A playful, colorful treat featuring chewy homemade gummies, crispy freeze-dried candies, and a wholesome oat base—perfect for snack lovers and candy fans alike.
I first made these for a game night with friends, and the blend of gummies with candy and oats had everyone reaching for seconds. The hands-on steps make this recipe really enjoyable in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Snack Bar Base: 2 cups rolled oats, 1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter), 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, pinch of salt
- Homemade Gummies: 1 cup 100% fruit juice (apple, berry, or orange), 2 tbsp unflavored gelatin, 2 3 tbsp honey or agave syrup
- Mash-Up Toppings: 1 cup freeze-dried fruit (strawberries, raspberries), lightly crushed, 1 cup freeze-dried candy (Skittles, marshmallows, or similar), crushed or chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Pan:
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make Oat Base:
- In a large bowl, mix together oats, almond butter, honey, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until well combined. Press mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Refrigerate while you prepare the gummies.
- Cook Gummies:
- Pour juice into a small saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin over juice and let sit for 5 minutes. Heat gently over low, stirring until gelatin dissolves. Add honey, stir, and pour into a parchment-lined small baking dish. Chill in the refrigerator for 45 60 minutes until set.
- Slice Gummies:
- Once set, cut gummies into small cubes.
- Add Toppings:
- Remove oat base from the fridge. Sprinkle with homemade gummy cubes, freeze-dried fruits, and freeze-dried candy. Press toppings gently into base.
- Final Chill:
- Chill the entire pan for 10 15 minutes to set.
- Cut Bars:
- Lift out of pan using parchment paper and cut into bars.
Pin It My kids love picking out their favorite freeze-dried candy to mix in, making each batch a surprise treat. These bars never last long during family movie nights!
Required Tools
8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, saucepan, spatula, knife
Allergen Information
Contains nuts, dairy, gelatin, and honey. Always check labels on freeze-dried candies for allergens such as gluten or additional nuts.
Nutritional Information
Per bar: 170 calories, 7 g total fat, 25 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein
Pin It Enjoy these playful snack bars for a burst of flavor and color anytime. They make a memorable treat for parties and special gatherings!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use store-bought gummies instead of homemade?
Yes, store-bought gummies work as a quick substitute. Homemade gummies allow for custom flavors and less processed ingredients.
- → How do I make the bars nut-free?
Swap almond or peanut butter with sunflower seed butter to make the bars nut-free. Check all toppings for nut traces.
- → Can I make these bars dairy-free?
Replace the melted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version. Always confirm candy labels.
- → Are freeze-dried candies essential?
No, feel free to use only freeze-dried fruit or substitute with chopped nuts or seeds for different textures and flavors.
- → What juices work best for gummies?
Pure juices like apple, berry, or orange create bright colors and natural sweetness in the gummies. Use your favorite for variety.
- → How should I store the bars?
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Separation with parchment helps maintain texture.