Pin this 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 this recipe is sure to brighten up any day with a fun, hands-on experience.
I first made these snack bars for a family movie night, and they were an instant hit. Mixing homemade gummies with bright candies brought out everyone&s inner kid!
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 the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Refrigerate while you prepare the gummies.
- Prepare Gummies:
- Pour juice into a small saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin over juice, let sit for 5 minutes. Heat gently over low, stirring until gelatin dissolves. Add honey, stir. Pour into a parchment-lined small baking dish. Chill in the refrigerator 45 60 minutes until set.
- Cut Gummies:
- Once set, cut gummies into small cubes.
- Assemble Toppings:
- Remove oat base from fridge. Sprinkle with gummy cubes, freeze-dried fruits, freeze-dried candy. Press toppings gently into base.
- Chill Bars:
- Chill the entire pan an additional 10 15 minutes to set.
- Slice Bars:
- Lift out of pan using parchment and cut into bars.
Pin this Making these bars together with my child sparked bursts of laughter especially when we pressed the gummies in. It&s now our go-to snack project for school holidays.
Required Tools
8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, saucepan, spatula, knife
Allergen Information
Contains nuts (nut butter); can use seed butter for nut-free. Contains dairy (butter); substitute coconut oil for dairy-free. Contains gelatin (not vegan). Contains honey (not suitable for infants under 1 year).
Nutritional Information (per bar)
Calories: 170, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 3 g
Pin this Serve these snack bars chilled for best texture and a dazzling treat. Kids will love helping decorate with colorful toppings!
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → Can I make this nut-free?
Yes, swap almond or peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative.
- → How can I make the gummies vegan?
Use agar agar powder instead of gelatin and plant-based sweetener to create vegan-friendly gummies.
- → What freeze-dried fruits work best?
Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries add great color, texture, and tasty tang.
- → Can I use other candy toppings?
Try marshmallows, rainbow candies, or any favorite freeze-dried crispy snacks for variety.
- → Do I need to chill the bars?
Chilling helps set the base and toppings for easy slicing and a perfect chewy-crisp texture.
- → Are these suitable for young children?
Bars contain honey and potential allergens; substitute ingredients as needed and avoid giving to infants under one year.