Save to Pinterest 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 bars for a family movie night, and the mix of gummies and freeze-dried candy was an instant hit. Everyone loved mixing their favorite toppings for a treat that is both nostalgic and entirely new.
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 (e.g., apple, berry, or orange), 2 tbsp unflavored gelatin, 2 3 tbsp honey or agave syrup
- Mash-Up Toppings: 1 cup freeze-dried fruit (e.g., strawberries, raspberries), lightly crushed, 1 cup freeze-dried candy (e.g., Skittles, marshmallows, or similar), crushed or chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the 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.
- Make the Gummies:
- For the gummies, pour the juice into a small saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin over the juice and let sit for 5 minutes. Heat gently over low, stirring until gelatin dissolves. Add honey, stir well, and pour into a parchment-lined small baking dish. Chill in the refrigerator for 45 60 minutes until set.
- Cut Gummies:
- Once set, cut gummies into small cubes.
- Add Toppings:
- Remove the oat base from the fridge. Sprinkle evenly with homemade gummy cubes, freeze-dried fruits, and freeze-dried candy. Press toppings gently into the base.
- Final Chill:
- Chill the entire pan for an additional 10 15 minutes to set.
- Cut Into Bars:
- Lift out of the pan using parchment paper and cut into bars.
Save to Pinterest My kids love helping crush up the freeze-dried candies and mixing up juice flavors for gummies: an activity that makes these bars a favorite in our weekend snack rotation.
Required Tools
Use an 8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, a saucepan, spatula, and knife to make these bars with ease.
Allergen Information
Contains nuts and dairy, but can be made nut-free or dairy-free by using seed butter and coconut oil. Not vegan or safe for infants due to gelatin and honey. Always check candy labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each bar contains about 170 calories, 7 g fat, 25 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein: a sweet snack that satisfies in small portions.
Save to Pinterest These mash-up snack bars add a burst of color and cheer to any party or afternoon break. Enjoy and experiment with combinations for a personal twist!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute almond butter for allergies?
Yes, you can use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version. This maintains creaminess and flavor while avoiding nuts.
- → What juices work best for gummies?
Any 100% fruit juice such as apple, berry, or orange works well. Mix juices to create visually striking, multi-flavored gummies.
- → How do I make these dairy-free?
Replace the melted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free twist. Ensure your freeze-dried toppings are also free from dairy.
- → Can I add extra crunch?
Absolutely! Add chopped nuts or seeds to the oat base for a crunchy texture. Customize with your favorite mix-ins.
- → Are these suitable for vegans?
Standard gummies use gelatin, which is not vegan. Try agar-agar instead and choose vegan-friendly toppings for plant-based bars.
- → What size pan should I use?
An 8x8-inch baking pan is ideal for easy layering and portioning. Line with parchment for smooth removal and clean slicing.