Pin It A playful, colorful treat featuring chewy homemade gummies, crispy freeze-dried candies, and a wholesome oat base is perfect for snack lovers and candy fans alike.
I first made these snack bars with my kids on a rainy afternoon. Mixing and matching different toppings turned snack time into a hands-on creative adventure that we still love to revisit.
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 Pan:
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make Oat Base:
- Mix oats, almond butter, honey, melted butter, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl until well combined. Press evenly into the pan and refrigerate while you prepare the gummies.
- Prepare Gummies:
- Pour fruit juice into a small saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin on top and let sit for 5 minutes. Heat gently over low and stir until gelatin dissolves. Add honey, stir, and pour into a parchment-lined small dish. Chill in the refrigerator for 45–60 minutes until set.
- Cube Gummies:
- Cut gummies into small cubes once set.
- Assemble Bars:
- Remove oat base from fridge. Sprinkle evenly with gummies, freeze-dried fruits, and candies. Press toppings gently into the base.
- Set Bars:
- Chill whole pan for 10–15 minutes more. Lift out using parchment and cut into bars.
Pin It One bite always makes my family smile and brings us together after busy days, especially when everyone chooses their favorite freeze-dried fruit for the topping.
Required Tools
You will need an 8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, a saucepan, a spatula, and a knife for this recipe.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains nuts, dairy, gelatin, and honey. Always check labels on freeze-dried candies for possible allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each bar provides 170 calories, 7 g total fat, 25 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Pin It Store these bars chilled for best texture and enjoy straight from the fridge for a refreshing treat.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make the gummies set firmly?
For firm gummies, allow the gelatin to bloom in fruit juice before gently heating and chilling for at least 45 minutes.
- → Can I use different freeze-dried candies?
Yes, feel free to experiment with freeze-dried chocolates, marshmallows, or candy to tailor the flavor and texture.
- → What substitutions work for almond butter?
Sunflower seed butter or peanut butter can replace almond butter. Use seed butter for a nut-free option.
- → How long do the bars keep?
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week for best freshness and texture.
- → Are these bars suitable for vegans?
These bars contain gelatin and dairy, but you can swap gelatin with agar-agar and butter with coconut oil for vegan adaptations.
- → Can I add extra ingredients to the oat base?
Yes, try adding nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to the oat mixture for additional crunch and flavor variety.