Save A playful, colorful treat featuring chewy homemade gummies, crispy freeze‑dried candies, and a wholesome oat base. These snack bars are perfect for anyone who loves both classic candy flavors and chewy homemade fun.
The first time I made these, my kitchen became a playground for flavor. Mixing homemade gummies with crispy, sweet toppings turned a simple snack into an afternoon full of smiles and sticky fingers.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats: 2 cups
- Almond butter (or peanut butter): 1/2 cup
- Honey or maple syrup: 1/3 cup
- Unsalted butter, melted: 1/4 cup
- Vanilla extract: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: Pinch
- 100% fruit juice (apple, berry, or orange): 1 cup
- Unflavored gelatin: 2 tbsp
- Honey or agave syrup: 2 to 3 tbsp
- Freeze‑dried fruit (strawberries, raspberries), lightly crushed: 1 cup
- Freeze‑dried candy (Skittles, marshmallows, or similar), crushed or chopped: 1 cup
Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Line an 8x8‑inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the 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 homemade 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 to 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.
- Chill snack bars:
- Chill the entire pan for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to set.
- Cut and serve:
- Lift out of the pan using parchment paper and cut into bars.
Save Sharing these sweet bars with my family is always a hit. My kids love picking their favorite gummies and watching the colors blend with crunchy candies, making snack time a celebration.
Required Tools
8x8‑inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, saucepan, spatula, knife
Allergen Information
Contains nuts (substitute with seed butter for nut‑free), dairy (swap with coconut oil for dairy‑free), gelatin (not suitable for vegans), and honey (not for infants under 1 year). Always check all ingredients for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information (per bar)
Calories: 170, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 3 g
Save Enjoy these mash‑up snack bars fresh for best texture, or keep chilled in the fridge to preserve their chewiness and crunch.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make these bars nut-free?
Yes, simply substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter or another seed butter to avoid nuts.
- → What can I use if I don’t have freeze-dried candy?
Crushed freeze-dried fruit or mini marshmallows are excellent alternatives for topping and crunch.
- → How do I make the gummies set properly?
Let gelatin bloom in cold juice first, then heat gently until dissolved. Chill for 45–60 minutes until firm.
- → Are these bars suitable for vegans?
No, they contain gelatin and honey. Try agar or a vegan gelatin substitute, and use agave syrup instead.
- → How should I store these snack bars?
Keep bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days, separating layers with parchment paper.