Save A playful, colorful treat featuring chewy homemade gummies, crispy freeze-dried candies, and a wholesome oat base this recipe is perfect for snack lovers and candy fans alike.
I first combined homemade gummies and freeze-dried candy for a birthday party and everyone raved about these bars kids loved the texture mash-up and adults appreciated the oat base.
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 combined. Press the mixture evenly into the pan and refrigerate.
- Make Gummies:
- Pour juice into a saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over juice, let sit for 5 minutes, then heat gently over low, stirring until dissolved. Add honey, stir, pour into a parchment-lined baking dish, and chill for 45 60 minutes.
- Cut Gummies:
- Once set, cut gummies into small cubes.
- Add Toppings:
- Remove oat base from fridge. Sprinkle with gummy cubes, freeze-dried fruits, and freeze-dried candy. Press gently into base.
- Final Chill:
- Chill the pan for 10 15 minutes more to set.
- Serve:
- Lift bars out with parchment, cut into bars, and enjoy.
Save My niece loves choosing the juice flavors for these bars and helping sprinkle the candies on top, making it a cherished kitchen memory for us.
Required Tools
8x8 inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, saucepan, spatula, knife
Allergen Information
Contains nuts (almond butter or peanut butter), dairy (butter), and gelatin not suitable for vegans check candy labels for possible allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per bar: 170 calories, 7 g total fat, 25 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein
Save Serve these bars chilled for the best chewy crunchy bite and store leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make homemade gummies for the bars?
Combine fruit juice, gelatin, and honey, heat gently until dissolved, then chill until set. Cut into cubes before adding.
- → Can I substitute almond butter for allergies?
Yes, swap almond butter with sunflower seed or seed butter for a nut-free version. Always check labels for allergens.
- → Are these bars suitable for vegans?
Standard gummies use gelatin, which is not vegan. Try using agar-agar as a possible alternative for plant-based bars.
- → What freeze-dried candies work best?
Freeze-dried Skittles, marshmallows, or fruit pieces add crunchy texture and vibrant color. Use favorites for a custom mix.
- → How do I store these snack bars?
Keep bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness and texture.
- → Can I adjust sweetness levels?
Absolutely; use less honey or agave in both oat base and gummies, or opt for unsweetened freeze-dried toppings.