Save 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 created these bars as a creative snack for family movie night after seeing the popularity of freeze-dried candies on social media. The mix of textures makes them irresistible to both kids and adults.
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 (e.g., apple, berry, or orange): 1 cup
- Unflavored gelatin: 2 tbsp
- Honey or agave syrup (for gummies): 2 3 tbsp
- Freeze-dried fruit (e.g., strawberries, raspberries), lightly crushed: 1 cup
- Freeze-dried candy (e.g., Skittles, marshmallows, or similar), crushed or chopped: 1 cup
Instructions
- Prepare Pan:
- Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make Snack Bar Base:
- In a large bowl, mix together oats, almond butter, honey, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until well combined. Press mixture evenly into prepared pan. Refrigerate while preparing gummies.
- Prepare Gummies:
- Pour juice into small saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin over juice and let sit for 5 minutes. Heat over low, stirring until gelatin dissolves. Add honey, stir, and pour into parchment-lined small baking dish. Chill in refrigerator for 45 60 minutes until set.
- Cut Gummies:
- Once set, cut gummies into small cubes.
- Add Toppings:
- Remove oat base from fridge. Sprinkle evenly with homemade gummy cubes, freeze dried fruits, and freeze dried candy. Press toppings gently into base.
- Final Chill:
- Chill entire pan for an additional 10 15 minutes to set.
- Slice and Serve:
- Lift out using parchment paper and cut into bars.
Save When I first made these for a family birthday, everyone loved customizing their own bars with different gummy and candy toppings. It turned snack time into a sweet little celebration.
Creative Variations
Try swapping almond butter for sunflower seed butter for nut free bars, or use different juices and candies for rainbow colors. Chopped nuts or seeds add extra crunch to the base.
Storage and Make Ahead
Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bars can be made ahead and chilled overnight for best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these bars with cold milk or a cup of herbal tea for a balanced treat, or pack into lunchboxes for a fun snack on the go.
Save Have fun mixing up flavors with each batch. These bars are sure to brighten any snack break.
Recipe Help
- → Can I use different juices for the gummies?
Absolutely! Try apple, berry, or orange juices for unique flavors and fun color combinations.
- → How can I make these bars nut-free?
Replace almond butter with sunflower seed or another seed butter to avoid nuts entirely.
- → Are these suitable for vegan diets?
These bars contain gelatin and dairy, but you can experiment with plant-based gelatin or coconut oil for alternatives.
- → How long do the bars stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge; they'll stay fresh for up to one week.
- → Can I add extra crunch?
Definitely! Chopped nuts or seeds mixed into the oat base provide added texture and flavor.
- → What should I check for allergen safety?
Review labels on candies and all ingredients for traces of gluten, dairy, or nuts before serving.