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 experimented with this mash-up for a kids' party and it quickly became a favorite with both children and adults. The chewy gummies and crispy candy make every bar exciting.
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, orange): 1 cup
- Unflavored gelatin: 2 tbsp
- Honey or agave syrup: 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 baking 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 well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Refrigerate while you prepare the gummies.
- Prepare gummies:
- Pour 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 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 We often make these bars together as a Saturday afternoon treat. Kids especially love mixing in their favorite candies, and it has become a fun family tradition.
Required Tools
8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, saucepan, spatula, knife
Allergen Information
Contains nuts and dairy; suitable substitutions for nut-free and dairy-free options are listed in ingredients. Contains gelatin and honey; check candy packages for additional allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per bar: Calories 170, Fat 7 g, Carbohydrates 25 g, Protein 3 g
Save Serve these bars chilled straight from the fridge for maximum chewiness. Share with friends for a colorful, joyful snack experience.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → Can I make these bars nut-free?
Swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter or other seed spreads to create a nut-free version.
- → What juices work best for the gummies?
Fruit juices like apple, berry, or orange add vibrant color and flavor. Choose your favorites for variety.
- → Are these snack bars suitable for vegans?
Regular gelatin is not vegan. Try plant-based alternatives like agar-agar for vegan-friendly homemade gummies.
- → How do I store the finished bars?
Keep bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. They hold texture and flavor well chilled.
- → Can I add extra crunch to these bars?
Yes, mix chopped nuts, seeds, or extra freeze-dried fruit into the oat base for more crunch and flavor.
- → Are freeze-dried candies necessary?
Freeze-dried candies add color and crunch, but you can substitute with other toppings like chocolate chips or granola.