Save Pin 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 tried this mash-up with my kids one rainy afternoon& it turned into a game of flavor and color combos. Building the layers and choosing toppings makes this snack as fun to create as it is to eat.
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.
- Mix 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.
- Make 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 in the refrigerator 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 Pin We made these for a family movie night and everyone grabbed their favorite flavor combo. The sweet-chewy gummies plus crispy freeze-dried fruit made them disappear fast.
Allergen Information
Contains nuts (almond butter)& and dairy (butter). Substitute with seed butter and coconut oil for nut-free and dairy-free versions. Gummies contain gelatin, not suitable for vegans.
Required Tools
You&ll need an 8x8 inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, a saucepan, spatula, and knife.
Nutritional Information (per bar)
Calories: 170, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 3 g
Save Pin Cut into bars and serve with a glass of milk for a playful, shareable snack. Store leftovers airtight for up to 3 days.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I make these bars nut-free?
Swap almond or peanut butter for sunflower seed butter to make the base nut-free. Always check labels on toppings for traces of nuts.
- → Can I use different freeze-dried candies or fruits?
Absolutely! Try different freeze-dried fruits, like bananas or mangos, and candies to create unique flavors and colors to suit your taste.
- → What can I substitute for butter to make it dairy-free?
Coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative works well as a substitute in the oat base for those avoiding dairy.
- → Are these bars gluten-free?
Use certified gluten-free oats and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free by checking their labels before preparing.
- → Can I make the gummies vegan?
The provided gummies use gelatin, which isn't vegan. Try agar-agar as a vegan alternative, but follow package directions for best results.
- → How do I store the finished bars?
Keep bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze and thaw as needed.