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 enjoyed making these snack bars with my kids on a rainy afternoon, letting everyone pick their own favorite candies and juices for the gummies. It turned snack time into a creative, delicious activity we all loved.
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 3 tbsp
- Freeze-dried fruit (strawberries or raspberries), lightly crushed: 1 cup
- Freeze-dried candy (Skittles, marshmallows, or similar), crushed or chopped: 1 cup
Instructions
- Prepare pan:
- Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix base:
- In a large bowl, combine oats, almond butter, honey, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until evenly mixed. Press into the prepared pan and refrigerate while making the gummies.
- Make gummies:
- Pour fruit juice into a saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over the top, and let sit 5 minutes. Heat gently over low, stirring until dissolved. Add honey, stir, and pour into a parchment lined dish. Chill for 45 60 minutes until set.
- Cut gummies:
- Once set, cut gummies into small cubes.
- Add toppings:
- Remove oat base from fridge. Sprinkle with gummy cubes, freeze dried fruit, and freeze dried candy. Press toppings gently into oat base.
- Final chill:
- Chill the pan for another 10 15 minutes to set toppings.
- Slice bars:
- Lift base from pan using parchment and cut into bars.
Save Sharing these bars together, everyone picked out their favorite color pieces and we laughed over whose candy crunch made the loudest sound with every bite.
Required Tools
Essential tools: 8x8 inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, saucepan, spatula, knife.
Allergen Information
Contains nuts, dairy, gelatin, and honey; always check toppings labels for possible allergens such as gluten or extra dairy or nuts.
Nutritional Information (per bar)
Calories: 170, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 3 g
Save Enjoy these cheerful snack bars any time you need a sweet pick-me-up or party treat. Share with friends and watch them disappear fast!
Common Questions
- → Can I replace almond butter with something else?
Yes, sunflower seed butter makes a great nut-free alternative, providing similar creaminess and flavor.
- → How can I change the gummy colors?
Use various fruit juices, like berry, apple, or orange, to create a rainbow of gummy cubes for vibrant bars.
- → Are these bars vegetarian-friendly?
They are vegetarian, but the inclusion of gelatin means they are not suitable for vegans. Use plant-based gelatin for a vegan version.
- → How do I make the bars dairy-free?
Substitute butter with coconut oil in the base layer for a creamy texture without dairy.
- → What other mix-in options can I use?
Add chopped nuts, seeds, or different types of freeze-dried fruit or candy pieces to boost flavor and crunch.
- → How should I store these bars?
Keep bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture for several days.