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.
My first attempt at these snack bars was a huge hit during our movie night. The contrast between chewy gummies and the crunch of freeze-dried candies made every bite so much fun.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats: Form the hearty base of the bars
- Almond butter (or peanut butter): Adds flavor and helps bind ingredients
- Honey or maple syrup: For sweetness and sticking everything together
- Unsalted butter, melted: Gives richness and moisture
- Vanilla extract: Adds aroma and depth
- Pinch of salt: Balances the flavors
- 100% fruit juice (e.g., apple, berry, or orange): For making homemade gummies
- Unflavored gelatin: Sets the gummies
- Honey or agave syrup: Sweetens the gummies
- Freeze-dried fruit (e.g., strawberries, raspberries), lightly crushed: Lively topping for extra crunch
- Freeze-dried candy (e.g., Skittles, marshmallows, or similar), crushed or chopped: Colorful, sweet topping
Instructions
- Prep the pan:
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the oat base:
- Mix oats, almond butter, honey, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until well combined. Press evenly into prepared pan. Refrigerate while preparing gummies.
- Prepare gummies:
- Pour juice into small saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin over juice. Let sit 5 minutes. Heat gently, stirring until gelatin dissolves. Add honey, stir well, pour into parchment-lined dish, and chill 45–60 minutes until set.
- Cube the 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 toppings in gently.
- Final chill:
- Chill entire pan for 10–15 minutes to set.
- Cut and serve:
- Lift out using parchment and cut into bars.
Save This is now a family favorite for weekend treats or packing in lunchboxes. My kids love helping by pressing the toppings into the base and choosing their own juice flavors.
Required Tools
8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, saucepan, spatula, and knife make prep simple and mess-free.
Allergen Information
Contains nuts and dairy, but you can substitute with seed butter and coconut oil for nut-free or dairy-free bars. Not suitable for vegans or infants under 1 year due to gelatin and honey.
Nutritional Information
Each bar is about 170 calories, 7 g fat, 25 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein, making it a satisfying snack or dessert.
Save Slice these bars small for sharing at parties or gatherings. They keep well refrigerated and stay chewy for days.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute almond butter?
Yes, sunflower seed butter is a great nut-free alternative for the base. Peanut butter works too for a classic flavor.
- → How do I make vegan-friendly gummies?
Replace gelatin with agar powder and use agave syrup for sweetening, ensuring all ingredients suit vegan diets.
- → Which freeze-dried candies work best?
Skittles, marshmallows, or fruity candies add crunch and color. Choose favorites and check for allergens if needed.
- → Can I prepare these bars ahead?
Absolutely! Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days to maintain freshness and texture.
- → Are there gluten-free options?
Use certified gluten-free oats and check all packaged candies and toppings for any gluten-containing additives.
- → What drinks pair well with these bars?
Cold milk, herbal tea, or fruit-infused water complement the sweet and chewy textures perfectly.