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 first made these mash-up bars for a birthday party, and they disappeared faster than any store-bought treats. Kids love the bright look, and adults appreciate the balance of wholesome oats with playful gummies and candy.
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, raspberries): 1 cup, lightly crushed
- Freeze-dried candy (Skittles, marshmallows, or similar): 1 cup, crushed or chopped
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 the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Refrigerate while you prepare the gummies.
- Prepare gummies:
- Pour the 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.
- Slice and serve:
- Lift out of the pan using parchment paper and cut into bars.
Save These bars were an instant hit for family snack time: every bite brings a burst of color and crunch. My kids love helping to press the toppings and taste every step!
Required Tools
Gather an 8x8-inch pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, a saucepan, spatula, and knife for easy prep.
Allergen Information
If serving a crowd, substitute almond butter for sunflower seed butter, and swap dairy butter with coconut oil for allergy-friendly choices.
Nutritional Information
Each bar contains 170 calories, 7 g fat, 25 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Save Try these bars as a fun dessert or pop them in lunchboxes for a playful treat: they stay fresh and lively for several days in the fridge.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can the nut butter be substituted for a nut-free version?
Yes, swap almond butter with sunflower seed butter or another seed butter to make the bars nut-free.
- → What type of fruit juice works for the gummies?
Any clear 100% fruit juice like apple, berry, or orange is suitable. Try mixing juices for more colorful gummies.
- → Is it possible to make the bars dairy-free?
Absolutely, replace unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free snack bar base.
- → Are these bars suitable for vegans?
They contain gelatin in the gummies, which is animal-based. Substitute with agar agar for a vegan alternative.
- → How do I ensure my freeze-dried toppings stick to the bars?
Sprinkle toppings right after pressing the gummies and gently press into the oat base, then chill to set.
- → Can I add extra ingredients for crunch?
Definitely add chopped nuts or seeds into the oat base for added texture and crunch.