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 started making these snack bars on rainy weekends with my kids. Everyone loves designing their own bar, layering candies and fruits for a personalized treat.
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
- Prep 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 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 refrigerator for 45–60 minutes until set.
- Cut Gummies:
- Once set, cut gummies into small cubes.
- Top Bars:
- Remove oat base from fridge. Sprinkle evenly with homemade gummy cubes, freeze-dried fruits, and freeze-dried candy. Press toppings gently into the base.
- Chill and Cut:
- Chill the entire pan for an additional 10–15 minutes to set. Lift out using parchment paper and cut into bars.
Save This recipe is a favorite for weekend family movie nights, with everyone building their own colorful creation together at the kitchen counter.
Flavor Variations
Switch up the juice type for gummies: try orange, apple, or mixed berry for new flavors each time.
Storage Tips
Store the snack bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer freshness, keep refrigerated.
Allergen Information
Use seed butter and coconut oil for a nut-free, dairy-free version. Avoid honey for infants under 1 year. Double-check candy labels for gluten, dairy, or nut ingredients.
Save These bars brighten any day and bring homemade cheer to lunchboxes or after-school snacks.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use different fruit juices for the gummies?
Yes, feel free to experiment with apple, berry, orange, or mixed juices to create a variety of flavors and colors.
- → How do I make these bars nut-free?
Swap almond butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative in the oat base.
- → Are these bars suitable for vegans?
These bars use gelatin in the gummies, which is not vegan. Consider a plant-based gelatin for substitution.
- → What's the best way to cut the bars cleanly?
Chill the pan thoroughly before cutting and use a sharp knife for clean slices.
- → Can I add more crunch to the base?
Stir in chopped nuts or seeds to the oat mixture for extra texture and crunch.