Save to Pinterest 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 made these bars for a movie night at home and they instantly became everyone&s favorite pick. Mixing chewy gummies with crispy candies creates a unique texture that keeps snackers coming back for more.
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
- Pinch of salt: for taste
- Fruit juice (apple, berry, or orange): 1 cup
- Unflavored gelatin: 2 tbsp
- Honey or agave syrup: 2 or 3 tbsp
- Freeze-dried fruit: 1 cup, lightly crushed
- Freeze-dried candy: 1 cup, crushed or chopped
Instructions
- Prepare baking pan:
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make snack bar base:
- In a large bowl, mix oats, almond butter, honey, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until combined. Press into prepared pan and refrigerate.
- Make gummies:
- Pour juice into a saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin over and let sit for 5 minutes. Heat gently, stir until dissolved. Add honey, stir, and pour into parchment-lined dish. Chill 45 to 60 minutes.
- Cut gummies:
- Once set, cut gummies into cubes.
- Add toppings:
- Remove oat base from fridge. Sprinkle with gummy cubes, freeze-dried fruit, and freeze-dried candy. Press gently.
- Final chill:
- Chill pan for 10 to 15 minutes to set.
- Slice bars:
- Lift out using parchment and cut into bars.
Save to Pinterest My little cousin loved helping decorate the bars with gummy cubes and candy pieces. It&s a fun project that brings the family together in the kitchen.
Notes and Variations
Swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option, and experiment with different juices to make the gummies in a rainbow of colors. Chopped nuts or seeds and extra fruits also add flavor and texture.
Allergen and Nutrition Information
The bars contain nuts, dairy, gelatin, and honey. Each bar provides about 170 calories, 7 g fat, 25 g carbs, and 3 g protein.
Suggested Pairings
Enjoy these bars with a glass of cold milk or a mug of herbal tea for a playful snack break.
Save to Pinterest These bars are best enjoyed fresh and make a cheerful treat for parties or after-school snacking.
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → How do I make the homemade gummies stand out?
Use a variety of fruit juices like apple, berry, or orange to create gummies with bright colors and flavors. Chill well for best texture.
- → Can I swap the oat base for a gluten-free option?
Yes, simply use certified gluten-free oats, ensuring all other ingredients are also gluten-free if needed.
- → What's a good alternative for almond butter?
Sunflower seed butter works well and creates a nut-free bar. Peanut butter or cashew butter also offer distinct flavors.
- → Are freeze-dried candies necessary?
No, you can use only freeze-dried fruit or add chopped nuts, seeds, or mini marshmallows for alternative toppings.
- → How should I store these snack bars?
Keep bars in an airtight container, chilled in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain texture and freshness.
- → Is there a vegan version?
Try agar powder instead of gelatin and substitute almond butter with seed butter and butter with coconut oil.
- → Are these suitable for children?
Yes, but avoid honey for infants under one year and check toppings for any potential allergens.