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 bars for a family movie night, and they instantly became everyone&s favorite. Combining gummies with freeze-dried treats creates a unique texture that keeps snack time exciting.
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 (e.g. apple, berry, or orange): 1 cup
- Unflavored gelatin: 2 tbsp
- Honey or agave syrup: 2, 3 tbsp
- Freeze-dried fruit (e.g. strawberries, raspberries), lightly crushed: 1 cup
- Freeze-dried candy (e.g. Skittles, marshmallows, or similar), crushed or chopped: 1 cup
Instructions
- Prepare The Pan:
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make The 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.
- Make Homemade Gummies:
- Pour juice into a small saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin over juice, let sit for 5 minutes. Heat gently over low, stirring until dissolved. Add honey, stir well, and pour into a parchment-lined small baking dish. Chill for 45, 60 minutes until set.
- Cube Gummies:
- Once set, cut gummies into small cubes.
- Assemble Bars:
- Remove oat base from fridge. Sprinkle evenly with gummy cubes, freeze-dried fruits, and freeze-dried candy. Press toppings gently into base.
- Final Chill:
- Chill entire pan for 10, 15 minutes to set.
- Cut & Serve:
- Lift out of pan using parchment paper and cut into bars.
Save Sharing these bars during our weekend picnic was a hit, especially when we made a rainbow variety. They sparked laughter and creativity as everyone chose their own toppings.
Customization Ideas
Switch fruit juices for different gummy colors, try chocolate drizzle, or add chopped nuts for variety.
Storage Tips
Store snack bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week, or freeze for up to one month.
Serving Suggestions
Pair bars with milk or herbal tea at snack time, or pack for lunchboxes and road trips.
Save Enjoy making these snack bars as a playful kitchen activity—they&re a sweet treat with endless possibilities for every candy lover.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use different nut or seed butters for the base?
Yes, swap almond butter with peanut, sunflower seed, or cashew butter according to preference or allergies.
- → How do I make the gummies vegetarian-friendly?
Gelatin is needed for classic gummies; use vegetarian gelatin alternatives like agar agar to suit dietary needs.
- → What freeze-dried candy works best for this treat?
Try freeze-dried fruit, marshmallows, Skittles, or your favorite colorful candies for texture and flavor variety.
- → How long do these snack bars keep?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days to maintain crispness and chewiness.
- → Can I make this nut-free?
Replace almond butter with sunflower seed or pumpkin seed butter to create a nut-free version of the bars.
- → Are these bars suitable for children?
Yes, but avoid giving to infants under 1 year due to honey, and check candy for allergens for safety.