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.
The first time I made these bars for a family picnic, they disappeared in minutes. Kids loved the candy mash-up, and adults enjoyed the wholesome oat base—a true hit with all ages.
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
- Prepare 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.
- Make 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.
- Chill and Cut:
- Chill the entire pan for an additional 10 15 minutes to set. Lift out of the pan using parchment paper and cut into bars.
Save Making these together with my kids became a Saturday tradition. They love picking out the colors and shapes for the candy toppings, and we always enjoy sharing the bars with friends at playdates.
Variations
Swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version, or use coconut oil instead of butter for dairy-free bars. Try different juice flavors for gummies to create a rainbow effect in each batch.
Pairing Ideas
Enjoy these bars with a cold glass of milk or herbal tea for a satisfying snack. They also pack perfectly in lunchboxes for a midday treat.
Nutritional Information
Each bar provides about 170 calories, 7 g total fat, 25 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein—perfect for on-the-go energy.
Save Cut into bars and store in an airtight container for up to four days. These vibrant treats add a sweet pop of color to any snack spread.
Kitchen Questions
- → Which fruit juices work best for the gummies?
Choose 100% fruit juice like apple, berry, or orange for vibrant flavor and color. Mix flavors for variety.
- → Can I make these bars nut-free?
Swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter or a similar nut-free alternative for allergy-friendly bars.
- → Is it possible to make the bars vegan?
Replace butter with coconut oil and use agar powder instead of gelatin to make them vegan-friendly.
- → What is the best way to cut the gummies and bars?
Chill the gummies until firm, then slice into cubes; after assembling, cut bars using a sharp knife for clean edges.
- → How do I store these snack bars?
Keep the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days to maintain freshness and texture.
- → Can I add extra mix-ins for crunch?
Yes, add chopped nuts or seeds to the oat base for additional texture and flavor.