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 came up with this mash-up when searching for a snack that combined my love for homemade gummies and the satisfying crunch of freeze-dried treats. Each batch turned snack time into a fun, colorful experience.
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 percent 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 Baking 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 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, 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.
- Assemble Bars:
- Remove oat base from fridge. Sprinkle evenly with gummy cubes, freeze-dried fruits, and freeze-dried candy. Press toppings gently into base.
- Chill and Cut:
- Chill pan for an additional 10 15 minutes to set. Lift out of pan using parchment paper and cut into bars.
Save These snack bars have become a family favorite to share during movie nights or road trips. Kids especially love customizing the toppings and picking out the brightest freeze-dried candies.
Required Tools
Be sure to have an 8x8 inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, a saucepan, spatula, and a knife on hand for smooth snack bar preparation.
Allergen Information
Contains nuts and dairy. You can substitute sunflower seed butter and coconut oil for nut and dairy-free versions. Check freeze dried candies for gluten, dairy, or nut content.
Nutritional Information
Each bar has roughly 170 calories, 7 g total fat, 25 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein for a balanced sweet snack.
Save Cut up and store bars in the fridge for up to 1 week. Share with friends or pack them for a vibrant pick-me-up any time of day.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use different juices for the gummies?
Yes, experiment with various 100% fruit juices like apple, berry, or orange to create vibrant flavors and colors.
- → What can I substitute for almond butter?
Swap almond butter with sunflower seed butter or peanut butter for a nut-free or preferred taste variation.
- → How do I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut oil in place of butter when preparing the oat base for a dairy-free option.
- → Can I include extra mix-ins?
Add chopped nuts, seeds, or extra freeze-dried fruit to the oat base for more crunch and flavor.
- → Are freeze-dried candies safe for allergies?
Check labels carefully, as some freeze-dried candies may contain dairy, nuts, or gluten. Select allergen-friendly brands.
- → How should I store these snack bars?
Keep the bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness and texture.