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 after discovering how much my family loves mixing homemade candy with classic oat bars. The combination is a nostalgic nod to childhood treats, but feels fresh and creative every time.
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 the Pan:
- Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the Snack Bar Base:
- In a large bowl, mix oats, almond butter, honey, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until combined. Press the mixture into the pan and refrigerate.
- Make Homemade Gummies:
- Pour juice into a small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over juice and let sit. Heat over low, stirring to dissolve. Add honey, stir, and pour into a parchment-lined dish. Chill for 45,60 minutes until set.
- Cut Gummies:
- Once set, cut gummies into cubes.
- Add Toppings & Mash-Up:
- Remove oat base from fridge. Sprinkle with gummy cubes, freeze-dried fruits, freeze-dried candy. Press toppings in gently.
- Chill Again:
- Chill pan for 10,15 minutes to set.
- Cut into Bars:
- Lift out of pan using parchment paper. Cut into bars.
Save My kids love helping to sprinkle the gummy cubes and candy bits—these vibrant bars are a hit in lunchboxes and at movie night, and spark lots of giggles as we share our favorite flavor combos.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, spatula, knife, parchment paper, saucepan, and an 8x8 inch baking pan make this recipe a fun and easy kitchen project.
Allergen Information
Contains nuts and dairy, but substitutions for almond butter and butter are possible. Contains gelatin and honey. Always check candy ingredients for additional allergens.
Nutritional Information (per bar)
Calories: 170, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 3 g
Save Enjoy these snack bars fresh from the fridge—they stay chewy and delightfully crisp. Perfect for playful snacking all week long.
Cooking Questions
- → Can I make it nut-free?
Yes, substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter or another seed butter for a nut-free base.
- → Are these suitable for vegans?
No, they contain gelatin and honey. For vegans, use pectin-based gelling agents and maple syrup.
- → What fruits work best for gummies and toppings?
Any 100% fruit juice, such as apple, berry, or orange, works for gummies. Use freeze-dried strawberries, raspberries, or mixed berry blends for toppings.
- → How do I store these bars?
Keep bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.
- → Can I substitute the freeze-dried candy?
Absolutely. Use any crunchy freeze-dried candies or marshmallows, or swap in extra freeze-dried fruit for a wholesome touch.
- → Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, but avoid serving to infants under 1 year due to honey content. Kids love the color and playful toppings.