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.
Experimenting with homemade gummies and freeze-dried treats has become a delightful way to bring family and friends together in the kitchen. These snack bars are a conversation starter at parties and are a favorite for sharing on movie nights.
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 (apple, berry, or orange): 1 cup
- Unflavored gelatin: 2 tbsp
- Honey or agave syrup: 2 or 3 tbsp
- Freeze-dried fruit (strawberries, raspberries): 1 cup, lightly crushed
- Freeze-dried candy (Skittles, marshmallows or similar): 1 cup, crushed or chopped
Instructions
- Prep the pan:
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the oat base:
- In a large bowl, mix oats, almond butter, honey, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Press evenly into the pan and refrigerate while preparing gummies.
- Prepare the gummies:
- Pour juice into a saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over, and let sit 5 minutes. Heat gently, stirring until dissolved. Add honey, stir, and pour into a lined baking dish. Chill 45–60 minutes until set.
- Cut the gummies:
- Once set, cut gummies into small cubes.
- Assemble the bars:
- Remove oat base from fridge. Sprinkle with gummy cubes, freeze-dried fruits, and candies. Press toppings into the base.
- Final chill:
- Chill pan 10–15 minutes to set.
- Slice and serve:
- Lift from pan using parchment paper and cut into bars.
Save My family loves crafting these bars together, choosing favorite candies and fruits for each batch. They make wonderful gifts for birthdays or holiday treats, sparking creativity for kids and adults alike.
Required Tools
8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, saucepan, spatula, knife
Allergen Information
Recipe contains nuts, dairy, gelatin and honey. Nut-free, dairy-free, and some allergen adjustments are possible by substituting ingredients as noted. Always confirm label ingredients on freeze-dried candies.
Nutritional Information (per bar)
Calories: 170, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 3 g
Save Let the kids pick their favorite freeze-dried candies for a personalized treat. These bars are best enjoyed chilled and fresh for optimal texture.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use gluten-free oats?
Yes, substitute with certified gluten-free oats to make the treat suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.
- → What can I use instead of almond butter?
Swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter to make the bars nut-free and still creamy.
- → Are these bars suitable for vegans?
Use agar-agar instead of gelatin and plant-based butter alternatives for a vegan version.
- → Can I prepare gummies ahead of time?
Yes, gummies can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until layering on the bars.
- → How do I get a rainbow effect?
Use different fruit juices for the gummy layer, creating colorful varieties in each bar.
- → What if I want extra crunch?
Add chopped nuts or seeds to the oat mixture before pressing it into the pan for more texture.