Save A playful, colorful treat featuring chewy homemade gummies, crispy freeze-dried candies, and a wholesome oat base. These snack bars are perfect for snack lovers and candy fans alike, offering both flavor and fun in every bite.
I first made these mash-up bars for a family movie night, and everyone was delighted by the playful colors and unique candy textures. They became a requested treat for parties because they're easy to transport and always get rave reviews.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats: 2 cups
- Almond butter: 1/2 cup (or peanut butter)
- Honey or maple syrup: 1/3 cup
- Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup, melted
- Vanilla extract: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: Pinch
- 100% fruit juice: 1 cup (apple, berry, or orange)
- Unflavored gelatin: 2 tbsp
- Honey or agave syrup: 2 or 3 tbsp
- Freeze-dried fruit: 1 cup (strawberries, raspberries), lightly crushed
- Freeze-dried candy: 1 cup (Skittles, marshmallows or similar), crushed or chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Pan:
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make Snack Bar 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 to 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.
- Final Chill:
- Chill the entire pan for an additional 10 or 15 minutes to set.
- Slice Bars:
- Lift out of the pan using parchment paper and cut into bars.
Save These bars are a hit with kids and adults alike. My son loves picking out his favorite candy bits and always asks for an extra bar for his lunchbox.
Variations & Creative Twists
Mix and match juices for multi-colored gummies, try different nut or seed butters for flavor changes, and experiment with varieties of freeze-dried fruit for extra fun.
Allergen & Dietary Notes
To make these vegetarian (not vegan), use agar powder in place of gelatin for gummies. For nut-free, swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter. Always verify candies and toppings for hidden allergens.
Serving & Storage Tips
Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 days. For easy snacking, wrap each bar individually in parchment paper.
Save Make these bars for your next gathering and watch them disappear quickly. Have fun experimenting with new candy combos for a personalized treat.
Cooking Guide
- → How do I make the oat base sturdy?
Press the oat mixture firmly into the pan and chill before adding toppings to give it a solid structure.
- → Can I use different freeze-dried candies?
Yes, try a variety of freeze-dried treats to customize flavor and texture to your preference.
- → Are there vegan options available?
Replace gelatin in gummies with agar agar and swap butter for coconut oil for vegan-friendly bars.
- → Is it possible to make these nut-free?
Use sunflower seed butter instead of almond or peanut butter to create a safe nut-free alternative.
- → How do I achieve a rainbow effect in the bars?
Prepare gummies with different fruit juice flavors and layer assorted freeze-dried fruits for colorful variety.
- → What is the best way to cut the bars?
Chill the pan thoroughly, lift out using parchment, and use a sharp knife to create clean, even bars.