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 snack bars for a family movie night. Everyone loved building their own combinations, and the homemade gummies were a fun activity for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats: 2 cups, for the hearty base
- Almond butter (or peanut butter): 1/2 cup, creamy and rich
- Honey or maple syrup: 1/3 cup, adds sweetness
- Unsalted butter, melted: 1/4 cup
- Vanilla extract: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: Pinch
- 100% fruit juice (e.g., apple, berry, or orange): 1 cup, for gummies
- Unflavored gelatin: 2 tbsp
- Honey or agave syrup: 2 or 3 tbsp, for gummies
- Freeze-dried fruit (e.g., strawberries, raspberries): 1 cup, lightly crushed
- Freeze-dried candy (e.g., Skittles, marshmallows, or similar): 1 cup, crushed or chopped
Instructions
- Prepare pan:
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix 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 or 60 minutes until set.
- Cut gummies:
- Once set, cut gummies into small cubes.
- Assemble bars:
- 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.
- Serve:
- Lift out of the pan using parchment paper and cut into bars.
Save My kids love helping with the gummy mixing and pressing toppings onto the bars. It has become a rainy day favorite for our family.
Required Tools
Must-have equipment includes an 8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, a small saucepan, spatula, and a sturdy knife for slicing bars cleanly.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains nuts, dairy, gelatin, and honey. Seed butter, coconut oil, and plant-based gelatin alternatives can help accommodate common allergens as needed.
Nutritional Information
Each snack bar contains about 170 calories, 7 g total fat, 25 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Save Enjoy these cheerful bars as a snack or dessert. They are perfect for sharing and sure to brighten any day.
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → How can I make these bars nut-free?
Swap almond butter for sunflower seed or pumpkin seed butter to create a nut-free snack base. Check candy labels for allergens.
- → Can I make these treats dairy-free?
Use coconut oil instead of unsalted butter for a dairy-free version. Confirm if your chosen candies are dairy-free, too.
- → What juice works best for homemade gummies?
Choose 100% fruit juice like apple, berry, or orange for bold flavors and natural sweetness in your gummy layer.
- → How long do these bars stay fresh?
Keep bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze for longer storage if needed.
- → Are these bars vegetarian?
Yes, they suit vegetarian diets. They contain gelatin, so those avoiding animal products should use a plant-based alternative.
- → Can I add extra toppings?
Customize with chopped nuts, seeds, or different freeze-dried fruits to boost texture and flavor variety.