Save to Pinterest A playful, colorful treat featuring chewy homemade gummies, crispy freeze-dried candies, and a wholesome oat base which is perfect for snack lovers and candy fans alike.
I first made these for a birthday party and they quickly became everyone's favorite. Their layers of flavor and rainbow appeal have inspired lots of requests for the recipe ever since.
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 (apple, berry, or orange), 2 tbsp unflavored gelatin, 2–3 tbsp honey or agave syrup
- Mash-Up Toppings: 1 cup freeze-dried fruit (strawberries, raspberries), lightly crushed, 1 cup freeze-dried candy (Skittles, marshmallows, or similar), crushed or chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Pan:
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Base:
- In a large bowl, mix together oats, almond butter, honey, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until combined. Press evenly into the prepared pan and refrigerate while preparing gummies.
- Make Gummies:
- Pour juice into a small saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin over juice and let sit for 5 minutes. Heat gently over low, stirring until dissolved. Add honey, stir, and pour into a parchment-lined small dish. Chill 45–60 minutes until set.
- Cube Gummies:
- Once set, cut gummies into small cubes.
- Add Toppings:
- Remove oat base from fridge. Sprinkle with gummy cubes, freeze-dried fruits, and freeze-dried candy. Press gently into base.
- Final Chill:
- Chill the pan for 10–15 minutes to set.
- Cut into Bars:
- Lift out using parchment paper and cut into bars.
Save to Pinterest The kids love helping out in the kitchen when we make these together, especially when it's time to press all the vibrant toppings into the bars.
Required Tools
You'll need an 8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, saucepan, spatula, and knife.
Allergen Information
This snack contains nuts and dairy but can be made nut-free with seed butter or dairy-free with coconut oil. Always check freeze-dried candy labels for possible allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each bar provides around 170 calories, 7 g fat, 25 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Serve these DIY bars chilled for the best texture. They make a cheerful addition to lunchboxes or party trays.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I replace almond butter with a nut-free option?
Yes, sunflower seed butter works well for a nut-free alternative in the oat base.
- → Is it possible to make the gummies vegan?
Swap unflavored gelatin with agar-agar, though you may need to adjust the texture and setting time.
- → How can I create a rainbow effect with the gummies?
Use various natural fruit juices such as berry, orange, and apple to diversify gummy colors.
- → What if I don’t have freeze-dried candy?
You can use chopped dried fruits, marshmallows, or more freeze-dried fruit for a similar result.
- → Which occasions suit these snack bars?
They’re great for parties, lunchboxes, after-school treats, or casual gatherings.
- → Are these bars suitable for kids?
Yes, but avoid using honey if serving to infants under one year old due to health safety guidelines.