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 made these mash-up bars for my kids' playdate, and they were an instant hit. The combination of chewy and crispy textures delivers a truly unique snacking experience.
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 (such as apple, berry, or orange), 2 tbsp unflavored gelatin, 2–3 tbsp honey or agave syrup
- Mash-Up Toppings: 1 cup freeze-dried fruit (such as strawberries, raspberries; lightly crushed), 1 cup freeze-dried candy (such as Skittles, marshmallows, or similar; crushed or chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Pan:
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix 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 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 gelatin dissolves. Add honey, stir well, and pour into a parchment-lined small baking dish. Chill for 45–60 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.
- Chill Again:
- Chill the entire pan for an additional 10–15 minutes to set.
- Cut and Serve:
- Lift out of the pan using parchment paper and cut into bars.
Save My family loves teaming up to crush the freeze-dried candies for these bars—everyone gets involved and the kitchen feels extra joyful.
Required Tools
8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, saucepan, spatula, knife
Allergen Information
Contains nuts and dairy ingredients; can swap out almond butter for seed butter and butter for coconut oil. Contains gelatin and honey; check labels on freeze-dried candies for possible allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each bar provides approximately 170 calories, 7 g fat, 25 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Save Get creative with this mash-up—there are endless combinations. Slicing the bars with a sharp knife keeps the edges neat and tidy for serving.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → Can I make these bars nut-free?
Yes, swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter to make the bars nut-free while maintaining creaminess and flavor.
- → How can I vary the gummies' flavor?
Use different fruit juices such as apple, berry, or orange to create a variety of flavors and colors in the homemade gummies.
- → Are these suitable for vegans?
These bars use gelatin and honey, so they're not vegan. Substitute with agar-agar and agave syrup if needed.
- → Can I add extra crunch?
Yes, mix in chopped nuts or seeds with the oat base to boost texture and nutritional value.
- → What freeze-dried toppings work best?
Strawberries, raspberries, marshmallows, or colorful candies add a crunchy, sweet element and playful appearance.
- → How should I store the bars?
Keep bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days to preserve freshness and texture.