Pin A playful, colorful treat featuring chewy homemade gummies, crispy freeze-dried candies, and a wholesome oat base that snack lovers and candy fans will enjoy for any occasion.
My family loves experimenting with creative snacks, and making these mash-up bars together is now a weekend tradition for us.
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.
- Make Bar Base:
- In a large bowl, mix oats, almond butter, honey, melted butter, vanilla, and salt thoroughly. Press evenly into the pan and refrigerate.
- Prepare Gummies:
- Pour juice into a small saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin over juice and let sit for 5 minutes. Gently heat and stir until gelatin dissolves. Add honey and stir well, then pour into a parchment-lined dish. Chill 45 60 minutes until set.
- Cut Gummies:
- Once set, cut gummies into small cubes.
- Add Toppings:
- Remove bar base from fridge. Sprinkle with gummy cubes, freeze-dried fruit, and freeze-dried candy. Press toppings gently into the base.
- Chill:
- Chill whole pan 10 15 minutes to set.
- Slice:
- Lift out using parchment and cut into bars.
Pin Kids especially love helping press the gummy pieces and freeze-dried candies into the oat base. Watching the mash-up come together creates lots of giggles in our kitchen.
Required Tools
8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, saucepan, spatula, knife
Allergen Information
Contains nuts and dairy; substitute seed butter or coconut oil as needed. Not suitable for vegans due to gelatin. Always check labels on freeze-dried candies for allergens.
Nutritional Information (per bar)
Calories: 170, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 3 g
Pin These cheerful mash-up bars are guaranteed to brighten up lunchboxes and snack trays. Enjoy fresh or store airtight for a sweet treat anytime.
Recipe FAQ
- → How can I make these nut-free?
Replace almond butter with sunflower seed butter for a delicious nut-free alternative in your snack bars.
- → What juices work best for homemade gummies?
Use 100% fruit juices like apple, berry, or orange to create flavorful and colorful gummy cubes.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, these bars keep well in an airtight container for several days, making them great for meal prep.
- → What freeze-dried candies are recommended?
Try crushed Skittles, marshmallows, or your favorite freeze-dried candy to add crunch and color.
- → How do I make a dairy-free version?
Substitute melted butter with coconut oil and check candy ingredients for dairy-free options.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, they are vegetarian-friendly, but not vegan due to gelatin and honey. Use plant-based options if desired.