Playful bars blend chewy gummies, crushable freeze-dried candy, and oat base for a colorful, fun snack option.
# Components:
→ Snack Bar Base
01 - 2 cups rolled oats
02 - 1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter
03 - 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
04 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
05 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - Pinch salt
→ Homemade Gummies
07 - 1 cup 100% fruit juice, such as apple, berry, or orange
08 - 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
09 - 2 to 3 tablespoons honey or agave syrup
→ Mash-Up Toppings
10 - 1 cup freeze-dried fruit, lightly crushed
11 - 1 cup freeze-dried candy, such as Skittles or marshmallows, chopped or crushed
# Method:
01 - Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
02 - In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine rolled oats, almond butter, honey, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Press the mixture evenly into the lined pan. Refrigerate while you continue with the gummies.
03 - Pour fruit juice into a small saucepan. Sprinkle unflavored gelatin evenly over the juice and allow to bloom for 5 minutes. Gently heat the mixture over low until gelatin dissolves, stirring constantly. Incorporate honey and mix until fully blended.
04 - After mixing, pour the gummy mixture into a parchment-lined small baking dish and chill for 45 to 60 minutes until firm. Once set, cut gummies into small cubes.
05 - Retrieve the oat base from the refrigerator. Distribute the homemade gummies, freeze-dried fruit, and freeze-dried candy evenly across the surface. Press toppings gently so they adhere to the base.
06 - Refrigerate the assembled pan for another 10 to 15 minutes to ensure toppings are set.
07 - Lift the mixture from the pan using the parchment paper and slice into 12 individual bars.
