Colorful treats combine chewy gummies, crushed fruit, and oats for playful bars with crisp mash-up toppings.
# 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 of 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 such as strawberries or raspberries, lightly crushed
11 - 1 cup freeze-dried candy, for example Skittles or marshmallows, crushed or chopped
# Directions:
01 - Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
02 - Combine rolled oats, almond butter, honey, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until uniform. Press the mixture evenly into the lined pan. Refrigerate to firm while preparing the gummies.
03 - Add fruit juice to a small saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin over the juice and let it stand for 5 minutes to bloom. Heat gently over low and stir constantly until gelatin has dissolved. Add honey or agave syrup and mix well. Pour into a parchment-lined small baking dish and chill in the refrigerator for 45 to 60 minutes until fully set.
04 - Once firm, remove gummies from the dish and slice into small cubes.
05 - Take the chilled oat base and scatter gummies, freeze-dried fruits, and freeze-dried candy evenly over the top. Press the toppings gently to secure.
06 - Place the entire pan in the refrigerator for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to set.
07 - Lift out the mixture using parchment paper and cut into bars.
