Colorful bars featuring oats, gummies, and candy for a chewy, crunchy treat loved by all ages.
# 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, marshmallows, or similar), crushed or chopped
# Method:
01 - Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
02 - Combine rolled oats, almond butter, honey, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir until thoroughly blended and press evenly into the lined pan. Refrigerate while preparing gummies.
03 - Pour fruit juice into a small saucepan and sprinkle in gelatin. Allow gelatin to bloom for 5 minutes. Warm gently over low heat, stirring until fully dissolved. Incorporate honey or agave syrup, mixing well. Distribute mixture into a parchment-lined small baking dish and chill in the refrigerator for 45 to 60 minutes until set.
04 - Once gummies are firm, cut them into small cubes for topping.
05 - Retrieve oat base from refrigerator. Scatter homemade gummy cubes, freeze-dried fruit, and freeze-dried candy evenly over the surface. Press toppings gently into the oat layer to adhere.
06 - Chill the assembled pan for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to set toppings.
07 - Remove snack bars from pan using parchment paper. Slice into 12 evenly sized bars using a sharp knife.
