Playful bars feature oats, homemade gummies, and freeze-dried candies for crunchy, chewy indulgence.
# What you'll need:
→ 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 such as Skittles or marshmallows, crushed or chopped
# Method:
01 - Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, blend rolled oats, almond butter, honey, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until uniform. Firmly press mixture into the lined pan, distributing evenly. Refrigerate while preparing the gummies.
03 - Pour fruit juice into a small saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin over the surface and let hydrate for 5 minutes. Warm gently on low heat, stirring until gelatin is completely dissolved. Add honey and mix thoroughly. Immediately pour the liquid into a small parchment-lined dish and refrigerate for 45 to 60 minutes, until set.
04 - When gummies are firm, cut into small cubes to use as mix-ins.
05 - Remove the chilled oat base from the refrigerator. Evenly distribute the gummy cubes, freeze-dried fruit, and crushed freeze-dried candy over the surface. Press toppings gently into the base to adhere.
06 - Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to set.
07 - Using the parchment, lift the entire slab out of the pan. Slice crosswise into bars with a sharp knife.
