Save A playful, colorful treat featuring chewy homemade gummies, crispy freeze-dried candies, and a wholesome oat base, these DIY snack bars are perfect for snack lovers and candy fans alike. With layers of flavor and texture, this fun mash-up is a creative way to satisfy your sweet tooth while adding a touch of homemade goodness.
I discovered the magic of combining homemade gummies with an oat base when experimenting for a family movie night snack. The colorful freeze-dried candy makes the bars pop, and everyone loves customizing their own mix with their favorite flavors.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats: 2 cups
- Almond butter (or peanut butter): 1/2 cup
- Honey or maple syrup: 1/3 cup
- Unsalted butter, melted: 1/4 cup
- Vanilla extract: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: Pinch
- Fruit juice (apple, berry, or orange): 1 cup
- Unflavored gelatin: 2 tbsp
- Honey or agave syrup: 2 or 3 tbsp
- Freeze-dried fruit (strawberries, raspberries): 1 cup, lightly crushed
- Freeze-dried candy (Skittles, marshmallows, or similar): 1 cup, crushed or chopped
Instructions
- Prepare pan:
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make oat base:
- In a large bowl, mix oats, almond butter, honey, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the pan. Refrigerate while preparing gummies.
- Make gummies:
- Pour juice into a small saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin over juice and let sit 5 minutes. Heat gently, stirring until gelatin dissolves. Add honey and stir in. Pour into a parchment-lined small dish. Chill in refrigerator for 45 to 60 minutes until set.
- Cut gummies:
- Once set, cut gummies into small cubes.
- Add toppings:
- Remove oat base from fridge. Sprinkle gummy cubes, freeze-dried fruits, and freeze-dried candy on top. Press gently.
- Set bars:
- Chill pan for 10 to 15 minutes to set.
- Finish and serve:
- Lift bars out of pan using parchment paper and cut into pieces.
Save Every time I make these bars, my kids crowd around to help scatter the bright gummy cubes and candy, and it becomes an instant tradition at birthday parties and holiday gatherings. These cheerful snacks always bring smiles and laughter to our kitchen.
Required Tools
8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, saucepan, spatula, knife
Allergen Information
Contains nuts and dairy; swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter and use coconut oil for dairy-free. Not vegan due to gelatin and honey. Check labels on toppings for gluten and other allergens.
Nutritional Information (per bar)
Calories: 170 Protein: 3 g Total Fat: 7 g Carbohydrates: 25 g
Save Try these snack bars chilled for extra crunch or pack them for a picnic. They’re a sweet homemade hit any day of the week.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of fruit juice works best for gummies?
Use 100% fruit juices like apple, berry, or orange for optimal flavor and vibrant colors.
- → Can I make these bars nut-free?
Replace almond butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option without compromising taste.
- → How do I get the gummies to set properly?
Let the gelatin sit in juice for 5 minutes, heat gently, and chill for at least 45 minutes until firm.
- → Are freeze-dried candies required?
No, you can use only freeze-dried fruit for a more natural treat or mix both for extra crunch and color.
- → How should I store snack bars?
Keep bars refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain their texture and freshness.
- → Can these bars be made vegan?
Use agar-agar instead of gelatin and maple syrup instead of honey, plus seed butter and coconut oil as needed.