DIY Snack Bars Gummies Candy

Featured in: Sweet Fix

Enjoy playful bars combining a chewy oat base with vibrant homemade gummies and a crispy layer of freeze-dried candy. Wholesome rolled oats are blended with nut butter and honey, then topped with fruity gummies made from natural juice and easy gelatin, plus a crunchy mix of crushed fruit and candy. Each bar delivers contrasting textures and flavors—soft, tangy gummies and sweet, crunchy candy on a tender oat foundation. They're simple to make, chill quickly, and perfect for both snack lovers and anyone seeking colorful treats. Personalize with different juices or toppings and serve chilled for best results.

Updated on Tue, 04 Nov 2025 10:15:00 GMT
Colorful DIY snack bars topped with chewy homemade gummies and freeze-dried fruit.  Save
Colorful DIY snack bars topped with chewy homemade gummies and freeze-dried fruit. | cravebop.com

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.
Homemade gummies and crispy freeze-dried candy add fun to these DIY snack bars.  Save
Homemade gummies and crispy freeze-dried candy add fun to these DIY snack bars. | cravebop.com

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

Nutty oat base supports vibrant layers of homemade gummies and freeze-dried candy mash-up. Save
Nutty oat base supports vibrant layers of homemade gummies and freeze-dried candy mash-up. | cravebop.com

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.

DIY Snack Bars Gummies Candy

Chewy gummies, oats, and freeze-dried candy combine for a playful, crunchy snack perfect for sharing.

Prep duration
30 min
Cook duration
10 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Lindsey Carter

Style Sweet Fix

Skill level Medium

Heritage American

Output 12 Portions

Nutrition labels Meat-free

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

01 1 cup fruit juice, such as apple, berry, or orange
02 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
03 2 to 3 tablespoons honey or agave syrup

Mash-Up Toppings

01 1 cup freeze-dried fruit, lightly crushed
02 1 cup freeze-dried candy, crushed or chopped

Method

Phase 01

Prepare Baking Pan: Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Phase 02

Mix Snack Bar Base: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, almond or peanut butter, honey, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until mixture is uniform. Press evenly into the prepared pan and refrigerate while making the gummies.

Phase 03

Make Homemade Gummies: Pour fruit juice into a small saucepan and sprinkle gelatin over the surface. Allow to hydrate for 5 minutes. Gently heat over low, stirring to dissolve gelatin. Incorporate honey or agave syrup, mix thoroughly, and pour into a parchment-lined small dish. Chill for 45 to 60 minutes until completely set.

Phase 04

Cut Gummies: After chilling, remove gummies from the pan and use a sharp knife to cut into small cubes.

Phase 05

Add Toppings: Retrieve oat base from the refrigerator. Scatter gummy cubes, freeze-dried fruits, and freeze-dried candies evenly over the surface. Press toppings gently into the base to ensure adhesion.

Phase 06

Final Chill: Return the pan to the refrigerator for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, allowing toppings to set.

Phase 07

Slice & Serve: Lift out the mixture using parchment paper handles. Use a knife to cut into 12 uniform bars and serve.

Tools needed

  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Saucepan
  • Spatula
  • Knife

Allergy alerts

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice if uncertain.
  • Contains nuts; substitute with seed butter if required.
  • Contains dairy; use coconut oil for dairy-free modification.
  • Contains gelatin and honey; unsuitable for vegans and infants under 1 year.
  • Freeze-dried candy toppings may contain gluten, dairy, or nuts; check labels for specific allergens.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 170
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Proteins: 3 g