Pin A playful, colorful treat featuring chewy homemade gummies, crispy freeze-dried candies, and a wholesome oat base. These snack bars are perfect for anyone who loves to combine fun textures and flavors in a sweet, satisfying bite.
I first made these DIY snack bars for a family movie night, and everyone loved creating their own combinations of gummies and candies. They have become a favorite weekend treat we make together, especially when we want something both homemade and a little whimsical.
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 (100%): 1 cup (apple, berry, or orange)
- Unflavored gelatin: 2 tbsp
- Honey or agave syrup: 2 to 3 tbsp
- Freeze-dried fruit, lightly crushed: 1 cup (strawberries, raspberries)
- Freeze-dried candy, crushed or chopped: 1 cup (Skittles, marshmallows, or similar)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the base:
- In a large bowl, mix oats, almond butter, honey, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until combined. Press into the pan and refrigerate.
- Make gummies:
- Pour juice into a saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin on top and let sit 5 minutes. Gently heat, stir until dissolved. Add honey and stir. Pour into parchment-lined dish and chill 45 to 60 minutes until set.
- Cut gummies:
- Once set, cut gummies into small cubes.
- Add toppings:
- Take oat base from fridge. Sprinkle with gummy cubes, freeze-dried fruit, and candy. Press toppings gently.
- Chill and cut:
- Chill for another 10 to 15 minutes to set. Lift with parchment and cut into bars.
Pin Making these bars with my kids has become a fun afternoon project, letting everyone pick their favorite fruits and candies for the topping. Their creative combinations always surprise me and turn snack time into a playful family moment.
Required Tools
8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, saucepan, spatula, knife
Allergen Information
Bars contain nuts and dairy but can be adapted with seed butter or coconut oil. Gelatin makes the gummy layer unsuitable for vegans, and honey should be avoided for young infants. Always check candy labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each bar has approximately 170 calories, 7g fat, 25g carbohydrates, and 3g protein.
Pin Store bars in an airtight container for up to five days. They make a perfect grab-and-go snack for busy afternoons or a sweet lunchbox surprise.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use other nut butters for the base?
Yes, almond or peanut butter works well, and sunflower seed butter is a nut-free alternative.
- → How do I make gummies vegan?
For vegan gummies, swap gelatin with agar agar and use fruit juice as the main base.
- → What freeze-dried candies work best?
Popular choices include freeze-dried Skittles, marshmallows, or any candy that holds shape and crunch.
- → Can I add extra toppings?
Definitely! Chopped nuts, seeds, or extra freeze-dried fruit add more crunch and flavor complexity.
- → How do I store these bars?
Keep bars chilled in an airtight container for up to five days for optimal texture.
- → Is this snack suitable for children?
Yes, it's kid-friendly, but avoid honey for children under one year and check candy ingredient labels for allergens.