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 and deliver a unique mash-up of textures in every bite.
I first tried combining gummies and freeze-dried fruit after seeing a similar dessert at a local craft fair. Making these at home turned out to be both simple and rewarding, and my family eagerly joined in pressing the toppings onto the oat base.
Ingredients
- Snack Bar Base: 2 cups rolled oats, 1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter), 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup, 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted), 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, pinch of salt
- Homemade Gummies: 1 cup 100% fruit juice (apple, berry, or orange), 2 tbsp unflavored gelatin, 2–3 tbsp honey or agave syrup
- Mash-Up Toppings: 1 cup freeze-dried fruit (lightly crushed), 1 cup freeze-dried candy (crushed or chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Pan:
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make Bar Base:
- In a large bowl, mix oats, almond butter, honey, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Refrigerate while preparing the gummies.
- Homemade Gummies:
- Pour juice into a small saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin over juice and let sit for 5 minutes. Gently heat over low, stirring until gelatin dissolves. Add honey, stir well, and pour into a parchment-lined small baking dish. Chill for 45–60 minutes until set.
- Cube Gummies:
- Once set, cut gummies into small cubes.
- Add Toppings:
- Remove oat base from fridge. Sprinkle evenly with gummy cubes, freeze-dried fruits, and freeze-dried candy. Press toppings gently into the base.
- Final Chill & Cut:
- Chill the whole pan for 10–15 minutes to set. Lift out using parchment paper and cut into bars.
Save The first time we made these, everyone loved picking their favorite colors and flavors for both the gummies and candies—the kitchen buzzed with excitement as we created a rainbow of bars together.
Required Tools
You will need an 8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, a small saucepan, spatula, and a sharp knife for easy prep and assembly.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains nuts, dairy, gelatin, and honey. Nut-free and dairy-free options are provided. Always check freeze-dried candy packaging for potential allergens including gluten, dairy, or nuts.
Nutritional Information
Each bar contains approximately 170 calories, 7 g total fat, 25 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Save These snack bars brighten any lunchbox or snack table. Play with your favorite combos for delicious homemade candy fun.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use different juices for the gummies?
Yes, you can use any 100% fruit juice such as apple, berry, or orange to customize the gummy flavor and create vibrant colors.
- → How do I make this nut-free?
Swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter or another seed butter in the oat base for a nut-free variation.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Replace butter with coconut oil to make the bars dairy-free. Always check labels on toppings too.
- → Are the bars suitable for vegans?
The included gelatin and honey are not vegan, but you could experiment with plant-based gelatin and agave syrup as alternatives.
- → How do I store these bars?
Store the finished bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days for best freshness and texture.
- → Can I substitute the freeze-dried candy?
Yes, you can use chopped nuts, seeds, or additional freeze-dried fruit instead for a different crunch and flavor.