Save A playful, colorful treat featuring chewy homemade gummies, crispy freeze-dried candies, and a wholesome oat base blends snack fun with a touch of nostalgia for candy lovers and health-conscious eaters.
I first made these bars for a family movie night and watching everyone pick out their favorite toppings was a highlight. This mash-up quickly became a requested treat for parties and lunchboxes at our house.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats: 2 cups, forms the hearty base of the bars.
- Almond butter (or peanut butter): 1/2 cup, adds richness and holds the ingredients together.
- Honey or maple syrup: 1/3 cup, sweetens and binds the oat base.
- Unsalted butter, melted: 1/4 cup, helps the base set.
- Vanilla extract: 1/2 tsp, enhances flavor.
- Salt: Pinch, balances sweetness.
- 100% fruit juice (apple, berry, or orange): 1 cup, for homemade gummies.
- Unflavored gelatin: 2 tbsp, sets the gummies.
- Honey or agave syrup: 2–3 tbsp, sweetens gummies.
- Freeze-dried fruit (strawberries, raspberries): 1 cup, lightly crushed for texture and flavor.
- Freeze-dried candy (Skittles, marshmallows or similar): 1 cup, crushed or chopped for the mash-up topping.
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Pan:
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make Snack Bar Base:
- Mix oats, almond butter, honey, melted butter, vanilla and salt in a bowl. Press evenly into the lined pan and refrigerate.
- Prepare Gummies:
- Pour juice into a saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin over juice and let sit 5 minutes. Heat on low, stir until gelatin dissolves. Mix in honey then pour into parchment-lined dish. Chill until set 45–60 minutes.
- Cube Gummies:
- Cut set gummies into small cubes.
- Add Toppings:
- Remove oat base from fridge. Top evenly with gummy cubes, freeze-dried fruit, and freeze-dried candy. Press gently.
- Final Chill:
- Chill whole pan an additional 10–15 minutes to set.
- Slice Into Bars:
- Lift out with parchment and slice into bars for serving.
Save When we share these bars after school, my kids love creating different color themes with the gummies and candies. It turns snack time into a fun tradition where everyone gets involved in the mixing and decorating.
Required Tools
You will need an 8x8-inch pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, a saucepan, a spatula, and a knife for this recipe.
Allergen Information
Contains nuts, dairy, gelatin, and honey. Always check candy labels for potential allergens such as gluten and nuts—seed butter or coconut oil substitutions make this recipe more inclusive.
Nutritional Information (per bar)
Each bar has 170 calories, 7 g total fat, 25 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Save DIY snack bars are a joy to assemble and enjoy, and leftovers make portable snacks for whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use nut-free alternatives for the base?
Yes, sunflower seed butter or similar seed-based spreads work as excellent substitutes in the oat base.
- → How can I create a vegan-friendly version?
Replace gelatin with agar agar for the gummies and use coconut oil instead of butter to avoid dairy ingredients.
- → What freeze-dried fruits work best for flavor?
Strawberries, raspberries, or mango add bright color and a tangy contrast to chewy and sweet elements.
- → How do I ensure gummies set firmly?
Let gelatin bloom in fruit juice for five minutes, heat gently, then chill until completely set before cutting.
- → Are these bars suitable for young children?
Avoid honey for infants under one year and check candy labels to ensure allergen safety for all ages.
- → Can I add extra crunch to the bars?
Yes, chopped nuts or seeds stirred into the oat base increase texture and boost nutritional value.