Pin A playful, colorful treat featuring chewy homemade gummies, crispy freeze-dried candies, and a wholesome oat base, this DIY Snack Bars recipe is perfect for snack lovers and candy fans alike. It's an irresistibly fun snack for sharing or enjoying anytime.
I first made these snack bars for a game night gathering, and everyone was delighted by the mix of colors and flavors. Each bite was both nostalgic and totally new, blending homemade spirit with playful treats.
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 and 3 tbsp honey or agave syrup
- Mash-Up Toppings: 1 cup freeze-dried fruit (strawberries, raspberries), lightly crushed, 1 cup freeze-dried candy (Skittles, marshmallows, or similar), crushed or chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Pan:
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Base:
- In a large bowl, mix together oats, almond butter, honey, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Refrigerate while you prepare the gummies.
- Make Gummies:
- Pour juice into a small saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin over the juice and let sit for 5 minutes. Heat gently over low, stirring until gelatin dissolves. Add honey, stir well, and pour into a parchment-lined small baking dish. Chill in the refrigerator for 45 and 60 minutes until set.
- Cut Gummies:
- Once set, cut gummies into small cubes.
- Add Toppings:
- Remove the oat base from the fridge. Sprinkle evenly with homemade gummy cubes, freeze-dried fruits, and freeze-dried candy. Press toppings gently into the base.
- Chill Bars:
- Chill the entire pan for an additional 10 and 15 minutes to set.
- Serve:
- Lift out of pan using parchment paper and cut into bars.
Pin
Kids love assembling these bars with their favorite candies and gummies. It's become a special treat for our family movie nights, and each batch is always a little different thanks to the candy picks.
Required Tools
8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, saucepan, spatula, knife
Allergen Information
Contains nuts (almond butter), dairy (butter), gelatin, and honey; substitute as needed for nut-free or dairy-free options and always check candy labels.
Nutritional Information (per bar)
Calories: 170, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 3 g
Pin For the best texture, enjoy these snack bars within two days. Store leftovers in an airtight container for freshness.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make these bars nut-free?
Yes, substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version without changing texture.
- → How do I create a rainbow effect?
Use a variety of fruit juices for gummies and different freeze-dried fruit and candy toppings for vibrant colors.
- → Are these suitable for vegans?
They contain gelatin, which is not vegan. Replace gelatin with a plant-based alternative for vegan-friendly gummies.
- → What can I pair with these bars?
Pair them with cold milk or herbal tea for a refreshing snack experience.
- → How are the bars stored?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh and chewy.
- → Can I use different candies?
Yes, any freeze-dried fruit or candy can be swapped in for unique flavor combinations.