Save 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 chewy and crispy textures in one bite and make a fun project for families or candy fans.
I first made these for a weekend movie night and everyone loved assembling their favorite flavors. Making gummies from real juice was a blast, and pressing candy mash-up toppings on each bar was a fun way for everyone to get involved.
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 or 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 and Press Oat Base:
- In a large bowl, mix oats, almond butter, honey, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until combined. Press into pan evenly and refrigerate.
- Make Homemade Gummies:
- Pour juice into a small saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin over juice and let sit 5 minutes. Heat gently over low until dissolved, add honey, stir, and pour into a parchment-lined dish. Chill 45 or 60 minutes till set.
- Cut Gummies:
- Cut set gummies into small cubes.
- Add Toppings:
- Remove oat base from fridge. Sprinkle with gummy cubes, freeze-dried fruit, and candy. Press toppings into base.
- Chill Bars:
- Chill pan for 10 or 15 minutes to set.
- Cut Into Bars:
- Lift out with parchment paper and cut into bars.
Save My kids love picking out different freeze-dried fruits and candies for their bars. It's become a fun activity we look forward to together every month.
Required Tools
Use an 8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, a small saucepan, spatula, and knife for smooth preparation.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains nuts, dairy, gelatin, and honey. You can substitute almond butter for seed butter and butter for coconut oil; always check candy labels for cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information (per bar)
Each bar has approximately 170 calories, 7 g fat, 25 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Save These DIY snack bars make both a lively dessert and a snack anyone can customize. Have fun with flavors and colors while enjoying a treat you made yourself.
Recipe Guide
- → What can I use instead of almond butter?
Try sunflower seed butter for nut-free bars, or peanut butter for a classic flavor twist in the oat base.
- → Can the gelatin be replaced for vegan treats?
Swap gelatin with agar-agar, using similar quantities, to make gummies suitable for plant-based diets.
- → How do I crush freeze-dried candies effectively?
Place candies in a resealable bag and gently tap with a rolling pin or crush with your hands for varied texture.
- → What juices work best for gummies?
Choose 100% fruit juices such as apple, berry, or orange for colorful gummies and a fruity flavor profile.
- → Can I add extra mix-ins to the base?
Chopped nuts, seeds, or shredded coconut complement oats and add crunch for customized bars.