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. This mash-up combines fun flavors and textures for an irresistible treat.
The first time I made these for my family, everyone was fascinated by the rainbow of colors and the mix of soft and crunchy bites. It turned snack time into a fun mini party, and now we look forward to experimenting with different flavors together.
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 (e.g. apple, berry, or orange), 2 tbsp unflavored gelatin, 2 3 tbsp honey or agave syrup
- Mash-Up Toppings: 1 cup freeze-dried fruit (e.g. strawberries, raspberries), lightly crushed, 1 cup freeze-dried candy (e.g. Skittles, marshmallows, or similar), crushed or chopped
Instructions
- Prep the pan:
- Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the oat 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.
- Prepare 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 and stir well. Pour into a parchment lined small baking dish. Chill in the refrigerator for 45 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 and serve:
- Chill the entire pan for an additional 10 15 minutes to set. Lift out of the pan using parchment paper and cut into bars.
Pin it These snack bars quickly became a favorite for weekend movie nights. Everyone enjoys picking their favorite freeze-dried candy and juice flavor, making each batch a little bit different and always memorable.
Allergen Information
Contains nuts (almond butter), dairy (butter), gelatin (not suitable for vegans), and honey (not suitable for infants under 1 year). Always check labels on freeze-dried candies for allergens such as gluten, dairy, or nuts.
Required Tools
You'll need an 8x8 inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, saucepan, spatula, and a knife for prepping and assembling these bars.
Nutritional Information (per bar)
Calories: 170, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 3 g
Pin it Have fun making these mash-up bars with your own favorite candies and juices. They are a playful snack that's a hit for both kids and grown-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different juice flavors for gummies?
Absolutely! Experiment with apple, berry, orange, or any 100% fruit juice to create a rainbow of flavors.
- → How can I make these bars nut-free?
Swap almond butter for sunflower seed or another seed butter to eliminate tree nuts while keeping texture.
- → Are these bars suitable for vegans?
They contain gelatin, so not vegan; try using agar powder and swap out the butter for coconut oil if preferred.
- → What adds crunch to these bars?
Freeze-dried fruits, candies, and optional chopped nuts or seeds lend extra crunch and texture to each bar.
- → What type of freeze-dried candy works best?
Try Skittles, marshmallows, or similar colorful candies for lively results—chop or crush for even topping.
- → Can I prepare these bars in advance?
Yes, chill and store the bars in an airtight container for up to five days for easy snacking.