Pin it 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. A delightful mix of textures and flavors brings excitement to every bite.
Whenever I make these snack bars, the kitchen fills with bright colors and fun energy, especially when experimenting with new freeze-dried candies. The mix of homemade gummies and crunchy bits always brings smiles and requests for more.
Ingredients
- Rolled oats: 2 cups
- Almond butter (or peanut butter): 1/2 cup
- Honey or maple syrup: 1/3 cup
- Unsalted butter, melted: 1/4 cup
- Vanilla extract: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: Pinch
- 100% fruit juice (e.g., apple, berry, or orange): 1 cup
- Unflavored gelatin: 2 tbsp
- Honey or agave syrup: 2, 3 tbsp
- Freeze-dried fruit (e.g., strawberries, raspberries), lightly crushed: 1 cup
- Freeze-dried candy (e.g., Skittles, marshmallows, or similar), crushed or chopped: 1 cup
Instructions
- Prepare pan:
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make oat base:
- In a large bowl, mix together oats, almond butter, honey, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until combined. Press the mixture into the prepared pan and refrigerate.
- Prepare gummies:
- Pour fruit juice into a small saucepan, sprinkle gelatin over it, and let sit for 5 minutes. Heat gently, stirring to dissolve gelatin, then add honey and stir. Pour into a parchment-lined small dish and chill for 45, 60 minutes until set.
- Cut gummies:
- Once firm, cut gummies into small cubes.
- Assemble bars:
- Remove oat base from fridge. Sprinkle gummy cubes, freeze-dried fruits, and freeze-dried candy evenly on top, pressing gently.
- Chill and cut:
- Chill pan for 10, 15 more minutes, then lift out using parchment and cut into bars.
Pin it These bars have quickly become a favorite for our weekend movie nights. Eating them together always turns snacking into a cheerful, shared experience everyone looks forward to.
Required Tools
To make these bars, you'll need an 8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, a saucepan, a spatula, and a knife.
Allergen Information
Contains nuts (almond butter), dairy (butter), and gelatin. Substitute almond butter with seed butter and butter with coconut oil for allergy-friendly options. Check candy labels for additional allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each bar contains approximately 170 calories, 7 g total fat, 25 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Pin it Try these bars fresh and chilled for maximum crunch, or pack them up for a sweet boost any time of day!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute almond butter in the base?
Yes! Swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter to make nut-free bars or use peanut butter for different flavor.
- → How do I make gummies with different flavors?
Use various 100% fruit juices for the gummies; apple, berry, or orange work well and create colorful layers.
- → Are these bars suitable for vegans?
They contain gelatin and dairy, but you can try agar for the gummies and coconut oil instead of butter for a plant-based version.
- → Can I add extra crunch to these bars?
Yes, feel free to mix in chopped nuts or seeds to the oat base for added texture and flavor.
- → What is the best way to store these snack bars?
Keep bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days to maintain freshness and texture.
- → Are freeze-dried candies safe for allergies?
Check labels carefully, as freeze-dried candies can contain dairy, gluten, or nuts depending on the brand.