Save A playful, colorful treat featuring chewy homemade gummies, crispy freeze-dried candies, and a wholesome oat base—perfect for snack lovers and candy fans alike.
I first discovered the joy of snack bar mash-ups when my kids wanted something sweet and different for movie night. Experimenting with homemade gummies and freeze-dried candy made this recipe a family favorite that never gets old with all its color and crunch.
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
- Pinch of salt: for balance
- 100% fruit juice: 1 cup (e.g. apple, berry, or orange)
- Unflavored gelatin: 2 tbsp
- Honey or agave syrup: 2 to 3 tbsp
- Freeze-dried fruit: 1 cup (e.g. strawberries, raspberries), lightly crushed
- Freeze-dried candy: 1 cup (e.g. Skittles, marshmallows, or similar), crushed or chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make snack bar 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 the 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 to 60 minutes until set.
- Cut gummies:
- Once set, cut gummies into small cubes.
- Assemble bars:
- 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.
- Final chill:
- Chill the entire pan for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to set.
- Slice and serve:
- Lift out of the pan using parchment paper and cut into bars.
Save This mash-up never lasts long—my family loves to assemble their own bars and pick favorite toppings. Making the gummies together is a fun kitchen project for kids and adults.
Required Tools
Plan ahead by gathering a baking pan, parchment paper, large mixing bowls, a small saucepan for gummies, spatula for mixing, and sharp knife for slicing bars cleanly.
Allergen Information
To keep these snack bars safe for everyone, swap almond butter with seed butter for nut-free, use coconut oil for dairy-free, and avoid honey and gelatin for certain dietary needs. Always check labels on freeze-dried candies to avoid gluten, dairy, or nut cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Each snack bar packs about 170 calories, with 7 g fat, 25 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein, making it a sweet treat that also offers lasting energy.
Save These playful bars are just as fun to make as they are to eat. Change up the toppings and flavors to suit any occasion or taste.
Recipe Questions
- → How can I make this nut-free?
Use sunflower seed butter instead of almond or peanut butter for a safe nut-free option.
- → Are these bars suitable for vegans?
This version contains gelatin and dairy; try agar agar instead of gelatin and coconut oil instead of butter for vegan-friendly bars.
- → Can I use different juices for the gummies?
Absolutely! Experiment with any 100% fruit juice to vary the flavor and color of your homemade gummies.
- → How should I store these snack bars?
Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and texture.
- → What freeze-dried candies work best?
Use lightly crushed freeze-dried fruit, Skittles, marshmallows, or similar crisp candies for great texture and flavor.