Pin A playful, colorful treat featuring chewy homemade gummies, crispy freeze-dried candies, and a wholesome oat base, DIY Snack Bars / Homemade Gummies / Freeze-Dried Candy Mash-Up are perfect for snack lovers and candy fans alike. This recipe delivers a fun blend of textures and vibrant flavors that brighten snack time anytime.
I first made these snack bars on a rainy weekend with my kids, and we loved experimenting with different fruit juices and colorful candies to decorate the tops. The hands-on process and creative mix-ins made it a memorable kitchen adventure.
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
- Prepare Pan:
- Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make Snack 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 60 minutes until set.
- Cube Gummies:
- Once set, cut gummies into small cubes.
- Decorate 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.
- Chill & Cut:
- 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 Sharing these snack bars with my family brings smiles and laughter, as everyone picks their favorite toppings and offers creative twists for the next batch.
Required Tools
8x8 inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, saucepan, spatula, knife
Allergen Information
Contains nuts (almond butter); can substitute with seed butter for nut free option. Contains dairy (butter); use coconut oil for dairy free. Contains gelatin (not suitable for vegans). Contains honey (not suitable for infants under 1 year). Always check labels on freeze-dried candies for allergens such as gluten, dairy, or nuts.
Nutritional Information
Per bar: Calories: 170, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 25 g, Protein: 3 g
Pin With each batch of DIY snack bars, you can mix and match ingredients for new flavor adventures. Enjoy their vibrant, playful taste with family or friends!
Recipe Q&A
- → How can I make the bars nut-free?
Substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter for a completely nut-free option without sacrificing flavor.
- → Can I use different fruit juices for gummies?
Yes, experiment with apple, berry, orange, or other fruit juices to create varied colors and flavors in your gummies.
- → What freeze-dried candies work best for toppings?
Try freeze-dried strawberries, raspberries, marshmallows, or colorful candies like Skittles for a crunchy layer.
- → Is this suitable for vegans?
This dish contains gelatin and dairy; for vegan options, use agar for gummies and coconut oil instead of butter.
- → How should I store these snack bars?
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum freshness and perfect chewy-crunchy texture.
- → What can I pair with these snack bars?
Serve with cold milk or herbal tea for an enjoyable and balanced snack experience.