Pin A playful, colorful treat featuring chewy homemade gummies, crispy freeze-dried candies, and a wholesome oat base, this DIY Snack Bar Mash-Up is perfect for snack lovers and candy fans alike.
When I first tried combining homemade gummies with freeze-dried candy and a classic oat bar base, my kitchen was transformed into a candy factory. I loved watching the colors and shapes come together, and these bars quickly became a favorite homemade snack for family movie nights.
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, 2–3 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.
- Make 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, stir well, and 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 Bars:
- Chill the entire pan for an additional 10–15 minutes to set.
- Cut and Serve:
- Lift out of the pan using parchment paper and cut into bars.
Pin My kids love helping sprinkle the toppings, and we always end up sharing a laugh over whose bar is the most colorful. It's now a staple at birthday parties and after-school treats in our house.
Required Tools
8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, saucepan, spatula, knife
Allergen Information
Contains nuts (almond butter) and dairy (butter); substitute with seed butter and coconut oil for nut-free and dairy-free options. Contains gelatin (not suitable for vegans). Contains honey (not for infants under 1 year). Review freeze-dried candy packaging for other allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each bar contains about 170 calories, 7 g total fat, 25 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Pin Enjoy these snack bars fresh from the fridge or pack them for an on-the-go treat. Let everyone customize their toppings for even more snack-time fun.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I make these bars nut-free?
Swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter or similar seed butters to create a nut-free option for the base.
- → How do I create a rainbow effect in the gummies?
Use different juice flavors like berry, apple, and orange to make vibrant, colorful gummy pieces for each batch.
- → What freeze-dried candies work best?
Popular choices include freeze-dried marshmallows, Skittles, or similar candies with bright colors and crunchy texture.
- → Are these bars suitable for vegans?
The gummies use gelatin, which is animal-derived. Substitute with agar agar for a plant-based alternative.
- → What can I substitute for butter?
Coconut oil works as a dairy-free substitute in the oat base, lending a subtle flavor and smooth texture.
- → Are these bars safe for young children?
Avoid honey for infants under one year. Use maple syrup or agave as a safer alternative for young eaters.