Pin A playful, colorful treat featuring chewy homemade gummies, crispy freeze-dried candies, and a wholesome oat base, this snack bar mash-up is perfect for snack lovers and candy fans alike.
I first tried this playful mash-up for a birthday party, and it was an instant hit on the snack table. Everyone loved the chewy gummies mingling with the crunchy fruit and colorful candies.
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 (apple, berry, or orange): 1 cup
- Unflavored gelatin: 2 tbsp
- Honey or agave syrup: 2 or 3 tbsp
- Freeze-dried fruit (strawberries, raspberries), lightly crushed: 1 cup
- Freeze-dried candy (Skittles, marshmallows, or similar), crushed or chopped: 1 cup
Instructions
- Prepare the 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 mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Refrigerate while preparing gummies.
- Make gummies:
- Pour juice into small saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin over juice and let sit for 5 minutes. Heat over low, stirring until gelatin dissolves. Add honey, stir well, and pour into parchment-lined small baking dish. Chill in refrigerator for 45 or 60 minutes until set.
- Cut gummies:
- Once set, cut gummies into small cubes.
- Add toppings:
- Remove oat base from fridge. Sprinkle evenly with homemade gummy cubes, freeze-dried fruits, and freeze-dried candy. Press toppings gently into base.
- Chill & set:
- Chill the entire pan for 10 or 15 minutes to set.
- Slice bars:
- Lift out of pan using parchment paper and cut into bars.
Pin Kids race each other to grab these bars whenever they're on the snack table, and it turns into a joyful hands-on treat to assemble together with family.
Required Tools
8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, saucepan, spatula, knife
Allergen Information
Contains nuts and dairy. Substitute seed butter and coconut oil for nut-free and dairy-free bars. Check candy labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per bar: 170 calories, 7 g total fat, 25 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein
Pin These DIY snack bars bring a splash of color and joy to any gathering. Give them a try and invent your favorite flavor combinations.
Recipe Q&A
- → How can I make these nut-free?
Swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter to create a nut-free snack base without altering flavor or texture.
- → What alternative can I use for butter?
Coconut oil works well as a dairy-free substitute, keeping bars tender and adding a subtle tropical note.
- → Can I change the gummy flavors?
Use different fruit juices to create a rainbow effect and vary flavor, from zesty berry to refreshing citrus.
- → Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, they are vegetarian, but not vegan due to gelatin and honey. Substitute with agar and agave for plant-based options.
- → What tools are needed for preparation?
You’ll need an 8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, saucepan, spatula, and a knife for slicing.
- → What is the texture like?
Expect a tasty blend: chewy oat base, bouncy homemade gummies, and a crispy candy topping for every bite.
