DIY Snack Bars Gummies Freeze-Dried (Printable)

Chewy gummies, crisp candy, and oats unite for a delicious, playful snack bar packed with flavor and crunch.

# What You'll Need:

→ Snack Bar Base

01 - 2 cups rolled oats
02 - 1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter
03 - 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
04 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
05 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - Pinch of salt

→ Homemade Gummies

07 - 1 cup fruit juice (e.g., apple, berry, or orange)
08 - 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
09 - 2 to 3 tablespoons honey or agave syrup

→ Mash-Up Toppings

10 - 1 cup freeze-dried fruit (such as strawberries or raspberries), lightly crushed
11 - 1 cup freeze-dried candy (such as Skittles, marshmallows, or similar), crushed or chopped

# Directions:

01 - Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, almond butter, honey, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly. Press the mixture evenly into the lined baking pan. Refrigerate to set while preparing the gummies.
03 - Pour fruit juice into a small saucepan and sprinkle unflavored gelatin over the surface. Let stand for 5 minutes. Heat gently over low, stirring constantly until gelatin is fully dissolved. Stir in honey or agave syrup. Pour the mixture into a parchment-lined small baking dish. Refrigerate for 45 to 60 minutes until fully set.
04 - Once firm, cut the gummies into small cubes using a sharp knife.
05 - Remove the oat base from the refrigerator. Arrange homemade gummy cubes, freeze-dried fruit, and freeze-dried candy evenly across the surface. Press toppings gently into the base.
06 - Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to help the toppings set.
07 - Using the parchment paper, lift the snack bars out of the pan. Cut evenly into bars and serve.

# Cooking Tips:

01 -
  • Uses basic pantry staples you likely have on hand for the base
  • Customizable with your favorite juice candies and freeze-dried fruits
  • Naturally gluten free and easily made nut free or dairy free
  • Perfect for kids and adults alike
  • Brings together chewy crispy and crunchy textures in every bite
02 -
  • High fiber thanks to rolled oats
  • Easy to adapt for allergies swap nut or dairy components
  • Makes snack time fun and memorable not just sweet
  • Gummies use pure fruit juice for flavor plus natural color
  • Freeze dried toppings stay crisp for days
03 -
  • Let the gelatin bloom fully it ensures tender chewy gummies
  • Press all toppings gently but thoroughly using the back of a spatula or the palm to keep every layer sticking
  • For picture perfect bars use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts
  • Stir almond butter into the oat base while still slightly warm to bring everything together easier
  • Experiment with candy or fruit combos until you find your favorite I learned that freeze dried marshmallows keep their crisp best if added right before serving