Dessert

DIY Snack Bars with Fruit Juice Gummies and Freeze-Dried Fruit Recipe

ByJack Voss January 7, 2026January 7, 2026

Introduction

These DIY Snack Bars Gummies Mash-Up combine chewy oat bars with colorful, fruity gummies and crunchy freeze-dried toppings for a fun, tasty treat. They’re perfect for a grab-and-go snack that’s both nourishing and playful.

The image shows several rectangular granola bars placed close together on a white plate. Each granola bar has a base layer made of beige oats mixed with a light syrup that holds the shape, with a rough texture. On top, there are multiple colorful pieces of fruit jelly and small white mini marshmallows scattered unevenly. The jelly pieces vary in size and come in bright colors like red, yellow, orange, green, blue, and pink, with a slightly glossy look. The bars appear thick and firm, with the toppings pressed into the surface but still distinct. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch salt
1 cup 100% fruit juice (apple, berry, or orange)
2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin
2 to 3 tablespoons honey or agave syrup
1 cup freeze-dried fruit (strawberries or raspberries), lightly crushed
1 cup freeze-dried candy (Skittles or marshmallows), crushed or chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the sides are fully covered for easy removal later.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix rolled oats, almond or peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan and chill in the refrigerator while making the gummies.
Step 3: Pour the fruit juice into a small saucepan and sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the surface. Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb.
Step 4: Warm the fruit juice and gelatin over low heat, stirring constantly until the gelatin is fully dissolved. Stir in honey or agave syrup, then pour into a small parchment-lined dish and refrigerate for 45 to 60 minutes until set.
Step 5: Remove the set gummies and cut them into small, uniform cubes.
Step 6: Take the chilled oat base out of the refrigerator. Evenly scatter the gummy cubes, freeze-dried fruit, and freeze-dried candy on top. Press lightly to secure the toppings.
Step 7: Return the pan to the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to fully set the assembled bars.
Step 8: Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper and cut into 12 equal pieces. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter instead of almond or peanut butter.
Adjust sweetness by varying honey or syrup amounts in both the oat base and gummies to your preference.
Try different fruit juices and freeze-dried toppings to customize flavors and colors.

Storage

Store the snack bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat slightly at room temperature before serving if they become too firm. These bars can also be frozen for longer storage; thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

How to Serve

The image shows several rectangular granola bars stacked on a white plate, each bar made of light brown oat clusters forming the base layer. On top of the oats, there are scattered chunks of colorful gummy candies in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and pink colors with a slightly frosted, powdery texture, along with a few small white mini marshmallows. The granola bars have a dense, oat-textured bottom layer with a bright and varied candy topping, creating a playful and sweet look. The plate is set on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use flavored gelatin instead of unflavored gelatin?

It’s best to use unflavored gelatin so you can control the flavor with your choice of fruit juice and sweeteners. Flavored gelatin may alter the intended taste of the gummies.

Are these bars suitable for vegans?

Not as written, since gelatin and butter are animal products. For a vegan version, substitute gelatin with agar-agar and use a plant-based butter alternative.