Frozen chocolate peanut butter banana bites are a healthy & delicious treat and so easy to make. Slice them, spread them with peanut butter, freeze then dip into rich dark chocolate. Keep them in the freezer and pop them in your mouth whenever you want a quick on-the-go snack.
Table of contents
- Easy chocolate frozen treats
- Why you'll love these chocolate coated frozen bananas
- Are chocolate covered peanut butter banana bites healthy?
- Ingredients
- How to make frozen chocolate peanut butter banana bites
- Recipe tips
- Topping ideas and flavor variations
- How to store chocolate covered bananas and how long they last
- More frozen treat recipes
Easy chocolate frozen treats
There is just something magical about frozen chocolate covered treats. They're a rich surprise, bursting with flavor when you bite into them. They're cool combinations of sweet indulgence that make the perfect snack for a warm summer day.
My go-to favorites are easy to make treats like Chocolate Covered Ice Cream Bites, Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches, and Chocolate Pistachio Popsicles. Put these on your must-make list before summer is over!
The best part, you won't believe how easy these frozen chocolate covered bananas are to make! All you have to do is slice, spread with peanut butter, freeze, dip and go!
Why you'll love these chocolate coated frozen bananas
Easy Recipe: You won't believe how easy these chocolate-covered banana bites are to make. Just a few ingredients and simple steps, then freeze.
Make Ahead: Make them ahead of time and keep them in the freezer for whenever you get that chocolate craving.
No Guilt Treat: These frozen bananas have a creamy texture similar to ice cream so you get all the deliciousness without the extra calories! Bonus - peanut butter adds protein, fiber, and healthy fats for an extra special treat!
Rich Dark Chocolate: Nothing is better than something dipped in dark chocolate. It's rich, decadent, and perfect for chocolate lovers.
Perfect Snack Size: These aren't your typical banana-on-a-stick treats. They're convenient, bite-sized slices that are easy to pop in your mouth and enjoy.
Customizable: Change up the type of chocolate, add your favorite toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkles, or spread with Nutella in lieu of peanut butter for a really addictive sweet treat.
Are chocolate covered peanut butter banana bites healthy?
Bananas are a delicious and healthy treat for when you get the munchies. They contain much-needed potassium, dietary fiber, Vitamin C & B6, and are low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Maybe it should be a banana a day keeps the doc away? lol
As for the chocolate, dark chocolate can also have some health benefits. It's rich in antioxidants and provides a small boost of minerals like iron and magnesium. Plus, dark chocolate has been known to improve mood and we can all use that!
Last but not least, peanut butter adds a boost of protein, fiber, and healthy fats that support heart health and round out this nutritional snack.
Ingredients
This simple recipe uses only a few ingredients that are easy to find in your grocery stores. You'll find the exact measurements in the printable recipe card below.
- Bananas: Choose ripe bananas that hold their shape. They should be sweet and flavorful, but still firm enough to hold their shape.
- Peanut Butter: Use your favorite creamy peanut butter or opt for almond butter. I don't recommend natural or fresh peanut butter as they contain too much oil.
- Dark Chocolate: I recommend Ghirardelli's 72% cacao for its rich, intense flavor. It's the best chocolate for frozen bananas. It melts beautifully and complements the sweetness of the bananas. You can also use dark chocolate chips or opt for milk chocolate chips.
- Shortening: Adding shortening creates a smoother consistency, a shinier finish, and makes the chocolate coating easier to work with. If you don't mind a slight coconut flavor, you can also opt for a bit of coconut oil in place of shortening.
- Topping: I used nuts, coconut flakes, and sprinkles but you can use just about anything. See the section below for sweet and salty topping ideas.
How to make frozen chocolate peanut butter banana bites
- Slice bananas about ¼" wide and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper.
- Spread a small amount of peanut butter on half of the slices.
- Top with the remaining banana slices.
- Freeze the chocolate covered banana bites for several hours or until frozen solid.
- Place chopped chocolate and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Melt chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Remove frozen chocolate-covered bananas from freezer. Dip a toothpick into the melted chocolate then spear a banana bite.
- Dip the banana bite into the warm chocolate mixture then set back onto the parchment paper. If using, sprinkle toppings immediately. Chocolate will harden quickly so you need to act fast.
These Frozen Chocolate Covered Bananas with peanut butter are an easy, delicious snack that the whole family will love. They make the perfect treat for a hot summer day while satisfying your chocolate craving. Plus they're one of my favorite ways to enjoy bananas. Great for a guilt-free dessert or a fun snack, these little bites will be gone before you know it.
Recipe tips
Chop the Chocolate Finely: For best results and fast, even melting, make sure to chop the chocolate into small pieces. This helps it melt more smoothly and prevents any lumps.
Dip the Fork in Chocolate First: Before dipping the bananas, coat your fork or toothpick in a bit of chocolate. This trick ensures that the banana slices get full coverage and makes it easier to coat them evenly.
Freeze Bananas Thoroughly: Make sure the banana peanut butter bites are fully frozen before dipping them in chocolate. This helps the chocolate set quickly and gives the bananas that yummy ice cream-like texture.
Work Quickly: When dipping the banana bites in chocolate, work quickly to avoid the chocolate cooling and hardening before you've coated all the slices. If needed, reheat the chocolate in short bursts to keep it smooth.
Topping ideas and flavor variations
One of the best parts about making Frozen Chocolate Covered Bananas is trying a variety of toppings! Whether you have a sweet tooth, crave something salty, or want a different flavor, there are so many ways to make them even more delicious.
Sweet
For those who love a sweet finish, these are my favorite variations on toppings:
- Coconut Flakes: Add a tropical twist with a sprinkle of shredded coconut. It pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate.
- Unsalted Nuts: Chopped almonds, pecans, pistachios, or walnuts add a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Granola: A handful of granola gives a crunchy, wholesome topping that's perfect for a more hearty snack.
- Sprinkles: Brighten up your treats with colorful sprinkles. They're fun and add a little extra sweetness.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Double up on the chocolatey goodness with a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips.
- Chopped Cookies: Crumbled cookies like Oreos or graham crackers add crunch and extra sweetness.
- Peanut Butter Drizzle: Make it extra peanutty by melting some peanut butter chips and drizzling it over the bananas.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: For a beautiful contrast, drizzle with melted white chocolate. To make the drizzle, simply melt the chips in the microwave, place the melted chocolate in a plastic zip-top bag, cut a small corner off, and squeeze to drizzle over the bananas.
Salty
If you love a sweet and salty combo, these toppings are sure to hit the spot:
- Chopped Bacon: A sprinkle of crispy, chopped bacon adds a salty crunch that pairs well with chocolate.
- Salted Nuts: Use salted nuts for an extra punch of flavor and a satisfying salty-sweet contrast.
- Sea Salt Flakes: A light sprinkle of sea salt flakes enhances the chocolate's flavor.
- Chopped Pretzels: Crushed pretzels add a crunchy, salty bite that complements the creamy banana and rich chocolate.
Flavors
For a twist on the classic chocolate-covered banana, try adding about ¼ teaspoon of your favorite extract to the melted chocolate before dipping the bananas to give them a burst of extra flavor.
- Almond Extract: A few drops add a warm, nutty flavor that pairs well with dark chocolate.
- Mint Extract: For a refreshing twist, add a touch of mint extract to the chocolate. It's like a frozen mint-chocolate treat!
- Vanilla Extract: A classic choice, vanilla extract enhances the sweetness of the chocolate.
How to store chocolate covered bananas and how long they last
To keep your frozen chocolate peanut butter banana bites fresh and delicious, place them in a freezer-safe, airtight container or zip-top bag after they have set. They'll last for up to 3 months.
And if you love bananas as much as I do, check out more of my recipes with bananas.
More frozen treat recipes
- Air Fried Ice Cream
- Circus Animal Cookie Ice Cream
- Cold Brew Coffee Ice Cream Float
- No Churn Dark Chocolate Ice Cream
- Peach Frozen Yogurt
Find lots of easy dessert recipes right here on 2CM!
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Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Bananas
Ingredients
- 2-3 bananas ¼" slices
- ¼-1/3 cup smooth peanut butter
- 6 ounces Ghiradelli dark chocolate about 12 squares (I used 72% cacao) or 1 cup of dark chocolate chips
- 1 Tablespoon shortening
- Garnishes: chopped nuts, sprinkles, flaked coconut
Instructions
- Prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with parchment or waxed paper. Make sure the cookie sheet will fit into your freezer.
- Slice the bananas into rounds, about ¼" thick. Place them on the cookie sheet.
- Spread peanut butter on half of the banana slices. Top with the other half of the bananas.
- Place the banana bites in the freeze for 1-2 hours or until frozen solid.
- When ready to coat the bites with chocolate, break the dark chocolate into pieces and place in a microwave-safe bowl with shortening. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate has melted.
- Remove the peanut butter banana bites from the freezer. Using a toothpick, dip the banana bites into the chocolate to coat completely then place them back on the cookie sheet. If it is easier for you, you can also spread the chocolate on them.
- Before the chocolate sets, immediately sprinkle with nuts, sprinkles, or coconut. You can also leave them as is.
- Return to the freezer for another 30 minutes. You can then enjoy them right away or place them in a freeze bag to enjoy later.
Notes
Nutrition
This post has been updated with new photos, an improved recipe, and helpful tips. It was first published on May 27, 2014.
Joanne T Ferguson (@mickeydownunder) says
G'day and yum!
Viewed as part of the Wine’d Down Wednesday 38 Party!
Cheers! Joanne
Linda Warren says
What could be better than bananas and chocolate! Have a great day and thanks for checking us out.
Crystelle Boutique says
Bring on the bananas! I love it! so yummy! Happy week to you!!! 🙂
hugs x, Crystelle
Linda Warren says
Hope you get a chance to try the banana recipes. They are great for kids and adults alike. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week too!
Winnie says
This is funny! Exactly what I needed to see - recipes with bananas 🙂
LOL
I'd like to try the banana bread though