Are you in the mood for a delectable treat that’s both satisfying and a breeze to prepare? Look no further than these Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites! Perfect as a summer delight or a healthy alternative to satisfy those dessert cravings, this recipe combines the creamy texture of peanut butter, the rich taste of dark chocolate, and the natural sweetness of bananas. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, these bites are guaranteed to be a hit. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this mouth-watering treat in just a few simple steps.
Ingredients:
- Bananas: 3 ripe but still firm bananas. They should be easy to slice but not mushy.
- Peanut Butter: ¼ cup of your favorite nut butter. Smooth, natural peanut butter works best for a creamy texture.
- Dark Chocolate: 10 oz (280g), either chopped or in chocolate chip form. Dark chocolate is preferred for its rich flavor and health benefits.
- Coconut Oil: 2 teaspoons (optional). Adding coconut oil helps achieve a smoother chocolate coating.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bananas: Begin by slicing the bananas into ¼ inch (0.7 cm) thick pieces. This thickness ensures that each bite has the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Arrange half of these slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, setting the stage for your delicious creation.
- Smooth Peanut Butter: Warm the peanut butter in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, ensuring it becomes smooth and easy to spread. A good stir halfway through will help achieve the right consistency. Then, spoon a heaped ¼ teaspoon of the warm peanut butter onto each banana slice on the baking sheet.
- Create Banana Sandwiches: Top the peanut buttered banana slices with the remaining banana slices to form little banana-peanut butter sandwiches. This step is where the fun begins, as you start to see your delightful bites take shape.
- Freezing Time: Freeze the banana sandwiches for 2 hours. This step is crucial as it ensures the bites maintain their shape and makes them easier to dip in chocolate later.
- Chocolate Coating: Melt the chocolate and coconut oil together in the microwave in 30-second bursts at low/medium heat, stirring in between. It’s important to watch carefully to avoid burning the chocolate. The goal is to achieve a glossy, smooth consistency.
- Dip and Freeze: Dip the frozen banana sandwiches in the melted chocolate, ensuring all sides are covered. Use two forks to make this process easier and less messy. Place the chocolate-coated bites on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and freeze until the chocolate is set.
Serving and Storage:
Once the chocolate is firm, your Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites are ready to be enjoyed. Store them in a container in the freezer to keep them fresh. If you have cold-sensitive teeth, allow the bites to thaw for a few minutes before indulging.
Nutrition:
Each bite is approximately 150 kcal, making it a guilt-free treat that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The recipe yields about 24 bites, perfect for sharing or enjoying over time.
Conclusion:
These Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a total time of 2 hours and 15 minutes, you can have a batch ready to enjoy with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a sweet snack or a fun cooking activity, this recipe is sure to please. Give it a try and discover your new favorite treat!
Frozen Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
Ingredients:
3 bananas, ripe but still firm
¼ cup peanut butter or your favorite nut butter (smooth natural peanut butter recommended)
10 oz (280g) dark chocolate, chopped or chocolate chips
2 teaspoons coconut oil (optional but recommended for smoother chocolate)
Instructions:
Slice bananas into ¼ inch (0.7 cm) thick pieces. Arrange half of these slices on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Warm peanut butter in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute until smooth and spreadable, stirring halfway through.
Spoon a heaped ¼ teaspoon of peanut butter onto the banana slices on the baking sheet. Cover with the remaining banana slices to form sandwiches. Freeze for 2 hours.
Melt chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts at low/medium heat, stirring between bursts until glossy. Be cautious to avoid burning.
Prepare another baking sheet with parchment paper. Dip the frozen banana sandwiches in melted chocolate, covering all sides using two forks. Place on the prepared sheet.
Work in small batches to keep sandwiches from thawing. If chocolate thickens, remelt as needed.
Freeze chocolate-coated bites until set. Then, store in a container in the freezer. For those with cold-sensitive teeth, thaw slightly before enjoying.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Freezing Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes | Kcal: Approx. 150 kcal per bite | Servings: Makes about 24 bites