Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites are a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy. Perfect for hot weather, these frozen snacks are not only delicious but also healthy, making them suitable for kids and adults alike. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply craving something sweet, these bites stand out for their creamy peanut butter filling and rich chocolate coating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier option: These bites are low in calories, with two bites being less than 100 calories.
- Quick preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute treats.
- Versatile snack: Enjoy them as a dessert, a party snack, or a post-workout boost.
- Kid-friendly: Kids love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, making it an easy way to include fruit in their diet.
- Freezer-friendly: You can store these bites for 1-2 months, ensuring you always have a quick snack on hand.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this tasty recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Platter or small baking sheet
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking to surfaces and makes cleanup easy.
- Microwave-safe bowl: Ensures even melting of chocolate without any risk of overheating.
- Platter or small baking sheet: Provides space to assemble and freeze the banana bites efficiently.
Ingredients
These frozen chocolate covered peanut butter banana bites are the perfect healthy warm weather treat. Keep a batch in the freezer for easy snacking and enjoy two bites for less than 100 calories!
For the Bites
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Bananas
- Peel and slice bananas into rounds about 1/4 inch thick.
- Line a platter or small baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Assemble the Bites
- Place about 1/2 teaspoon of peanut butter on a banana slice.
- Top with another banana slice to create little banana peanut butter sandwiches.
- Continue assembling until all banana slices are used to make about 30 bites.
- Place assembled bites on parchment lined platters or plates and freeze for about 1 hour.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
- Once banana bites have been in the freezer for over an hour, add chocolate chips and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave for 1 minute, then stir.
- Continue microwaving in additional 30-second increments until completely melted (this should take no more than 2 minutes).
Step 4: Coat the Bites
- Remove one platter of frozen banana bites from the freezer.
- Dip each bite into the melted chocolate so that half is coated (or fully if desired).
- Place chocolate-covered bites back on parchment-lined platter.
Step 5: Final Freeze
- Return coated bites to freezer to harden up.
- Grab your second platter and continue dipping until all bites are coated.
- Let both platters set in the freezer for about 15 minutes.
Step 6: Store or Enjoy
- You can eat them right away or transfer them into a freezer-safe storage container for later use.
- Chocolate peanut butter banana bites should last at least 1-2 months in the freezer.
Step 7: Thaw Before Eating
When stored longer, let the bites thaw for about 5 minutes before enjoying them as they may become hard straight from the freezer.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
These delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a healthy dessert option or a fun snack for gatherings, these bites are sure to impress.
As a Refreshing Dessert
- Serve the banana bites chilled right out of the freezer for a refreshing treat on hot days.
- Pair with fresh berries for a burst of flavor and additional nutrients.
For Game Day Treats
- Offer these bites as a healthy alternative to traditional snacks during game day.
- Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking while cheering on your team.
At Birthday Parties
- Use these bites as a guilt-free dessert option at birthday parties.
- Add colorful sprinkles on top of the chocolate coating for a festive touch.
In Lunchboxes
- Pack these bites in kids’ lunchboxes for a sweet and nutritious surprise.
- Combine them with other fruits and nuts for a balanced lunch.
With Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these banana bites alongside your favorite coffee or tea.
- They make for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up without the sugar crash.
How to Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
To ensure your Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites turn out perfectly, consider these helpful tips.
- Use ripe bananas: Choose bananas that are just ripe for optimal sweetness and creaminess.
- Opt for natural peanut butter: This will enhance the flavor while keeping it healthier with no added sugars or oils.
- Melt chocolate carefully: Be patient when melting chocolate; stirring frequently helps prevent burning.
- Experiment with toppings: Add crushed nuts or sea salt on top of the chocolate before it hardens for extra texture and flavor.
- Freeze properly: Make sure each bite is well-separated on the platter before freezing to avoid sticking together.
- Thaw before serving: Letting the bites sit out for about 5 minutes before eating makes them easier to bite into.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
Pairing side dishes with your Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites can elevate your snack experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Greek Yogurt: A protein-packed dip that complements the sweetness of banana bites beautifully.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and color, making it visually appealing.
- Trail Mix: Combine nuts, seeds, and dried fruits for an energizing side that balances flavors.
- Cheese Plate: Pair with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese to contrast the sweetness of the bites.
- Vegetable Sticks: Crunchy veggies like carrots and celery can provide a nice textural contrast.
- Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: Keep the chocolate theme going with this classic treat that’s both indulgent and healthy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Consistency: Not using ripe bananas can lead to a less sweet and flavorful bite. Always choose bananas that are spotty and soft.
- Chocolate Timing: Melting chocolate too quickly can result in a burnt mess. Use short bursts in the microwave and stir between increments.
- Peanut Butter Application: Overfilling the banana bites with peanut butter can cause the chocolate to slide off. Stick to about 1/2 teaspoon for each layer.
- Freezing Duration: Skipping the freezing step can lead to mushy bites. Ensure they are frozen solid before dipping in chocolate.
- Storage Missteps: Storing without proper containers can result in freezer burn. Use airtight containers for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
- Use a freezer-safe storage container or zip-top bag.
- These bites can be frozen for 1-2 months.
Reheating Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5 minutes, ensuring they don’t melt too much.
- Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds until just slightly softened.
- Stovetop: Place on low heat in a skillet, turning occasionally for even warming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites.
How do I make Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites healthier?
You can use dark chocolate with higher cacao content and natural nut butters without added sugars.
Can I customize the filling of my Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites?
Absolutely! You can add ingredients like honey, cinnamon, or even crushed nuts for extra flavor and texture.
How long do Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites last?
If stored properly, these bites can last for up to two months in the freezer or about five days in the fridge.
Are these Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites suitable for kids?
Yes! They make a great healthy snack for kids and are easy enough for them to help make.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them according to your taste preferences by adding spices or other fillings. These bites make a fantastic snack or dessert option that everyone will enjoy, so give them a try!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 30 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of flavors with Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites. These frozen treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while remaining healthy. Made with just a handful of ingredients, they are quick to prepare and make an ideal snack for both kids and adults alike. The creamy peanut butter filling paired with rich dark chocolate will have everyone coming back for more. Perfect for warm days or as a guilt-free dessert, these bites are freezer-friendly and can be enjoyed anytime you crave something sweet.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
Instructions
- Peel and slice the bananas into 1/4-inch rounds. Line a platter with parchment paper.
- Spread about 1/2 teaspoon of peanut butter on half of the banana slices and top with another slice to create sandwiches.
- Freeze the assembled bites for about 1 hour.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in short increments until smooth.
- Dip each frozen banana bite halfway into the melted chocolate and place them back on the parchment-lined platter.
- Freeze again for about 15 minutes until set.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites (30g)
- Calories: 96
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
