Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites are a delightful, healthy treat perfect for any occasion. With a luscious combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and banana, these bites offer a guilt-free indulgence that everyone can enjoy. Whether it’s a summer snack or a quick dessert, these frozen bites are not only easy to make but also provide a nutritious alternative to traditional sweets. Enjoy them straight from the freezer or share them at gatherings for a delightful surprise!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Alternative: These bites are under 100 calories each, making them a great choice for those mindful of their diet.
- Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Children will love the combination of flavors and the fun of eating frozen treats.
- Versatile Snack: Perfect as an on-the-go snack or as dessert after dinner.
- Make Ahead: Store them in the freezer for easy access whenever cravings hit.
Tools and Preparation
To create your delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet or platter
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Microwave-safe bowl: Ideal for melting chocolate without burning it, ensuring smooth and even melting.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy when transferring your bites to the freezer.
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 one banana slice.
- Top with another banana slice to create little banana peanut butter sandwiches.
- Repeat this process until all banana slices are used, yielding about 30 bites.
- Place all assembled bites on two parchment-lined platters or plates and freeze for about 1 hour.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
- In your microwave-safe bowl, combine dark chocolate chips and coconut oil.
- Microwave for 1 minute; stir well.
- Continue microwaving in additional 30-second increments until fully melted (this should take no more than 2 minutes).
Step 4: Dip the Bites
- Remove one platter of frozen banana bites from the freezer.
- Dip each frozen bite into the melted chocolate so that half is coated (or fully if desired).
- Return dipped bites back onto the parchment-lined platter.
Step 5: Final Freeze
- Place chocolate-covered bites back in the freezer to harden up.
- Grab your second platter and repeat until all bites have been dipped.
- Allow both platters to harden in the freezer for about 15 minutes.
Step 6: Enjoy or Store
- Once hardened, enjoy immediately or transfer to a freezer-safe storage container for later use.
- They can last at least 1-2 months in the freezer.
Step 7: Thaw Before Eating
When ready to eat stored banana bites, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before enjoying.
With these steps, you’ll have delightful Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites that everyone will love!
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
These delightful Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your snacking experience.
As a Healthy Dessert
- Pair with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added protein.
- Serve on a platter at parties as a fun, bite-sized treat.
Drizzle with Honey or Maple Syrup
- Add a touch of sweetness by drizzling honey or maple syrup over the bites before serving.
Top with Chopped Nuts
- Sprinkle chopped almonds or walnuts on top for extra crunch and flavor.
Use as Toppings for Oatmeal or Smoothie Bowls
- Chop the bites into smaller pieces and mix them into oatmeal or sprinkle over smoothie bowls for added texture.
Snack on Them with Fresh Fruit
- Enjoy alongside sliced strawberries or apple wedges for a refreshing contrast.
Create a Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Parfait
- Layer these bites with yogurt and granola in a glass for an attractive dessert parfait.
How to Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
To ensure your Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and creamier your bites will be.
- Choose quality chocolate: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate for better flavor and texture.
- Keep it cold: Make sure to freeze the banana bites thoroughly before dipping them in chocolate to prevent melting.
- Experiment with fillings: Try adding different nut butters like almond or cashew butter for variety.
- Make ahead: Prepare larger batches and store them in the freezer for quick snacks throughout the week.
- Customize toppings: Feel free to roll the chocolate-covered bites in shredded coconut or crushed nuts after dipping.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
When serving Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites, pair them with complementary side dishes that enhance their deliciousness. Here are some great options:
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: A creamy yogurt parfait layered with fruits and granola adds nutrition and balance.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness that contrasts wonderfully with the richness of the bites.
- Trail Mix: A crunchy trail mix can add texture, making it an exciting snack pairing.
- Nut Butter Dip: Serve with an additional nut butter dip for those who crave more peanut flavor.
- Rice Cakes: Light and crunchy rice cakes make a perfect base for spreading additional peanut butter if desired.
- Vegetable Sticks: Crisp carrot or celery sticks offer a healthy crunch alongside these sweet treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using Overripe Bananas: Overripe bananas can lead to a mushy texture. Choose ripe bananas that are firm for the best results.
- Skipping Freezing Time: Not freezing the banana bites before dipping in chocolate can cause them to fall apart. Ensure you freeze them for at least an hour.
- Not Melting Chocolate Properly: Overheating chocolate can ruin its texture. Melt it in short increments and stir in between to maintain a smooth consistency.
- Using Low-Quality Chocolate: Using poor-quality chocolate will affect the flavor. Opt for high-quality dark chocolate chips for a rich taste.
- Not Storing Correctly: Failing to store your bites properly can lead to freezer burn. Use airtight containers or freezer bags when storing them.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Keep them in the main compartment, not the door, for better temperature stability.
Freezing Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
- Place bites in a single layer on parchment paper before freezing.
- Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 5 minutes until slightly warm.
- Microwave: Heat on low power for 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to melt the chocolate.
- Stovetop: Place in a non-stick pan over low heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites that may help you.
Can I use other nut butters?
Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or cashew butter for different flavors.
How many calories are in Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites?
Each bite contains approximately 99 calories, making them a healthy snack option.
Can I add toppings to my banana bites?
Absolutely! You can sprinkle chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or sea salt on top of the chocolate before it hardens.
How long do these bites last in the freezer?
If stored properly, they will last about 1-2 months in the freezer without losing flavor.
Are these bites suitable for kids?
Yes! They make a great healthy snack that kids will love. Just keep an eye on any allergies related to nuts or chocolate.
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites are not just delicious; they are also versatile and customizable. You can experiment with different nut butters or toppings based on your preference. They make an excellent snack or dessert that everyone will enjoy—don’t hesitate to try this easy recipe!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 30 servings 1x
Description
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites are a deliciously healthy treat that everyone will love. These frozen delights combine the rich flavors of creamy peanut butter, sweet ripe bananas, and decadent dark chocolate into bite-sized snacks perfect for any occasion. With each bite containing under 100 calories, they make a guilt-free dessert or snack option that satisfies your sweet cravings without the extra calories. Easy to prepare and customizable with various toppings, these bites are great for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re enjoying them straight from the freezer or serving them at a gathering, these delightful snacks are sure to impress!
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 rounds about 1/4 inch thick.
- Line a platter with parchment paper.
- Spread about 1/2 teaspoon of peanut butter on one banana slice and top with another slice to create a sandwich. Repeat until all slices are used (about 30 bites).
- Freeze assembled bites on the platter for about 1 hour.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in short increments, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Dip each frozen banana bite halfway into the melted chocolate and return to the parchment-lined platter.
- Freeze again for about 15 minutes until the chocolate hardens.
- Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the freezer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite (30g)
- Calories: 99
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
