These Chocolate Covered Banana Bites are a fun and tasty treat! Simply slice bananas and dip them in melted chocolate, then let them cool for a sweet, chewy snack.
They’re perfect for a quick dessert or a snack anytime! I love popping them in the freezer—frozen banana bites are like little pieces of heaven on a hot day! 🍌🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Choose ripe, but not overripe bananas for the best texture. If you have plantains, these work too! They’ll taste a bit different but still delicious.
Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are my favorite for this recipe, but you can use dark chocolate for a richer taste or milk chocolate if you prefer it sweeter. White chocolate is also great if you’re looking for something different!
Coconut oil: This is optional, but adding coconut oil helps the chocolate melt smoothly. If you don’t have it, butter works too. You can even omit it if you’re in a hurry, though the chocolate might be a bit thicker.
Chopped nuts: Adding chopped nuts gives a nice crunch! If you or someone you’re serving has nut allergies, feel free to skip them or use seeds like sunflower seeds instead.
How Do You Melt Chocolate Smoothly Without Burning It?
Melted chocolate should be smooth and glossy, not burnt or clumpy. To avoid burning, use the microwave in short bursts. Here’s how:
- Use a microwave-safe bowl and add your chocolate chips and coconut oil or butter, if using.
- Microwave for 30 seconds. Remove and stir well.
- Return to the microwave and heat for another 30 seconds. Stir again. Repeat until melted.
- Stop microwaving when it’s mostly melted—stirring will melt any hard pieces left.
Remember, melted chocolate continues to hold heat even after removing it from the microwave, so be careful not to overheat!
Chocolate Covered Banana Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large ripe bananas
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter (optional, for smoother melting)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as peanuts, almonds, or walnuts), optional for topping
- Wooden skewers or toothpicks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and set aside another 30 minutes for the chocolate to harden in the fridge. So, in a total of around 45 minutes, you’ll have a delicious treat ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Slice the Bananas:
Start by peeling the bananas and slicing them into 1 to 1.5-inch thick pieces. Aim for uniform slices, so they all freeze and dip evenly. A thicker slice gives you a nice bite!
2. Prepare for Dipping:
Insert a toothpick or small wooden skewer into each banana slice. This makes it super easy to dip them into the melted chocolate and enjoy without getting your fingers messy!
3. Set Up Your Workstation:
Line a baking sheet or a plate with parchment paper. This will help keep the chocolate-covered bananas from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
4. Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil or butter if you’re using it. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
5. Dip the Banana Bites:
Take each banana bite by the skewer and dip it into the melted chocolate. You can coat them about halfway or entirely, depending on your preference! Allow any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl.
6. Place Them on the Sheet:
Put your chocolate-covered banana bites onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Be careful not to let them touch each other, or they might stick!
7. Add Toppings:
If you’re using nuts, sprinkle them on top of the chocolate while it’s still wet. This will help them stick nicely!
8. Chill to Set:
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until the chocolate has fully set and hardened. This step makes them perfectly bite-sized and easy to handle!
9. Enjoy Your Treat:
Once the chocolate is set, you can serve them straight away or keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy. For a refreshing twist, try freezing them for a cool snack on a warm day!
Enjoy these delicious and easy Chocolate Covered Banana Bites as a delightful snack or dessert!
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work great in this recipe! Just remember to thaw them slightly before dipping in chocolate. A quick dip in warm water can help soften them if they’re too firm.
How Do I Store These Banana Bites?
Store your chocolate-covered banana bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to two months. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking!
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate?
Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate. If you want to get creative, try flavored chocolates for a unique twist!
How Can I Make These Allergy-Friendly?
If you’re looking to make these allergy-friendly, you can substitute chocolate with dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan option. For nut allergies, simply skip the nuts or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead!