Chocolate Covered Banana Bites are a sweet and fun treat! They feature slices of banana dipped in rich chocolate, making for a tasty, easy snack.
These bites are perfect for satisfying a craving without the guilt! I love keeping them in the freezer for a cool dessert on hot days. They disappear fast, so hide some for later! 🍌🍫
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Choose ripe bananas for this recipe. They should be yellow with some spots, as they’ll give the best flavor. If you want to mix it up, try using strawberries or apple slices instead!
Chocolate Chips: I prefer semisweet chocolate chips, but dark chocolate is a great choice if you want a richer taste. If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan chocolate chips as a substitution.
Coconut Oil: This is optional, but it helps the chocolate melt smoothly. If you don’t have coconut oil, feel free to use butter instead or skip it entirely. Just make sure to stir the chocolate well as it melts.
Toppings: Chopped nuts add crunch and flavor, but crushed graham crackers or cookies work too! If nuts are a concern, try using seeds or leave them off completely.
How Do I Melt the Chocolate Smoothly?
Melted chocolate can be tricky, but here are some tips to get it just right:
- Use a microwave-safe bowl and make sure it’s dry. Water can cause chocolate to seize!
- Microwave in short bursts (30 seconds) and stir between each. This prevents overheating.
- If the chocolate is too thick, add a teaspoon of coconut oil or butter to thin it out.
- Once melted, dip the bananas quickly so the chocolate doesn’t harden before you coat them.
Following these steps will help you achieve a smooth, glossy finish on your Chocolate Covered Banana Bites!
Chocolate Covered Banana Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large ripe bananas
- 1 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter (optional, for smoother chocolate)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (e.g., peanuts, almonds, or walnuts) or crushed cookies for topping
- Wooden skewers or toothpicks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then at least 1 hour to freeze. So, set aside a total of about 1 hour and 15 minutes to enjoy these tasty bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bananas:
Start by peeling the bananas and slicing them into 1 to 1.5 inch thick pieces. This size works best for dipping and eating!
2. Add Skewers:
Insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into each slice of banana. This step makes it much easier to dip them in chocolate—no mess!
3. Set Up Your Workspace:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This will prevent the banana bites from sticking and make for easy cleanup later.
4. Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, mix the chocolate chips with coconut oil (if you’re using it). Heat the mixture in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between until it’s fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat it!
5. Dip the Bananas:
Take each banana slice and dip it into the melted chocolate, coating about two-thirds of it. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing it on the baking sheet.
6. Add Toppings:
While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle your choice of chopped nuts or crushed cookies on top for a delicious crunch!
7. Freeze:
Once all your banana bites are coated and topped, put the baking sheet in the freezer. Let them freeze for at least 1 hour so the chocolate can set and the bananas get nice and cold.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once frozen, serve your Chocolate Covered Banana Bites straight from the freezer for a refreshing treat. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for later enjoyment!
Enjoy your delicious and simple Chocolate Covered Banana Bites! 🥳🍌🍫
Can I Use Frozen Bananas?
Yes! You can use frozen banana slices, but they may release more moisture when thawed. For the best results, thaw them slightly before dipping in chocolate, but be quick to coat them as they can become mushy.
What Can I Substitute for Chocolate Chips?
If you don’t have chocolate chips, you can use chocolate bars broken into pieces or even chocolate melts, which are specifically designed for melting. Just make sure they’re suitable for melting! You can also try white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a different flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover banana bites in an airtight container in the freezer. They will keep well for up to 1 month. Just take out as many as you want and enjoy directly from the freezer!
Can I Add Other Toppings?
Absolutely! Besides nuts and crushed cookies, you could drizzle caramel or peanut butter over the chocolate, or sprinkle them with sea salt or shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture.