Amazing banana chocolate snacks

This frozen banana treat's just what you need to cool off on a hot day or when you want something sweet and guilt-free that everyone at home will enjoy.

Every summer since my kids were little, I’ve whipped these up. What started as a silly kitchen experiment turned into the #1 thing my family asks for as soon as it gets warm.

Tasty Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas: they should be still a bit firm so they hold their shape after freezing
• 3 chunks of dark chocolate: packed with antioxidants and not as sugary as milk chocolate
• 2 tablespoons shredded coconut: brings that perfect, subtle tropical flavor
• 4 tablespoons crunchy peanut butter: extra texture makes every bite more interesting
• ¾ teaspoon coconut oil: makes your melted chocolate smooth and pretty shiny
• Some parchment paper: helps keep the bananas from sticking

Easy Step-by-Step Directions

Pop in the Freezer:

Once you’ve covered all your banana pieces, put them all on your tray and set it in the freezer for 1-2 hours, just till they’re totally frozen solid.

Ready Your Tray:

Grab a plate or a tray and cover it with that parchment paper to make lifting the frozen bananas off later super simple.

Cut Your Bananas:

Peel off the skins, slice each banana in half, then split those halves lengthwise so you end up with 4 pieces per banana—twelve all together.

Spread On Peanut Butter:

Take some peanut butter and spread about a teaspoon on every slice so it covers the whole top and sticks nicely to each piece.

Melt That Chocolate:

Break the chocolate squares and add the coconut oil to a little bowl, microwave briefly, then stir till everything is glossy and smooth.

Pour Over Chocolate:

Drizzle that melted chocolate over your peanut-buttered bananas, making sure they get a nice even coat.

Add Coconut On Top:

Top off each banana with about half a teaspoon of shredded coconut so you get a good crunch and pop of flavor.

Store For Later:

Once they've hardened up, toss all the frozen pieces into food storage containers and keep them in your freezer to enjoy whenever you want.

Serve:

Let your frozen bananas sit out for just a couple of minutes before eating so the texture is just right.

The real secret here? Always use the best dark chocolate you can. I only go for bars that are at least 70 percent cocoa. They make the bananas’ natural sweetness even better. One time, my daughter said these were 'way tastier than store-bought ice cream.' That’s still my favorite kitchen win.

How to Store and Prep Ahead

Frozen banana bites stay fresh for up to four weeks if you pop them in a tightly sealed container in your freezer. If you’re worried about them sticking, separate them with parchment or freeze them apart before piling together. For the best bite, let them hang out at room temp for 2 or 3 minutes—then dig in.

Switch Things Up

This snack is super flexible. Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter if you want a new twist. Try swapping in milk or white chocolate if you prefer. If you need it dairy-free, vegan chocolate works great. You can also use whatever crunchy toppings you like—hazelnut bits, chopped pistachios, or even chia seeds are all fair game.

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Fun Times to Enjoy

Frozen banana treats totally work as a light dessert after your summer dinners, a handy healthy kids’ snack, or breakfast if you’re rushing. I love serving them at kids’ birthday parties for a feel-good alternative to all that candy. Try packing them for the beach or a picnic in a cooler—they’ll disappear fast.

Fun Backstory

This snack comes from the 'frozen chocolate bananas' that have been a thing at American beach towns for decades—like Balboa Island in California, selling them since the ‘40s. The version I make at home bumps it up a notch by adding peanut butter and coconut, so you get something way healthier for any time, not just at fairs.

Pro Hints

• Barely-ripe bananas with a couple spots work best—they’re sweet but still hold together after freezing
• Warm your peanut butter just a bit to make it spread super easy
• If you want to get festive, toss on some edible glitter or rainbow sprinkles while the chocolate’s still gooey, before freezing

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I melt chocolate easily?

Melt your chocolate in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, or go for a double boiler for a smoother result.

→ Can I swap the peanut butter?

Of course! Use almond, hazelnut, or any other spread you like best.

→ How long do these stay fresh in the freezer?

You can store these bites for up to 3 weeks in an airtight container in the freezer.

→ Can I try other toppings?

Absolutely! Add crushed nuts, caramel bits, or chia seeds for extra flavor and texture.

→ Should they be thawed before eating?

Yep, let them sit for 2–3 minutes at room temperature so they're easier to eat and enjoy.