Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites are a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer party, enjoying a movie night at home, or simply in need of a quick snack, these frozen delights will not disappoint. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch that offers both taste and health in every bite. Best of all, each serving is under 100 calories, allowing you to indulge without the guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, these bites are easy to make.
- Healthy Snack: Each bite is packed with nutritious bananas and peanut butter, making them a wholesome choice.
- Versatile Flavor: The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is always a crowd-pleaser!
- Freezer-Friendly: Store them in the freezer for an on-demand snack that lasts for months.
- Low-Calorie Indulgence: Enjoy two bites for less than 100 calories—perfect for treating yourself!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: This provides a sturdy base for freezing your banana bites without mess.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up easy after preparation.
- Microwave-safe bowl: Ideal for melting chocolate quickly without burning.
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
For the Chocolate Coating
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
Step 1: Prepare the Bananas
- Peel the bananas and slice them into rounds about 1/4 inch thick.
Step 2: Create Banana Sandwiches
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place about 1/2 teaspoon of peanut butter on one banana slice.
- Top with another banana slice to create a little sandwich.
- Repeat until all slices are used, yielding about 30 bites.
- Place these sandwiches on parchment-lined platters or plates and freeze for about 1 hour.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
- After an hour, melt your dark chocolate chips by adding them along with 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 with Chocolate
- 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).
- Place back on parchment-lined platter.
Step 5: Freeze Again
- Return the coated bites to the freezer to harden for about 15 minutes.
- Repeat with your second platter until all bites are dipped.
Step 6: Store or Enjoy!
- Enjoy immediately or transfer bites into a freezer-safe storage container.
- They can last at least 1-2 months in the freezer.
- Allow bites to thaw for about 5 minutes before consuming if stored longer.
Now you’re ready to dive into these delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites!
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
These frozen chocolate peanut butter banana bites are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your snacking experience.
As a Quick Snack
- Ideal for busy days when you need a nutritious boost.
- Perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without the guilt.
At Parties
- A crowd-pleaser that adds a fun twist to dessert platters.
- Easy to grab and enjoy, making them great finger food.
With Dips
- Serve alongside Greek yogurt or whipped cream for added creaminess.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
In Smoothie Bowls
- Blend into smoothie bowls for a delicious topping.
- Add texture and flavor to your favorite smoothie recipes.
How to Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
Getting the best results from your chocolate peanut butter banana bites is easy with these helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for an even tastier treat.
- Use ripe bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and creamier your bites will be.
- Choose quality chocolate: Opt for dark chocolate chips with high cocoa content for richer flavor.
- Adjust peanut butter: Feel free to use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer extra texture in each bite.
- Experiment with toppings: Consider adding chopped nuts or sprinkles on top of the chocolate before it hardens.
- Make ahead: Prepare multiple batches and store them in the freezer for quick snacks anytime.
- Thaw before eating: Let the bites sit out for 5 minutes before enjoying so they soften slightly for easier chewing.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
Pairing side dishes with your chocolate peanut butter banana bites can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruits for a balanced dish.
- Fruit Salad: Combine seasonal fruits to complement the flavors of banana and chocolate.
- Nut Trail Mix: A mix of nuts adds crunch and protein alongside your sweet treats.
- Oatmeal Cookies: These provide a hearty texture that pairs well with frozen snacks.
- Rice Cakes with Nut Butter: Spread nut butter on rice cakes for a crunchy contrast.
- Veggie Sticks and Hummus: Fresh veggies offer a savory balance to sweet bites.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites can be easy and fun, but a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Using unripe bananas – Unripe bananas are firmer and less sweet. Choose ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture in your bites.
- Not freezing long enough – If you don’t freeze the banana bites long enough, they can be too soft when dipped in chocolate. Ensure they are frozen for at least one hour before coating.
- Overheating the chocolate – Overheating can cause chocolate to seize. Melt it slowly in increments, stirring often to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Skipping the coconut oil – Coconut oil helps the chocolate become glossy and smooth. Always include it for better results when melting chocolate.
- Using low-quality chocolate – Low-quality chocolate may not coat well and can taste bland. Choose high-quality dark chocolate chips for a rich flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 1 week for optimal freshness.
Freezing Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
- Place bites in a freezer-safe container.
- They will last 1-2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5 minutes until slightly warm.
- Microwave – Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds to soften slightly without melting.
- Stovetop – Place in a non-stick skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, just until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites?
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites are healthy frozen treats made by sandwiching peanut butter between banana slices and coating them with melted dark chocolate.
How many calories are in each Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bite?
Each bite contains approximately 99 calories, making them a guilt-free snack option.
Can I customize my Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites?
Yes! You can add toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkles before freezing for extra flavor and texture.
How should I store leftover bites?
Store any leftover bites in an airtight container in the freezer or refrigerator for maximum freshness.
Are these bites suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! They are perfect for meal prep as you can make a large batch and enjoy them as a quick snack throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites offer a delightful combination of flavors that everyone will love. They are versatile, allowing you to customize them with various toppings or even try different nut butters. Enjoy these healthy treats whenever you crave something sweet!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 30 bites 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites, a perfect frozen treat for any occasion. These bites feature creamy peanut butter sandwiched between ripe banana slices, all coated in rich dark chocolate. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and under 100 calories per serving, they make a guilt-free snack that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick energy boost during the day or a fun dessert for your next gathering, these bites are sure to please everyone!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
Instructions
- Slice the peeled bananas into rounds about 1/4 inch thick.
- On half of the banana slices, spread about 1/2 teaspoon of peanut butter and top with another banana slice to create sandwiches.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for one hour.
- Melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth.
- Dip each frozen banana sandwich into the chocolate, then return to the parchment-lined sheet.
- Freeze for an additional 15 minutes until solid.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites (30g)
- Calories: 99
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
