Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites are a delightful treat that everyone will love. They are a perfect blend of creamy peanut butter, sweet bananas, and rich chocolate, making them an ideal snack for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a healthy dessert to impress guests or a quick bite for yourself, these frozen treats offer a guilt-free indulgence. Plus, with only two bites totaling less than 100 calories, they fit seamlessly into any diet plan!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe can be whipped up in no time.
• Healthy Treat – These bites are made with natural ingredients and provide a nutritious snack option.
• Versatile – Perfect for parties, gatherings, or as an everyday snack.
• Low-Calorie – Enjoy two bites for under 100 calories without compromising on flavor.
• Kid-Friendly – A fun and tasty way to get kids involved in the kitchen.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures that your preparation is smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Parchment paper
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Baking sheet or platter
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Microwave-safe bowl – Allows for safe melting of chocolate without burning it.
• Baking sheet or platter – Provides space to freeze your banana bites evenly.
• Knife – Necessary for slicing bananas into perfect rounds.

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.

Step 2: Create Banana Sandwiches

Line a platter or small baking sheet with parchment paper. Place about 1/2 teaspoon of peanut butter on a banana slice and top with another banana slice to make a little banana peanut butter sandwich. Keep doing this until all banana slices are used and you have about 30 bites. Place bites on two parchment lined platters or plates and place in the freezer to harden for about 1 hour.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

Once banana bites have been in the freezer for over an hour, melt your chocolate by adding chocolate chips and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, then continue microwaving in additional 30-second increments until completely melted. This process should not take more than 2 minutes total.

Step 4: Dip the Banana Bites

Remove one platter of your frozen banana bites from the freezer. Dip each frozen banana bite into the melted chocolate so that half of each bite is coated. You can coat the full bite with chocolate if you prefer but will need more chocolate chips.

Step 5: Freeze Again

Place chocolate-covered bites back on the parchment-lined platter. Return them to the freezer to harden up while you grab your second platter and continue dipping until all bites have been coated. Let both platters of chocolate-covered bites harden in the freezer for about 15 minutes.

Step 6: Enjoy!

At this point, you’re ready to enjoy your delicious treats! Alternatively, you can transfer them into a freezer-safe storage container for later use. They should last at least 1-2 months in the freezer.

Step 7: Thaw Before Eating

When stored longer, these banana bites may become quite hard. Take them out of the freezer and let them thaw for about 5 minutes before enjoying!

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites

These delicious frozen treats are perfect for warm weather snacking. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your enjoyment of Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites.

As a Snack

• On-the-go: Pack a few bites in a small container for a quick, healthy snack during busy days.
• Post-workout: Enjoy these bites after exercising for a delightful combination of protein and carbs.

As a Dessert

• With Ice Cream: Serve alongside your favorite ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
• Drizzled with Honey: Add a drizzle of honey on top for extra sweetness and flavor contrast.

At Parties

• Dessert Platter: Arrange the bites on a platter with other treats for a colorful display at gatherings.
• Chocolate Fountain: Dip the bites in a chocolate fountain for an interactive dessert option that guests will love.

For Kids

• After School Snack: Offer these bites as a nutritious treat when kids return home from school.
• Fun Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes with banana slices before assembling the bites.

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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 they will be, enhancing the flavor of your bites.
• Choose quality chocolate: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate chips for a richer taste and better melting consistency.
• Freeze longer if needed: If your bites aren’t hard enough after one hour, give them more time in the freezer to ensure they hold their shape when dipped.
• Experiment with nut butter: Try different nut butters like almond or cashew for unique flavor combinations that pair well with bananas.
• Add toppings: Consider sprinkling crushed nuts or sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets for added texture and flavor.
• Store properly: Use an airtight container when storing in the freezer to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites

Pairing side dishes with Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites can elevate your snacking experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with fresh fruits and granola for a creamy, nutritious side that complements the sweetness of the bites.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing bowl of varied fruits adds color and nutrition, balancing out the richness of the banana bites.
3. Nut Mix: A handful of mixed nuts provides crunch and healthy fats, making it an excellent accompaniment to these sweet treats.
4. Rice Cakes: Lightly salted rice cakes offer a contrasting texture and flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of peanut butter banana combinations.
5. Oatmeal Cookies: Soft oatmeal cookies can serve as an additional dessert option, harmonizing flavors in your sweet treat platter.
6. Smoothie Bowl: Blend up your favorite fruits into a smoothie bowl topped with seeds and coconut flakes; it’s refreshing alongside chocolate-covered snacks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites can be simple, but mistakes can happen. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for.

• Using underripe bananas: Always choose ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture in your bites. Underripe bananas may not mash well and can taste starchy.
• Not freezing long enough: If you don’t freeze the banana bites long enough, they can turn mushy when dipped in chocolate. Aim for at least an hour in the freezer.
• Skipping the coconut oil: Coconut oil helps chocolate adhere better to the banana bites. Without it, your coating may crack or not stick properly.
• Overheating the chocolate: Be careful when melting chocolate; too much heat can cause it to seize up. Use short intervals in the microwave and stir frequently.
• Not storing properly: If you leave your banana bites out at room temperature, they will become too soft. Store them in the freezer to maintain their shape and texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• They can last for about 1-2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites

• Keep them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• These treats will last up to 2 months if frozen correctly.

Reheating Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for a few minutes until just softened.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for about 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid melting completely.
• Stovetop: Place them in a nonstick pan on low heat, turning gently until softened.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites.

Can I use other nut butters?

Yes! Almond butter or cashew butter work well as substitutes if you prefer a different flavor.

How do I customize my Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites?

Feel free to add toppings like crushed nuts, sprinkles, or shredded coconut before freezing for added texture and flavor.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate will give a sweeter taste if that’s what you enjoy.

How many calories are in each bite?

Each bite contains approximately 99 calories, making them a guilt-free snack option.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various nut butters and toppings to suit your taste. They are perfect for satisfying sweet cravings while being a healthy alternative. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!