Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites are the ultimate healthy treat for warm weather! Perfect for snacking, dessert, or even a party, these bites combine the sweetness of bananas with creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate. They are easy to make and can be stored in the freezer for quick access. Each bite is under 100 calories, making them a guilt-free option for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious bites in no time.
- Healthy Indulgence: Enjoy the flavors of chocolate and peanut butter without the guilt; each bite is low in calories.
- Versatile Snack: These bites are great as an afternoon snack, dessert after dinner, or a party treat.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love the fun combination of flavors and textures, making them an excellent addition to lunchboxes.
- Batch-Friendly: Make a large batch and store them in the freezer for easy access whenever cravings strike.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare your Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process 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 a breeze.
- Microwave-safe bowl: Ideal for melting chocolate quickly without burning it.
- Baking sheet or platter: Provides a sturdy surface to assemble and freeze your banana bites.
- Knife: Essential for slicing bananas evenly.
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!
- 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 Bananas
- Peel and slice bananas into rounds about 1/4 inch thick.
- Line a platter or small baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Assemble Bites
- Place about 1/2 teaspoon of peanut butter on a banana slice.
- Top with another banana slice to create a little sandwich.
- Repeat until all banana slices are used, yielding about 30 bites.
- Place bites on parchment-lined platters and freeze for about 1 hour.
Step 3: Melt 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, stir, then continue microwaving in additional 30 second increments until fully melted (no more than 2 minutes total).
Step 4: Coat Banana Bites
- Remove one platter of frozen banana bites from the freezer.
- Dip each bite into the melted chocolate so that half is coated (or fully coat if desired).
- Return coated bites to parchment-lined platter.
Step 5: Freeze Again
- Place back in the freezer to harden for about 15 minutes.
- Continue dipping remaining platter of banana bites.
Step 6: Enjoy!
- Once hardened, enjoy your treats immediately or transfer them into a freezer-safe storage container for later use.
- They will last at least 1-2 months in the freezer.
Step 7: Thaw Before Eating
When ready to eat after storing longer periods, let them thaw outside of the freezer for about 5 minutes before enjoying.
With these steps complete, you have delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites ready to delight your taste buds!
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with various accompaniments for an extra treat.
For a Quick Snack
- Enjoy as is: These bites are perfect for a quick snack anytime you crave something sweet and healthy.
- Pair with yogurt: Serve your banana bites alongside a small bowl of Greek yogurt for added protein and creaminess.
As a Dessert Platter
- Create a dessert board: Arrange the bites on a platter with fresh fruits, nuts, and dark chocolate drizzles for a fun dessert table.
- Add to ice cream: Place some chocolate peanut butter banana bites over vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an indulgent touch.
At Parties
- Serve at gatherings: These bites make excellent finger foods at parties. Just place them in bite-sized portions on trays.
- Gift them: Package several bites in small containers or bags with ribbons for a thoughtful homemade gift.
With Coffee or Tea
- Perfect with drinks: Pair these treats with your favorite coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
How to Perfect Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
To make the most out of your Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose ripe bananas: The flavor of your bites will be enhanced by using fully ripe bananas that are sweet and easy to mash.
- Use high-quality chocolate: Opt for good quality dark chocolate chips for richer flavor and smoother texture when melted.
- Adjust peanut butter amount: Feel free to modify the amount of peanut butter according to your taste; more peanut butter means more creamy goodness!
- Experiment with toppings: Consider adding toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkles after dipping in chocolate to add extra crunch and visual appeal.
- Store properly: Keep your banana bites in a freezer-safe container to maintain their texture and flavor over time.
- Let thaw slightly before enjoying: Allow the banana bites to sit out for about 5 minutes before eating, so they soften slightly for better texture.
Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
If you’re looking to complement your Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites, here are some great side dish options.
- Fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and pairs well with the sweetness of the bites.
- Nut mix: A handful of mixed nuts enhances the crunchy texture while providing healthy fats.
- Granola bars: Crunchy granola bars offer additional fiber, making them a hearty option alongside your bites.
- Cheese platter: Combine with assorted cheeses like brie or cheddar for a savory contrast to the sweet treats.
- Smoothies: A refreshing smoothie made with spinach, banana, or berries complements the flavors beautifully.
- Rice cakes: Top rice cakes with nut butter and slices of banana for an easy yet satisfying pairing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.
- Skipping the Freezer Time: Failing to freeze the banana bites before dipping can lead to messy chocolate coverage. Always freeze for at least an hour.
- Using Regular Peanut Butter: Non-natural peanut butter contains added sugars and oils, which can alter the taste. Opt for natural peanut butter for the best flavor.
- Overheating the Chocolate: Melting chocolate too quickly can cause it to seize up. Heat in short intervals and stir frequently to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Not Using Parchment Paper: Placing chocolate bites directly on a plate can make them stick. Always line your platter with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Neglecting Portion Control: It’s fun to snack, but be mindful of portion sizes. Enjoying two bites keeps it under 100 calories!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
- Place the bites in a freezer-safe container.
- They will keep well for 1-2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Microwave for about 10-15 seconds until slightly warm; avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place in a non-stick pan over low heat for a couple of minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites?
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites are frozen snacks made with banana slices filled with peanut butter, coated in chocolate. They’re delicious and healthy!
How many calories are in Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites?
Each bite has approximately 99 calories, making them a great guilt-free treat.
Can I customize my Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites?
Absolutely! You can add toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkle sea salt on top of the chocolate for extra flavor.
How do I make these bites vegan-friendly?
Use dairy-free chocolate chips instead of regular ones, and ensure your peanut butter is vegan-certified.
How long do these treats last in the freezer?
They can be stored in the freezer for about 1-2 months without losing quality.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites are not only a delightful treat but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with your favorite toppings or flavors, making them perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love having these healthy snacks ready in your freezer!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 30 bites 1x
Description
Indulge in a guilt-free treat with these Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites, the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Made with creamy peanut butter and rich dark chocolate, these delightful bites are not just delicious but also easy to prepare. Simply slice ripe bananas, sandwich them with peanut butter, dip in melted chocolate, and freeze for a refreshing snack that’s under 100 calories per bite. Perfect for warm weather cravings, these frozen banana snacks can be enjoyed as a quick afternoon pick-me-up or served at parties for a fun dessert option. Keep a batch on hand in the freezer for instant satisfaction whenever you need a healthy treat!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
Instructions
- Peel and slice bananas into 1/4 inch thick rounds.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place 1/2 teaspoon of peanut butter on one banana slice; top with another slice to create a sandwich.
- Repeat until all slices are used (approx. 30 bites). Freeze for 1 hour.
- Melt dark chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl (microwave in intervals).
- Dip each frozen banana bite halfway into melted chocolate and return to the parchment-lined sheet.
- Freeze again for 15 minutes before enjoying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites (30g)
- Calories: 99
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
