Tasty chilled banana bites

This cool frozen banana snack pops up just right on sunny days or when you want a light, healthy sweet treat the whole family actually likes.

Every summer, I whip up these frozen bites—my kids ask for them nonstop. What started out as a simple kitchen idea turned into our go-to dessert when it’s hot outside.

Tasty Ingredients

• Baking paper: stops the pieces from sticking together
• 2 tablespoons shredded coconut: brings in a sunny, tropical flavor
• 4 tablespoons crunchy peanut butter: gives every bite a fun, crispy chew
• ¾ teaspoon coconut oil: helps the melted chocolate pour out smooth and keeps it shiny
• 3 squares dark chocolate: less sweet and loaded with healthy stuff
• 3 ripe but still firm bananas: hold their shape and freeze up just right

Step-by-Step Directions

Serving:

Take them out of the freezer and let them rest for a few minutes before eating so they aren’t too hard.

Storing:

Once frozen solid, toss the pieces into storage containers and keep them in the freezer for next time.

Freezing:

Lay out each banana piece on the tray and pop the whole thing in the freezer for an hour or two until everything’s firm.

Coconut sprinkle:

Dust each slice with about half a teaspoon of shredded coconut to finish them off with great texture and taste.

Chocolate drizzle:

Pour your melted chocolate mixture carefully over the peanut butter-covered banana chunks so every one is coated well.

Peanut butter layer:

Smooth a little peanut butter onto every banana slice—about a teaspoon each so it sticks nicely.

Melting chocolate:

Put the chocolate squares and coconut oil in a small bowl. Microwave for a few seconds and stir it up until everything’s melted and smooth.

Cutting the bananas:

Peel the bananas, slice each in half, then split each piece again lengthwise so you’ve got four pieces per banana—twelve total.

Tray setup:

Grab a little tray or plate, line it with baking paper—this way, getting the frozen bananas off later is super easy.

The real magic here comes from good dark chocolate. I always pick one with at least 70% cocoa—it just balances with the bananas’ sweetness so perfectly. Once my daughter said they beat out any store-bought popsicles, which is still my favorite kitchen compliment!

Keep & Prep Ahead

These frozen banana treats stay totally fresh for up to four weeks if you pop them in an airtight box in the freezer. To keep them from sticking, just layer some baking paper between them or freeze separately first, then stash them all together. I like to let them sit out two or three minutes before eating for the perfect bite.

Swaps & Ideas

You can mix things up a lot here. Try almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter. Swap dark chocolate for milk or white chocolate if you like it sweeter, or pick vegan chocolate for a dairy-free snack. Want to go wild? Sprinkle on chopped hazelnuts, pistachios, or even chia seeds for your own twist.

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Best Times to Serve

These frozen bananas are awesome as a lighter dessert after summer meals, quick after-school snacks, or even a speedy breakfast. I love putting them out at birthday parties as a healthier swap for candy. Pack some for picnics or bring along to the beach in a cooler—they travel well!

Fun Backstory

This treat takes inspiration from the famous “frozen chocolate bananas” you’ll find at old-school American seaside spots—like Balboa Island in California, since the 1940s. But if you add peanut butter and coconut at home, what you get is a healthier, every-day upgrade to the fairground classic.

Pro Tricks

• Pick bananas that are mostly yellow with a couple brown spots—they’ll be the right mix of sweet and sturdy when frozen
• Zap the peanut butter in the microwave for a few seconds first so it speads way easier over the bananas
• Feeling festive? Add some sprinkles or fun edible decorations to the chocolate before freezing!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you melt chocolate easily?

Microwave the chocolate in short 20-second bursts, stirring each time, or melt it over a double boiler for better control.

→ Can I swap out the peanut butter?

Absolutely! Use almond butter, hazelnut spread, or any other favorite spread instead.

→ How long can these snacks stay frozen?

Keep them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 weeks.

→ Can I add different toppings?

Of course! Try chopped nuts, caramel bits, or chia seeds for extra flavor.

→ Should I let them thaw before eating?

Yep, leave them out for 2-3 minutes at room temperature to enjoy them at their best.