Chocolate Covered Banana Pops

$To make these tasty treats, you need a few key items: - 2 ripe bananas - 1 cup dark chocolate chips - 1 tablespoon coconut oil - 1/4 cup crushed nuts (almonds, walnuts, or peanuts) - 1/4 cup shredded coconut - Wooden popsicle sticks These ingredients come together to create a delightful snack. The ripe bananas are sweet, and the dark chocolate adds a rich flavor. Coconut oil helps the chocolate melt smoothly, while the nuts and coconut add crunch. If you want to switch things up, consider these options: - Use milk chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter taste. - Try using white chocolate for a creamy twist. - Substitute any nut for your favorite or use seeds if there are allergy concerns. These alternatives keep the spirit of the recipe while catering to your taste or needs. To make your banana pops even more fun, you can add various toppings: - Crushed nuts for texture and flavor. - Shredded coconut for a tropical vibe. - Colorful sprinkles for a festive look. - Drizzle with caramel or peanut butter for an extra treat. Feel free to mix and match these toppings. This lets you create a banana pop that suits your mood or occasion! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by peeling the bananas. Cut each banana in half. This gives you four pieces. Next, take a wooden popsicle stick. Insert one stick into the end of each banana half. This stick will act as a handle. Once you finish this step, place the banana pops on a baking sheet. Make sure to use parchment paper to avoid sticking. Then, put the baking sheet in the freezer. Let the bananas freeze for about one hour. This step makes them firm and easy to coat. While the bananas are freezing, it's time to melt the chocolate. Take one cup of dark chocolate chips and put them in a microwave-safe bowl. Add one tablespoon of coconut oil to the bowl. The coconut oil helps the chocolate melt smoothly. Heat the bowl in the microwave. Set it for 30 seconds. After 30 seconds, take it out and stir. Repeat this process until the chocolate is smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat it. You want it just melted. Now, take the banana pops out of the freezer. Dip each banana pop into the melted chocolate. Make sure to cover the banana completely. This gives you a nice, thick coat of chocolate. After dipping, quickly roll or sprinkle your choice of toppings. You can use crushed nuts or shredded coconut. This adds flavor and crunch. Once coated, place the banana pops back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Finally, return them to the freezer. Let them set for at least 30 minutes. This helps the chocolate become firm and ready to eat. To get the best chocolate coating, melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil. The oil helps the chocolate glide smoothly. Heat in 30-second bursts. Stir well after each burst. This method keeps the chocolate from burning. Make sure to cover the banana pops fully. You want a thick, shiny layer of chocolate. A few mistakes can ruin your banana pops. First, don’t use cold chocolate. If it's too cold, it won't stick well. Next, dip the banana pops quickly. If they sit too long, the coating can drip. Also, make sure your bananas are ripe. Overripe bananas can be mushy and hard to coat. Freezing is key for great banana pops. Freeze the bananas for at least one hour. This makes them firm. When you dip them in chocolate, they don’t fall apart. After coating, freeze them again for 30 minutes. This helps the chocolate harden. Store them in a single layer to avoid sticking. Pro Tips Choose the Right Bananas: Make sure your bananas are perfectly ripe for the best flavor and texture. Overripe bananas can become mushy when frozen. Experiment with Chocolate: You can use milk chocolate or white chocolate if dark chocolate isn't your preference. Just be mindful of melting times as they may vary. Get Creative with Toppings: Try different toppings like sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or dried fruits to add variety and flair to your banana pops. Storage Tips: Store leftover banana pops in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month for a quick and healthy snack! {{image_2}} You can use different types of chocolate for your banana pops. Dark chocolate gives a rich taste. Milk chocolate is sweet and creamy, perfect for kids. White chocolate adds a fun twist with its sweet flavor. Each type changes the treat's taste, so try them all! Toppings can make your banana pops even better. You can add colorful sprinkles for a fun look. Dried fruit like raisins or cranberries adds a chewy, sweet bite. Crushed cookies or pretzels offer a salty crunch. Mix and match to find your favorite combo! Flavoring your chocolate can take your pops to the next level. A peanut butter drizzle adds a nutty taste that pairs well with banana. For a refreshing twist, try adding mint extract to the chocolate. Just a little goes a long way! To keep your chocolate covered banana pops fresh, store them in a freezer-safe container. Use layers of parchment paper to separate each pop. This way, they won't stick together. Make sure the container is airtight. This keeps out moisture and prevents freezer burn. If you have any leftover banana pops, wrap each one in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a container. This ensures they stay fresh. Store them in the freezer for up to two weeks. If you want to enjoy them longer, consider vacuum sealing. You don't need to reheat banana pops. They taste best when cold and frozen. Just take them out of the freezer and let them sit for a minute. This makes them easier to eat. Enjoy your treat straight from the freezer for the best flavor! No, I don’t recommend using frozen bananas. They can be mushy. Fresh bananas hold their shape well. They also have a better taste and texture when frozen after coating. Chocolate-covered banana pops can last up to two months in the freezer. Make sure to wrap them well. This keeps them from getting freezer burn. Use a sealed container or plastic wrap for best results. You can use white chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips. If you want a healthier option, try dark chocolate or cacao nibs. Nut butters also work well for a creamy texture. You can easily make tasty chocolate-covered banana pops at home. We covered key ingredients, from essential items to fun toppings. I shared step-by-step instructions for making, coating, and freezing these treats. Tips help you avoid mistakes and achieve a smooth chocolate layer. You can also explore different chocolate types and toppings for variety. Store them well, and you’ll enjoy these pops longer. Remember, simple swaps can make a big difference. Enjoy creating these delicious treats!$

Chocolate Covered Banana Pops

Delicious frozen banana pops coated in rich dark chocolate and topped with nuts and coconut.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 1 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 whole ripe bananas
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 cup crushed nuts (almonds, walnuts, or peanuts)
1 cup shredded coconut
as needed pieces wooden popsicle sticks

Instructions

Peel the bananas and cut them in half. Insert a wooden popsicle stick into the end of each banana half to create a handle.
Place the banana pops on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour, or until firm.
While the bananas are freezing, melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl by heating in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
Once melted, remove the banana pops from the freezer. Dip each banana pop into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully covered.
Immediately roll or sprinkle your choice of toppings (crushed nuts or shredded coconut) over the chocolate-covered bananas.
Place the coated banana pops back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Return the coated banana pops to the freezer and let them set for at least 30 minutes, until the chocolate is firm.
Serve cold and enjoy your delicious chocolate-covered banana pops!

Notes

Feel free to customize toppings based on your preference.

Keyword banana, chocolate, dessert, frozen treats