Why You’ll Love This Frozen Banana Peanut Butter Bites
- They’re the ultimate make-ahead hero. Once these bites are frozen solid, they’ll keep their perfect texture for weeks. This means you’re never more than a few minutes away from a satisfying, homemade treat, which is a genuine game-changer for busy weeks.
- The texture is pure magic. You get the firm, almost ice-cream-like bite of the frozen banana, which then gives way to the soft, melty peanut butter center and the crisp snap of the dark chocolate shell. It’s a symphony of contrasts in every single bite.
- They are endlessly customizable. Not a fan of peanut butter? Use almond butter. Want some crunch? Add a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or granola to the chocolate coating. Feeling fancy? A dash of cinnamon or a pinch of espresso powder in the peanut butter takes these to a whole new level.
- They feel decadent but are surprisingly wholesome. With just a handful of real-food ingredients, these bites are a treat you can feel genuinely good about eating. They’re naturally sweetened by the bananas, and the dark chocolate adds a lovely antioxidant boost without being overly sugary.
Ingredients & Tools
- 3 large, ripe but firm bananas
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or your favorite nut/seed butter)
- 200 g high-quality dark chocolate, chopped (or dark chocolate chips)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt (like Maldon), for sprinkling
Tools: A baking sheet, parchment paper, a small microwave-safe bowl (or a double boiler), a fork or dipping tool, and toothpicks.
The quality of your ingredients really shines here, so it’s worth using a dark chocolate you love to eat on its own. The coconut oil is the secret to getting that perfectly thin, snappy chocolate shell—it helps the chocolate melt smoothly and set with a beautiful gloss.
Serves: 4-6 (makes about 12-15 bites) | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Freeze Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (mostly hands-off)
Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes
- Banana Ripeness is Key. You want bananas that are yellow with a few brown speckles—they’ll be at their peak sweetness. However, avoid bananas that are mushy or completely brown, as they’ll be too soft to slice neatly and handle.
- The Peanut Butter Situation. For the easiest, smoothest spreading, use a standard creamy peanut butter. Natural peanut butter that separates can sometimes be a bit trickier to work with, but if that’s what you have, just give it a really good stir so the oil is fully incorporated.
- Why the Coconut Oil? This isn’t just a random addition! The coconut oil thins the melted chocolate, making it easier to dip and creating that classic, crisp “magic shell” coating that cracks so satisfyingly when you bite into it.
- Don’t Skip the Salt. That little sprinkle of flaky sea salt at the end is not just for looks. It cuts through the sweetness of the banana and chocolate and enhances the peanut butter flavor incredibly well. It’s the detail that makes them taste professionally made.
How to Make Frozen Banana Peanut Butter Bites
Step 1: Prep Your Bananas. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Peel your bananas and slice them into coins that are about 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick. You should get about 4-5 slices per banana. Arrange half of the slices on the prepared baking sheet—these will be your bases.
Step 2: Create the Sandwiches. Now, take a small dollop (about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon) of peanut butter and spread it onto each banana coin on the baking sheet. Then, top each one with another banana slice, gently pressing down to create a little sandwich. You’ll want the peanut butter to peek out just a little from the sides, but not so much that it’s messy.
Step 3: The First Freeze. This step is crucial for easy dipping! Carefully transfer the baking sheet to your freezer and let the banana peanut butter sandwiches freeze until they are solid, which should take about 1 hour. This initial freeze ensures they won’t fall apart when you dip them in the warm chocolate.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate. When the bites are almost frozen, prepare your chocolate coating. Combine the chopped dark chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt them together using a double boiler over simmering water. The mixture should be glossy and fluid.
Step 5: The Dipping Ritual. Remove the frozen banana bites from the freezer. Working quickly, spear a banana bite with a toothpick or a fork. Dip it completely into the melted chocolate, swirling it to coat all sides. Let the excess chocolate drip back into the bowl for a moment.
Step 6: Final Set and Serve. Place the chocolate-coated bite back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle with a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt before the chocolate sets. Repeat with all the remaining bites. Once all are dipped, return the tray to the freezer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chocolate shell is completely firm. Then, you can transfer them to an airtight container for storage.
Serving Suggestions
Complementary Dishes
- A Simple Fruit Salad — The fresh, juicy acidity of berries or citrus in a fruit salad provides a lovely contrast to the rich, frozen creaminess of the bites, making a light yet complete dessert.
- A Warm Bowl of Oatmeal — For a truly decadent breakfast, place one or two frozen bites on top of a bowl of warm, cinnamon-spiced oatmeal. They’ll start to melt slightly, creating a dreamy, peanut butter-chocolate swirl.
Drinks
- A Cold Glass of Almond Milk — The nutty, slightly sweet flavor of almond milk is a perfect partner, cleansing the palate between bites without overpowering their delicate flavor.
- A Rich Cup of Coffee — The bitterness of a good, strong brew complements the dark chocolate coating beautifully, making for a sophisticated afternoon pick-me-up.
Something Sweet
- A Small Scoop of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream — If you’re going all out, serve these bites alongside a scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream for an epic banana-split-inspired dessert.
- A Drizzle of Caramel Sauce — For an extra layer of indulgence, a light drizzle of salted caramel sauce over the frozen bites just before serving is absolutely heavenly.
Top Mistakes to Avoid
- Mistake: Using overripe, mushy bananas. This is the number one reason bites can fall apart. If the banana is too soft, it won’t hold its shape when you slice it or assemble the sandwiches, leading to a messy dipping process.
- Mistake: Skipping the first freeze. I know it’s tempting to rush, but if you try to dip the banana sandwiches before they’re fully frozen, the warm chocolate will cause them to soften instantly and potentially slide apart. Patience is key here!
- Mistake: Not tapping off excess chocolate. If you leave a thick, gloppy layer of chocolate on the bite, it can freeze into an overly hard shell that’s difficult to bite through. A quick tap against the bowl’s rim ensures a perfect, thin coating.
- Mistake: Storing them improperly. If you just toss them loosely in the freezer, they’ll get freezer burn and pick up odors from other foods. Always store them in a single layer in an airtight container once the chocolate is fully set.
Expert Tips
- Tip: Add texture to the peanut butter. For an extra dimension, mix a tablespoon of crushed roasted peanuts or even a bit of rolled oats into your peanut butter before assembling the sandwiches. It adds a wonderful little crunch in the middle.
- Tip: Use a fork for dipping. A simple dinner fork can be even easier than a toothpick for dipping. Slide the bite onto the tines, dip, and then use a second fork to gently push it off onto the parchment paper.
- Tip: Get creative with coatings. Before the chocolate sets, you can roll the dipped bites in other toppings like shredded coconut, crushed freeze-dried raspberries, or finely chopped pistachios for a stunning visual effect and extra flavor.
- Tip: Make a double batch. These disappear quickly! Doubling the recipe takes almost no extra effort and ensures you have a steady supply of this healthy treat for weeks. They are the perfect thing to have on hand for unexpected guests or a quick dessert.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely! The recipe works perfectly well with milk or even semi-sweet chocolate. Just keep in mind that milk chocolate is sweeter and softer, so the final frozen shell might not have *quite* the same firm snap as dark chocolate, but it will be delicious nonetheless. The same melting process applies.
How long do these keep in the freezer?
When stored properly in an airtight container, these Frozen Banana Peanut Butter Bites will keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Honestly, they’ve never lasted that long in my house, but it’s good to know they have staying power! There’s no need to thaw them before eating—they are meant to be enjoyed frozen.
My chocolate became thick and clumpy when melting. What happened?
This usually means the chocolate got too hot or a tiny bit of steam or water got into the bowl. Chocolate is sensitive! If this happens, you can sometimes save it by stirring in an additional teaspoon of coconut oil. To prevent it, always melt in short bursts and ensure your bowl and utensils are completely dry.
Are these vegan-friendly?
They can be, very easily! Just ensure you use a dairy-free dark chocolate (many are naturally vegan, but always check the label) and a vegan-friendly peanut butter that doesn’t contain honey. With those two simple checks, you’ve got a fantastic vegan frozen treat.
Can I make these nut-free?
Of course! Simply substitute the peanut butter with a seed butter, such as sunflower seed butter (sunbutter). It has a similar creamy texture and a lovely, slightly earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with banana and chocolate. It’s a great option for allergy-friendly classrooms or lunchboxes.
Frozen Banana Peanut Butter Bites
Whip up these easy Frozen Banana Peanut Butter Bites! A healthy, 4-ingredient snack with a dark chocolate shell. Perfect for meal prep & satisfying sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Ingredients
-
3 large, ripe but firm bananas
-
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or your favorite nut/seed butter)
-
200 g high-quality dark chocolate, chopped (or dark chocolate chips)
-
1 tablespoon coconut oil
-
1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt (like Maldon, for sprinkling)
Instructions
-
Prep Your Bananas. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Peel your bananas and slice them into coins that are about 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick. You should get about 4-5 slices per banana. Arrange half of the slices on the prepared baking sheet—these will be your bases.01
-
Create the Sandwiches. Now, take a small dollop (about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon) of peanut butter and spread it onto each banana coin on the baking sheet. Then, top each one with another banana slice, gently pressing down to create a little sandwich. You'll want the peanut butter to peek out just a little from the sides, but not so much that it's messy.02
-
The First Freeze. This step is crucial for easy dipping! Carefully transfer the baking sheet to your freezer and let the banana peanut butter sandwiches freeze until they are solid, which should take about 1 hour. This initial freeze ensures they won't fall apart when you dip them in the warm chocolate.03
-
Melt the Chocolate. When the bites are almost frozen, prepare your chocolate coating. Combine the chopped dark chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt them together using a double boiler over simmering water. The mixture should be glossy and fluid.04
-
The Dipping Ritual. Remove the frozen banana bites from the freezer. Working quickly, spear a banana bite with a toothpick or a fork. Dip it completely into the melted chocolate, swirling it to coat all sides. Let the excess chocolate drip back into the bowl for a moment.05
-
Final Set and Serve. Place the chocolate-coated bite back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle with a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt before the chocolate sets. Repeat with all the remaining bites. Once all are dipped, return the tray to the freezer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chocolate shell is completely firm. Then, you can transfer them to an airtight container for storage.06


