Frozen Chocolate-Covered Banana Pops
These delightful frozen treats are going to make everyone in your family smile! Kids and adults alike absolutely love these chocolate-covered banana pops, and they’re such a healthy alternative to store-bought ice cream bars. Plus, they’re super easy to make with just three simple ingredients!
Recipe Details
Timing & Servings: Cook Time: 15 minutes, Additional Time: 2 hours, Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes, Serves: 12 people.
Nutrition Profile: Low-Sodium, Gluten-Free, Low-Calorie
Nutrition Facts (per serving): 100 Calories, 4g Fat, 18g Carbs, 1g Protein
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ripe bananas: You’ll need 4 large ripe bananas, and make sure they’re nice and ripe for the best sweetness! Peel them and cut each one into three pieces crosswise – this gives you those perfect pop-sized pieces.
Chocolate chips: Grab ¾ cup of semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips that you’ll melt down. I love using semisweet because it’s not too bitter for the kids, but bittersweet works great if you prefer a richer chocolate flavor.
Shredded coconut: Just ¼ cup of shredded coconut adds the most amazing texture and tropical flavor. You can use sweetened or unsweetened – whatever you have in your pantry works perfectly!
How to Make Frozen Chocolate-Covered Banana Pops
Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper first. Insert a popsicle stick into each banana piece – push it in about halfway so it’s nice and secure.
Step 2: Melt your chocolate chips using the microwave on medium power for 1 minute. Stir it up, then keep microwaving in 20-second intervals, stirring each time until it’s completely melted and smooth.
Step 3: Use a rubber spatula to cover each banana piece with the melted chocolate. Work quickly and reheat the chocolate if it starts to get thick. Sprinkle the coconut on top right away while the chocolate is still wet.
Step 4: Place all the chocolate-covered banana pops on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the freezer for about 2 hours until they’re completely frozen and ready to enjoy!
Easy and Quick Frozen Chocolate-Covered Banana Pops Version
Want to make these even faster? You can dip just the top half of each banana piece in chocolate instead of covering the whole thing! This cuts down on your chocolate melting time and uses less chocolate. Just melt ½ cup of chocolate chips instead of ¾ cup, and you’ll still get that amazing chocolate flavor in every bite.
Serving Ideas
These pops are perfect as a complete dessert or afternoon snack all by themselves. Serve them straight from the freezer on a hot summer day, or pack them in a cooler for picnics and beach trips. They’re also wonderful alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fancy dessert presentation.
Storage
Store your banana pops in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week. For longer storage, wrap each pop individually in plastic wrap, then cover with foil to prevent freezer burn and keep odors out. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months this way!
Substitutions
No coconut on hand? Try chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or crushed cookies instead! You can swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate or dark chocolate if that’s what you prefer. Even peanut butter chips work great if you want to switch up the flavor completely.
Pro Tips
- Perfect Chocolate Consistency: If your chocolate gets too thick while dipping, just pop it back in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to thin it out again.
- Stick Trick: Push the popsicle sticks in gently but firmly – you want them secure but not poking out the other side of the banana.
- Even Coating: Roll the banana around in the chocolate instead of just brushing it on for the most even coverage.
- Quick Set: Put your baking sheet in the freezer for 10 minutes before adding the pops – this helps the chocolate set faster!
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
You bet! Just make sure to thaw them completely first and pat them dry with paper towels. Frozen bananas can get a bit mushy when thawed, but they’ll still taste amazing covered in chocolate.
What if I don’t have popsicle sticks?
Sure, you can use toothpicks for smaller bites, or even skip the sticks altogether and just make chocolate-covered banana bites. They’re just as delicious and maybe even easier to eat!
Can I make these dairy-free?
Absolutely! Just use dairy-free chocolate chips instead of regular ones. Check the label to make sure they’re completely dairy-free, and you’re all set for a vegan-friendly treat.
How do I know when the chocolate is properly melted?
The chocolate should be completely smooth and flow easily off your spoon. If you see any lumps, keep heating in 10-second intervals until it’s silky smooth.
I hope you and your family love these frozen banana pops as much as we do! They’re such a fun treat to make together, and kids love helping with the dipping and sprinkling. Let me know how yours turn out – I’d love to hear about any creative toppings you try!
