Chocolate-Covered Frozen Bananas

Ingredients

For the Banana Pops

• 4 ripe but firm bananas
• 8 wooden popsicle sticks
• 10 ounces dark or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon refined coconut oil

Topping Options

• 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts
• 2 tablespoons rainbow sprinkles
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
• 2 tablespoons crushed chocolate cookies
• 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
• Pinch of flaky salt

Substitutions

• Use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or a dairy-free chocolate that melts smoothly.
• Replace coconut oil with neutral vegetable shortening; avoid butter because its water content can cause the chocolate to seize.
• Use toasted seeds, freeze-dried fruit, cereal, or gluten-free cookie crumbs for different toppings.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the bananas

Peel the bananas and cut each one crosswise in half. Insert a stick into each cut end without pushing through the opposite side.

Step 4: Melt the chocolate

Melt the chocolate and coconut oil in short microwave intervals or over a double boiler, stirring until completely smooth. Transfer to a tall narrow glass for easier dipping.

Step 5: Dip and decorate

Dip one frozen banana at a time, letting excess chocolate drip off. Immediately add the chosen topping before the shell hardens.

Step 6: Set and store

Return the decorated pops to the lined tray for 10 minutes. Serve after a short temper or wrap individually and freeze.

How to Store Leftovers

• Wrap each fully set banana pop in parchment or waxed paper, then place it in a freezer container.
• Store for up to 2 weeks for the best banana flavor and chocolate appearance.
• Keep strong-smelling foods covered because frozen bananas can absorb freezer odors.

Serving Leftovers

• Do not reheat. Let a frozen pop stand at room temperature for 3 to 5 minutes before biting.
• Avoid thawing completely because the banana becomes soft and watery.
• Return uneaten pops to the freezer promptly; do not refreeze a pop that has fully thawed.

Serving Ideas

• Fresh strawberries
• Cold milk
• Coffee or espresso
• A platter of mixed frozen fruit treats

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using overripe bananas that slide off the sticks.
• Dipping bananas that are not fully frozen.
• Allowing water or steam to contact the melted chocolate.
• Waiting too long before adding toppings to the fast-setting shell.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition is an estimate and can vary with brands, portion size, ripeness, and substitutions.

Frequently Asked Questions