There’s a certain joy found in the unexpected delights of the kitchen; like when a random craving leads to a delicious discovery. That’s exactly what happened during one of those sunny afternoons when my sweet tooth just wouldn’t quit. I found myself blending ripe bananas and swirls of creamy sunbutter, creating a concoction so delectable that I knew it needed a special touch. That’s when the idea of Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars sparked—an indulgent yet guilt-free treat that combines rich chocolate with the natural sweetness of bananas.
These delightful bars are not only a refreshing escape from the summer heat but also cater to all dietary preferences, being dairy-free, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch that the whole family will love—without any of the fuss! So put away the drive-thru menu, and join me in crafting these irresistible, creamy desserts that are perfect for anyone looking to savor homemade goodness.
Why are Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars irresistible?
Indulgent Yet Light: Enjoy the rich taste of chocolate with a healthy twist that doesn’t weigh you down.
Easy to Make: With minimal effort and simple ingredients, these bars come together seamlessly, perfect for any skill level.
Creamy Texture: The smooth banana and sunbutter filling offers a delightful contrast to the crunchy chocolate coating.
Versatile Options: Mix and match flavors or adjust sweetness to your liking, making these bars customizable for every palate.
Kid-Friendly: A fun way to get your family involved in the kitchen, these bars are a hit with kids and adults alike!
Perfect Summer Treat: Quench your craving for something cold and sweet, all while staying health-conscious.
Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars Ingredients
For the Ice Cream Filling
• Ripe Bananas – Use overripe bananas for optimal sweetness and easy blending.
• Sunbutter – Adds creaminess and a nutty flavor; swap with any creamy nut or seed butter if preferred.
• Honey – Provides natural sweetness; can be replaced with maple syrup or another liquid sweetener.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Collagen (Optional) – Boosts protein and improves texture; can be replaced with a protein powder if desired.
• Water – Helps adjust the consistency for better blending.
For the Chocolate Coating
• Dark Chocolate Chunks – Choose 70-85% cocoa content for a richer chocolate experience, perfect for your Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars.
• Coconut Oil – Thins the chocolate for easier dipping; can be omitted if you prefer a thicker coating.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars
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Prepare the Filling: Blend the ripe bananas, sunbutter, honey (if using), vanilla extract, and water until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Aim for a nice pourable consistency that’s perfect for filling the molds.
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Mold the Bars: Carefully pour the filling into silicone popsicle molds, ensuring to insert popsicle sticks vertically. Leave a little space at the top for expansion as they freeze.
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Freeze: Place the filled molds on a flat surface in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until the bars are completely solid, ready to be coated in chocolate.
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Make Chocolate Coating: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the dark chocolate chunks and coconut oil (if using) together. Stir frequently until the mixture is smooth and glossy, ensuring not to burn the chocolate.
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Dip Bars: Remove the frozen bars from the molds with care. Dip each bar into the warm chocolate coating, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off for a clean finish.
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Set Bars: Place the dipped bars on a sheet of parchment paper to set. If desired, drizzle any remaining chocolate over the bars or sprinkle with toppings before the chocolate firms up.
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Storage: Once set, store the bars in an airtight container in the freezer, where they will keep for up to one month.
Optional: For a decorative touch, top with crushed nuts or sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars
Fridge: Store any leftover bars in the fridge for up to 3 days, but keep in mind they might lose some of their frozen texture.
Freezer: To maintain freshness, wrap each bar in parchment paper or place them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month.
Reheating: If you prefer a softer texture, let the bars sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before enjoying them again.
Serving Suggestions: Enjoy the chocolate covered banana ice cream bars straight from the freezer for a refreshing treat or slice them in half for a fun, shareable dessert!
Make Ahead Options
These Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can blend the ice cream filling (bananas, sunbutter, honey, vanilla, and water) and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring a smooth, creamy consistency when you’re ready to mold them. After filling the molds and freezing for at least 4 hours, wrap the bars individually in parchment paper before placing them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents any freezer burn. When it’s time to serve, simply dip the frozen bars in melted chocolate, set them for a few minutes, and enjoy a delicious homemade treat that’s just as enjoyable as fresh!
Expert Tips for Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars
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Blend Smoothly: Ensure the filling is blended until completely smooth for a creamy texture. No chunks here!
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Freeze Time: Larger molds may need more freeze time, so check their firmness before dipping.
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Stability Trick: Use a baking sheet under the molds for added stability while freezing; it prevents spills!
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Chocolate Dipping: Dip the bars quickly in the melted chocolate to avoid mushy fillings; let excess drip off.
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Decorative Drizzle: If using leftover chocolate, drizzle it over the bars while still warm for an artistic touch!
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Storage Essentials: Wrap each bar individually in parchment paper to maintain freshness for your Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars.
What to Serve with Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars?
These delightful frozen treats not only satisfy your sweet tooth but can also be complemented by various tasty pairings.
- Fresh Berries: Their tartness enhances the sweetness of the bars, creating a refreshing contrast that’s simply irresistible.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: This creamy topping adds a luscious element, bringing a tropical vibe that perfectly harmonizes with the chocolate-banana flavor.
- Nut Butter Drizzle: A drizzle of almond or peanut butter offers a rich nutty flavor and pairs wonderfully with the chocolate coating, elevating every bite.
- Granola Crumble: Crunchy granola sprinkled on top adds texture and a wholesome touch, making it feel like an indulgent sundae.
- Chia Seed Pudding: A scoop on the side provides a nutritious and creamy element, adding balance to the dessert experience.
- Iced Herbal Tea: Refreshing herbal tea, served chilled, is an excellent drink that cleanses the palate between bites.
- Chocolate Sauce: For the ultimate chocolate lovers, a warm drizzle of chocolate sauce makes these bars even more decadent.
- Coffee: Enjoy them alongside a cup of coffee for a delightful contrast between sweet and bold flavors, perfect for afternoon snacking.
- Homemade Mint Sorbet: The cool mint flavor acts as a palate cleanser, complementing the rich chocolate and banana beautifully.
- Fruit Salad: A vibrant medley of seasonal fruits brightens the plate and adds a fresh, juicy bite to every indulgent bar.
Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists on your Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars and customize them to your taste!
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of any nut butter for a deliciously creamy texture.
- Sneaky Greens: Mix in a handful of spinach or kale into the ice cream filling to boost nutrition without altering the flavor significantly.
- Sweetness Swap: For a lighter option, replace honey with mashed dates blended until smooth into the filling.
- Coconut Flake Topping: Sprinkle unsweetened coconut flakes on top of the bars before the chocolate sets for a tropical flair.
- Chocolate Variations: Experiment with white chocolate or caramel coating for a different flavor profile that tantalizes your taste buds.
- Berry Burst: Fold in chopped strawberries or raspberries into the filling for a fruity twist that contrasts beautifully with chocolate.
Adding these variations can turn your simple dessert into a fun experience, inviting everyone to enjoy something new!
Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! You want to select overripe bananas that have lots of brown spots. These bananas are sweeter and easier to blend, which will enhance the flavor of your Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars.
What’s the best way to store these ice cream bars?
To keep your bars fresh, wrap each one in parchment paper or place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious in the freezer for up to one month, although I often recommend enjoying them within 2-3 weeks for the best taste and texture!
Can I freeze these Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars?
Yes! After you prepare and dip the bars in chocolate, make sure they are completely set, then store them in the freezer as mentioned above. If they aren’t wrapped or in an airtight container, they can develop ice crystals, which can affect texture and flavor.
What should I do if the chocolate coating is too thick?
Very! If you find that the chocolate is too thick for dipping, simply add more coconut oil to the melted chocolate; start with a teaspoon and stir until smooth. This adjustment makes it easier to coat your bars without clumping and enhances the overall experience!
Are these bars safe for people with nut allergies?
Great question! While the original recipe uses sunbutter, which is nut-free, be mindful of cross-contamination. If you’re concerned about allergies, always double-check the labels of your ingredients or opt for other safe alternatives like soy nut butter.
How can I add some extra flavor to my filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in add-ins like cinnamon, or a splash of almond extract. You could also stir in mini chocolate chips or pieces of freeze-dried fruit into the filling before pouring it into the molds. The more, the merrier, right? Enjoy experimenting!
Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars You’ll Crave All Summer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Blend the ripe bananas, sunbutter, honey (if using), vanilla extract, and water until smooth.
- Pour the filling into silicone molds, inserting popsicle sticks vertically.
- Freeze for at least 4 hours until solid.
- Melt dark chocolate and coconut oil together in a saucepan over low heat.
- Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off.
- Set dipped bars on parchment paper and let chocolate firm.
- Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month.