There’s nothing quite like the joy of indulging in a sweet treat while knowing it’s made with wholesome ingredients. When summer heat hits and you’re craving something cool and delicious, these Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars become your go-to solution. Imagine peeling back the chocolatey exterior to discover a creamy, delicious banana ice cream filling that’s not only satisfying but also nutritious.
During one of my “let’s clean out the freezer” days, these bars came to life. I had two overripe bananas begging for attention and a craving for something sweet yet healthy. That moment of inspiration resulted in these delights—simple to whip up and absolutely delightful to savor. With just a handful of ingredients, including creamy sunbutter and rich dark chocolate, you can create a treat that feels indulgent but is packed with goodness.
Perfect for a hot day or an easy dessert option at your next gathering, these Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars are sure to impress! Let’s dive into this refreshing and easy recipe that will make your taste buds sing.
Why are Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars irresistible?
Deliciously Healthy: These bars offer a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth, using wholesome ingredients for a treat you can feel good about.
Quick to Prepare: In just 15 minutes of prep, you can create these delightful bars, making them a fantastic last-minute dessert option.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Everyone loves a combination of chocolate and bananas! Perfect for family gatherings or summer parties, they are sure to be a hit.
Customizable Delight: Feel free to swap in your favorite nut or seed butter, or try drizzling them with caramel for an added twist!
Chill Out: These bars are the perfect way to cool down on hot days without resorting to sugary store-bought options. Enjoy these refreshing treats all summer long!
Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars Ingredients
For the Ice Cream Filling
• 2 large, ripe bananas – the star ingredient that brings natural sweetness and creamy texture.
• ¼ cup sunbutter – a delightful nut-free option that adds creaminess; feel free to swap with your favorite nut butter!
• 1 Tbsp honey – enhances sweetness; for a vegan alternative, use maple syrup instead.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – adds warm, aromatic flavor to balance the sweetness.
• 2 scoops collagen (optional) – boosts nutrition and adds a protein kick to your bars.
• ¼ cup water – helps blend the mixture smoothly, making it easy to pour into molds.
For the Chocolate Coating
• 1 cup dark chocolate chunks – for a rich, indulgent coating; you can use chips if you prefer.
• 1 Tbsp coconut oil – gives the chocolate a glossy finish and prevents it from cracking when bitten into.
Whether you’re enjoying these Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars as a refreshing treat on a hot day or serving them at a gathering, you’ll be amazed at how simple and delicious they are!
How to Make Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars
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Blend Ingredients: Place all filling ingredients in your blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, ensuring a consistent texture that will freeze beautifully.
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Fill Molds: Insert a popsicle stick into each slot of the silicone popsicle mold. Carefully pour the ice cream filling into each mold, making sure to fill them evenly.
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Freeze Molds: Place the filled molds on a baking sheet for stability, then set them in the freezer. Freeze for at least 4 hours until they’re solid and ready to coat.
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Melt Chocolate: Once the filling is frozen, prepare the chocolate coating. In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate and coconut oil over low heat, stirring frequently for a smooth consistency.
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Dip Bars: Take the ice cream bars out of the molds and dip each one into the melted chocolate, making sure it’s evenly coated. You can use a glass for dipping or dip them directly in the saucepan.
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Set Coated Bars: Lay the dipped bars onto a sheet of parchment paper to set. Allow them to cool and harden before enjoying that delicious chocolate cover.
Optional: Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars
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Choose Ripe Bananas: Opt for bananas that are very ripe, as they provide the best natural sweetness and creaminess for your ice cream filling.
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Avoid Lumps: Blend your banana mixture thoroughly until smooth to prevent any lumps when freezing, ensuring a delightful texture in your bars.
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Stick Stability: Ensure your popsicle sticks are inserted straight and deep into the molds to prevent the bars from falling apart upon removal.
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Tempering Chocolate: Melt chocolate slowly and stir frequently to avoid burning. This creates a shiny coating that won’t crack easily when you bite into your Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars.
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Freeze Properly: Allow the bars to freeze for a full 4 hours or more to achieve that perfect icy texture. Rushing this step may lead to a mushy result.
Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and customize these delightful bars to suit your taste and dietary needs!
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Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter in place of nut butter for a deliciously creamy texture without allergens. Perfect for school lunches!
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Vegan: Swap honey with maple syrup and use dairy-free dark chocolate to keep this treat completely plant-based. You won’t miss the dairy!
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Add Ins: Stir in chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or mini chocolate chips into the banana mixture for extra crunch and flavor. Each bite becomes a new adventure!
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Flavored Chocolate: Experiment with flavored chocolate melts, such as mint or orange, for a unique twist. Imagine a fresh burst of flavor with every bite!
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Low Sugar: Replace honey or maple syrup with a sugar substitute like erythritol for a lower-sugar version that still satisfies your sweet cravings. Enjoy guilt-free!
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Fruit Fun: Incorporate other fruits like strawberries or mango into the filling for a refreshing fruity twist. Blend them for a colorful surprise inside!
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Dipped in Caramel: After the chocolate coating, drizzle or dip the bars in caramel sauce for a decadent sweet note. A crunchy sprinkle of sea salt on top makes it even better!
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the chocolate for a surprising heat that contrasts with the sweetness. Dare to spice things up!
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars
Fridge: Keep the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days if you prefer a softer texture, ideal for immediate enjoyment.
Freezer: Store the bars in a single layer in a well-sealed container in the freezer for up to 2 months. This will maintain their delicious chocolate coating and creamy filling.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before biting into one for the best texture.
Wrap Individually: For easier snacking, consider wrapping each bar in parchment paper before freezing, allowing for quick grabs without thawing the entire batch.
What to Serve with Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars?
Indulging in these delightful bars invites the opportunity to create a full and satisfying meal that balances flavors and textures.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing, juicy contrast to the creamy bars, enhancing their sweetness without extra sugar.
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Coconut Bliss Rice Pudding: Creamy and comforting, this dessert mirrors the tropical notes of the chocolate-covered bars, creating a blissful harmony in taste.
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Nutty Granola: Sprinkling crunchy granola adds texture and an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the soft, sweet ice cream bars.
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Whipped Coconut Cream: Light and airy, this luscious topping perfectly complements the richness of the bars while offering a delightful, tropical twist.
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Minted Iced Tea: A refreshing mint iced tea offers a cool beverage with subtle sweetness that elevates the dessert experience and cleanses the palate.
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Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: Extend the chocolatey delight by serving strawberries alongside the bars; the fruitiness balances the richness with each bite.
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Almond Milkshake: Creamy and indulgent, a shake made with almond milk and ice cream beautifully complements the banana theme, drawing everything together in a sweet harmony.
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Lavender Lemonade: The floral notes of lavender in refreshing lemonade provide a sophisticated touch alongside the dessert, bursting with refreshing flavors.
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Mini Cheesecakes: Bite-sized cheesecakes introduce a tangy balance that highlights the sweet bars, providing a decadent end to a delightful meal.
Make Ahead Options
These Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can blend the filling ingredients and pour them into the molds up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to save time when you want to enjoy them later. After freezing for at least 4 hours, the bars will maintain their creamy texture. When you’re ready to indulge, simply dip the bars into the melted chocolate coating and set them on parchment paper. To keep them fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 days. These delicious treats are sure to impress, making your busy weeknights a little sweeter!
Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the ultimate flavor and creaminess in your Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars, choose large, ripe bananas with lots of yellow, preferably speckled brown. These bananas are sweeter and blend beautifully, creating a delightful filling.
How should I store Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars?
You can store the bars in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days for a softer texture, which is great for immediate treats. If you want to keep them longer, place them in a sealed container in your freezer for up to 2 months to maintain their deliciousness.
Can I freeze the Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars?
Yes! To freeze them successfully, place the bars in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, ensuring they’re well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. For easy access, you might want to wrap each bar in parchment paper before freezing—this makes for a convenient snack on hot days!
What if my chocolate coating is too thick?
No worries! If the chocolate coating seems too thick, you can easily fix this by adding a little more coconut oil and gently reheating it over low heat. Stir thoroughly until it reaches your desired consistency. Adjusting the chocolate helps to achieve that beautiful, glossy finish you want!
Are these bars suitable for people with nut allergies?
Definitely! If you’re catering to nut allergies, simply swap sunbutter for a seed butter like pumpkin or tahini, which gives a similar creamy texture without the nuts. Always check labels and ensure that any ingredients you use are allergen-free!
What’s the best way to serve these bars?
For the most enjoyable experience, let your Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This time allows the creamy filling to soften just a bit, making them a dream to bite into!
Delicious Chocolate Covered Banana Ice Cream Bars You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Blend all filling ingredients in your blender until smooth and creamy.
- Insert a popsicle stick into each slot of the silicone popsicle mold and pour the ice cream filling into each mold.
- Place the filled molds on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 4 hours.
- Melt the chocolate and coconut oil together over low heat until smooth.
- Dip each ice cream bar into the melted chocolate, ensuring all sides are coated.
- Lay dipped bars onto parchment paper to set and cool.