Chocolate Covered Banana Pops

$- 2 ripe bananas - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 tablespoon coconut oil - 1/2 cup crushed nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, or pecans) - 1/4 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened) - Popsicle sticks Using ripe bananas makes a big difference. They are sweet and creamy. Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt well and balance the flavor. I like to add coconut oil. It helps the chocolate coat smoothly. For toppings, crushed nuts add crunch. Unsweetened shredded coconut brings a tropical twist. Each topping adds its special flavor. Pick bananas that are yellow with a few brown spots. This shows they are ripe and sweet. Avoid green bananas; they are not sweet yet. If you want to use them later, buy them a bit green. Let them ripen at room temperature. When they reach the right color, you can start making your banana pops! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by peeling the bananas. Select ripe bananas for the best flavor. Cut each banana in half. Insert a popsicle stick into the cut end of each banana half. This step creates your banana pops. Place these banana pops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they have some space between them. Freeze the banana pops for about one hour. This will help them become firm and easier to dip. Next, you need to melt the chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate chips and coconut oil. The coconut oil helps the chocolate become smooth. Microwave the bowl in 30-second intervals. Stir between each interval until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. This should take about one to two minutes. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn. Once the chocolate is ready, take the banana pops from the freezer. Dip each banana pop into the melted chocolate. Make sure to coat each pop fully. After coating, roll the chocolate-covered bananas in crushed nuts or shredded coconut. This adds great texture and flavor. Place the coated banana pops back on the lined baking sheet. Repeat this process for all banana pops. Finally, put the tray back into the freezer for another 30 minutes. This sets the chocolate. Enjoy your tasty treat! To get a smooth chocolate coating, use semi-sweet chocolate chips mixed with coconut oil. The oil helps the chocolate melt better. Microwave the mixture in short bursts. Stir between each burst until it’s fully melted. This process keeps the chocolate from burning and helps it stay smooth. Freezing is key for a great treat. After you coat your banana pops, place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure they are spaced apart. This will help them freeze evenly. I like to freeze them for at least 30 minutes. This gives the chocolate time to set and makes them easy to eat. You can make these banana pops ahead of time. Just freeze them for up to a month. Wrap each pop in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes. This makes them easier to bite into without the chocolate breaking. Enjoy your tasty treat anytime! Pro Tips Choose the Right Bananas: Make sure your bananas are ripe but not overripe; they should be slightly soft to the touch for the best flavor and texture. Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer taste. You can also experiment with dark or milk chocolate for different flavors. Chill Your Coating: After dipping the banana pops in chocolate, work quickly to coat them with nuts or coconut before the chocolate starts to set. Storage Tips: Store leftover banana pops in an airtight container in the freezer to maintain their texture and prevent freezer burn. {{image_2}} You can change up your chocolate for these pops. Each type gives a new taste. Dark chocolate offers a rich, bittersweet flavor. Milk chocolate is creamy and sweet, perfect for kids. White chocolate adds a sweet and smooth touch. You can try any of these. The choice is yours! The fun doesn't stop with chocolate. You can coat your banana pops in many ways. Crushed nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans add crunch. Shredded coconut brings a tropical vibe. You could even use sprinkles for a pop of color. Try crushed cookies for a fun twist. Get creative with your toppings! If you want a vegan option, swap regular chocolate for dairy-free chocolate chips. Use coconut oil as before. This keeps everything rich and smooth. You can also skip the nuts if you have allergies. Enjoy these tasty treats while sticking to your diet! To store chocolate covered banana pops, first, let them freeze completely. Once frozen, wrap each pop in plastic wrap. This keeps them fresh and prevents freezer burn. You can also place them in a sealed container. Just make sure to leave space between each pop to avoid sticking. When freezing your banana pops, use parchment paper on the tray. This helps to avoid sticking. Freeze them for at least 30 minutes after coating. This time allows the chocolate to set well. If you want to store them long-term, consider using a vacuum sealer. This removes air and maintains freshness. Chocolate covered banana pops can last about two months in the freezer. However, for the best taste, enjoy them within a month. Over time, the bananas may lose some texture. If you notice ice crystals, they might not taste as good. Always check for any off smells before eating. Yes, you can use other fruits! Strawberries, apples, and pineapple work well too. Just cut them into pieces, like the bananas. Make sure the fruits are firm so they hold their shape when dipped in chocolate. Frozen fruits, like berries, can also add a fun twist. Each fruit gives a different taste and texture, making your treats unique! Semi-sweet chocolate chips are my go-to choice. They melt well and have the right balance of sweetness. You can also try dark chocolate for a richer flavor or milk chocolate for a sweeter taste. If you want to be adventurous, try white chocolate! Just remember to adjust the sweetness of your toppings if you switch up the chocolate. To make these banana pops healthier, consider a few changes! Use dark chocolate for less sugar. You can also skip the nuts or coconut if you prefer a lighter treat. Instead, roll them in crushed oats or seeds for extra fiber. If you're feeling creative, drizzle some yogurt on top instead of chocolate for a fresh twist. In this post, we explored making delicious chocolate-covered banana pops. We discussed the best ingredients, like ripe bananas and quality chocolate. I shared helpful tips for preparation, freezing, and achieving a smooth coat. We also looked at tasty variations and storage methods to keep your treats fresh. Remember, you can mix up the chocolate or try different toppings. With these simple steps, you can enjoy this sweet treat anytime. Happy experimenting with your banana pops!$

Chocolate Covered Banana Pops

Delicious frozen banana pops coated in chocolate and rolled in nuts or coconut.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1 45

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

2 whole ripe bananas
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1/2 cup crushed nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, or pecans)
1/4 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
as needed pieces popsicle sticks

Instructions

Start by peeling the bananas and cutting them in half. Insert a popsicle stick into the cut end of each banana half, creating a banana pop.
Place the prepared banana pops on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour until they are firm.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
Once the banana pops are firm, remove them from the freezer. Dip each banana pop into the melted chocolate, ensuring it's completely covered.
Immediately roll the chocolate-covered bananas in crushed nuts or shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.
Place the coated banana pops back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat until all banana pops are covered.
Put the tray back in the freezer for another 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
Serve the banana pops frozen, or let them thaw for a couple of minutes for easier biting. Enjoy your delicious treat!

Notes

Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite nuts or sprinkles.

Keyword banana, chocolate, dessert, frozen treat