Chocolate Covered Banana Pops with Nuts (Healthy Snack)

Treat yourself to delicious chocolate-covered banana pops with nuts! They're frozen banana halves on sticks dipped in melted dark chocolate and sprinkled with chopped nuts. Perfect for a sweet and crunchy snack, they're easy to make and enjoyed by everyone!

We recently took a family trip to Disney. While our kids had a blast, my husband and I found the crowds overwhelming, especially since it was during spring break 😠. But we all had lots of fun!

Despite the hustle and bustle, we couldn't resist indulging the kids with ice cream to beat the heat. However, my husband and I stumbled upon a healthier option - frozen chocolate-dipped bananas with nuts! It was a fantastic discovery and instantly became a favorite treat for us. The kids still liked the ice cream better 😏. 

I decided to recreate these goodies at home and share the recipe on my blog!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The fun part of these pops is that they look like ice cream but are a way healthier solution because they're made with a fresh banana. While you enjoy their delicious taste, your body also gets a boost of potassium, which helps keep your heart, muscles, and nerves healthy.

They are covered in dark chocolate and loaded with antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals in the body and reduce inflammation. And I don't want to forget to mention that dark chocolate contains compounds that stimulate the production of endorphins and serotonin in the brain, which can improve mood and promote feelings of happiness and relaxation.

Finally, nuts, which coat everything, are packed with good fats like omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats. These fats are great for your heart, as they can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Ingredients You'll Need and Preparation Tips and Tricks

• 3-4 bananas, cut in half
• 200g (7 oz) of dark chocolate
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 1 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or peanuts work well)
• Peel the bananas and cut them in half crosswise.
• Insert a popsicle stick into the cut end of each banana half. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
• Prepare the Chocolate Coating. Option 1: Combine dark chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate. Option 2: Fill a saucepan with a couple of inches of water and gently simmer over medium-low heat. Place a heatproof bowl (preferably stainless steel or glass) on top of the saucepan, ensuring it fits snugly and the bottom doesn't touch the water. Add the chopped chocolate and coconut oil to the bowl. Stir the chocolate and coconut oil occasionally with a spatula as they melt. Continue heating until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Remember that melting chocolate in a double boiler allows for gentle and gradual heating, reducing the risk of burning or overheating.

• Working quickly, dip each banana pop into the melted chocolate mixture. If needed, you can use a spoon to help with the coating. I found using a tall glass helpful for easier dipping. Let any extra chocolate drip off before placing the coated banana pops onto the baking sheet.
• Place the coated banana pops back onto the lined baking sheet and sprinkle with chopped nuts. 

• Put the baking sheet in the freezer and let the banana pops freeze for at least 1-2 hours or until the chocolate is completely set.
• Once set, they're ready to enjoy! Serve them as a delicious sweet treat for hot summer days.
• Tip 1: Chop the chocolate into small, uniform pieces to ensure even melting and prevent clumping.
• Tip 2: Stir the chocolate and coconut oil mixture frequently with a spatula to promote even melting and prevent sticking.
• Please take a look at the recipe card below for the full recipe and available nutrient data.

What to Do with Leftover Chocolate Mixture

• After the chocolate mixture cools, store it in a sealed container in the fridge. It'll turn into solid chocolate that you can melt again whenever you want.
• You can use it to dip fruit, pour desserts, or make chocolate bark.
• Mix the leftover chocolate into hot milk or coffee to make a yummy hot chocolate or mocha.
• Dip fresh fruit like strawberries, bananas, or pineapple into the leftover chocolate mixture for a tasty treat. I made chocolate-covered banana bites with my leftover chocolate mixture! 

How to Store Chocolate Covered Banana Pops with Nuts

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week. Please just be sure to separate the pops with parchment paper to ensure they don't stick together.

Substitutions 

• If dark chocolate isn't available, feel free to substitute with milk or white chocolate, but be aware that the taste and sweetness might differ. 
• For those following a dairy-free or vegan diet, try using dairy-free chocolate chips or vegan-labeled dark chocolate bars.
• If nuts aren't an option due to allergies or preference, omit them entirely or substitute sunflower, pumpkin, or sesame seeds for a comparable crunch.
• If you're opting for a nut-free alternative, consider using toasted coconut flakes or crushed graham crackers as a tasty topping instead.

So, there you have it! These homemade frozen chocolate banana pops with nuts are a tasty and healthy treat for any occasion (or a special occasion when you want to impress someone).

With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious snack that everyone will love. Whether you're cooling off on a hot day or satisfying your sweet tooth, this chocolate banana treat will surely hit the spot.

More Healthy Desserts You'll Love

• Easy Nescafe Frappe (Greek Frappe Coffee)
• Creamy Chocolate Banana & Raspberry Popsicles
• Healthy Flourless Avocado Fudge Bites with Chocolate 
• 5 Ingredients Date Energy Balls (without Peanut Butter and No-Bake)
• Healthy Banana Almond Flour Brownies without Butter
• Easy Tiramisu Cups without Mascarpone (No Egg Recipe)
• Creamy Raspberry Dessert with Dark Chocolate (Raspberry Trifle)

📖 Recipe