.jpg)
From Cleo Coyle: These frozen goodies are delicious right out of the freezer. The bananas turn creamy after a day or so with a texture just like ice cream, but with better nutrition, less fat, and a little less guilt!
 |
 |
☕ A Note from Cleo The problem? They're candy. Not the healthiest of daily treats...  A MORE HEALTHFUL ALTERNATIVE The recipe (below) for Frozen Chocolate-Covered Banana Bites solved the problem for us. After a night in the freezer, the chocolate-enrobed banana slices become wonderfully cold and creamy, much like ice cream. The flavor of banana becomes less pronounced, letting the more powerful notes of chocolate and peanut butter drench your tongue with that classically satisfying combo. A no-guilt treat that will let you... Eat with joy and in good health! ~ Cleo |
Cleo Coyle's Frozen
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites
The recipe below is easy, but it can be tricky. I included some tips that should help you get the best results. As with everything you create in your own kitchen, make the choices that make you happy. You can make this recipe gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan or not. It's up to you. Have fun!
Ingredients:
1 banana, ripe but still firm (medium to large)
2 to 2-1/2 tablespoons peanut butter (or almond or cashew butter)
3 ounces chocolate chips (about 1/2 cup to a heaping 1/2 cup in volume, see my note below on types of chocolate chips)*
1 tablespoon Almond Milk (darker chocolates may need more)
*Chocolate note: You can use any chocolate chips you like: milk, semi-sweet, bittersweet, or (for the most healthful choice) dark chocolate. In my photos today, I used dark chocoalte chips. If you are a dairy-free and/or gluten-free eater, be sure to use chocolate chips that say dairy-free and/or gluten free on the packaging.
------------------------------------------
DIRECTIONS:
Step 1 - Create the PB banana sandwiches:
Cut your ripe but firm banana into thin slices, pairing slices by size. Make sure you have at least 12 pairs (24 slices). Smear peanut butter on half of the slices, one for each pair.
Step 2: - Melt the chocolate: Pour the chocolate chips into a clean, dry, shallow microwave-safe bowl. Pour the almond milk over the chocolate and stir to coat the pieces well.
Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave with care. Once you boil or burn chocolate, its taste is ruined and there is no saving it. Zap it for 20 seconds, stir. Zap again in small bursts until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth (see my photos).
Step 3 - Troubleshoot (adjust): If the chocolate seems a little thick for dipping, try the following. Pour a very small amount (1 teaspoon) more of the almond milk onto the chocolate. DO NOT MIX IN. Place the bowl back in the microwave and zap for 10 to 15 seconds. Remove and stir. The chocolate should be looser. If you it's still too thick, repeat until you get the desired consistency. If chocolate becomes difficult to work with, return it to the microwave and re-warm it.
Double-Boiler option: You can also place a heat-proof bowl over a pan of simmering water and create a double boiler. Place the chocolate and almond milk in the bowl and stir until melted. Then dip the banana bites into the bowl. While a little more trouble, this method has the advantage of keeping your chocolate warm and pliable through the entire dipping process.
Step 4 - Dip and freeze: One at a time, drop the PB banana sandwiches into the bowl of melted chocolate.
Using two forks, gently flip the little banana sandwich, moving the chocolate around it until it is coated. Lift the coated banana bite with one fork, allowing the chocolate to drip off.
Be patient and get as much excess chocolate off the bite as you can...
Place the finished treats on a flat pan or plate that's been covered with parchment or wax paper.
Place the finished treats on a flat pan or plate that's been covered with parchment or wax paper.
WARNING: If you don't use parchment or wax paper, the chocolate will stick to the surface of your dish or pan as it dries and freezes.
Ask me how I know. :)
Place your finished bites in the freezer for about 3 hours or overnight. These are frozen treats, delicious right out of the freezer. Think of them like ice cream bites.
If serving for a table dessert or party, keep them frozen as long as possible. Like ice cream, they will begin to melt after about 15 to 20 minutes out of the freezer.
For the pretty presentation below,
I used mini cupcake paper liners.
I used mini cupcake paper liners.
Stay cool, everyone! May you...
Eat (and read) with joy!
Our NEWCoffeehouse MysteryNow on Sale!
Learn More or Buy at:
Cleo Coyle’s Honey Roasted
is not only a coffee lover's mystery.
It's a culinary mystery with a tempting
menu of delicious recipes!
Click here or on the image (above)
for Cleo Coyle's Free Recipe Guide
to HONEY ROASTED
🔎
Don't miss Cleo's new
Haunted Bookshop
Mystery
"Terrific Series"
--Criminal Element
Our NEW
Coffeehouse Mystery
Now on Sale!
Learn More or Buy at:
Cleo Coyle’s Honey Roasted
is not only a coffee lover's mystery.
It's a culinary mystery with a tempting
menu of delicious recipes!
Click here or on the image (above)
for Cleo Coyle's Free Recipe Guide
to HONEY ROASTED
🔎
Don't miss Cleo's new
Haunted Bookshop
Mystery
"Terrific Series"
--Criminal Element
