“Monkey Tails” Chocolate Banana Pops
This recipe idea started exactly 10 years ago, in May 2009 when I spent 6 weeks in Guatemala as an 18-year-old, right before going to college. When we first arrived, our volunteer coordinator showed us a hardware store (yes, random!) that sold “chocobananos,” frozen bananas they would dip in a vat of chocolate right in front of you and then roll in your toppings of choice. I think they cost like the equivalent of about 25 cents. They were such a hit, we took a picture. Something cold, cheap and familiar was just what we needed!
It’s finally getting warm out, so it’s a perfect time to make some healthy frozen treats! Buy an extra bunch of bananas this week so you can make these with your kids to celebrate the last day of school! Or just make some for yourself so you’ll have a healthy treat when your sweet tooth strikes.
Frozen bananas are like nature’s vanilla ice cream.
Picture overload, but I just can’t help it. They’re so cute!
I don’t typically share recipes that have refined sugar in them, but a limited amount of sugar has it’s place, I think, especially if it helps you to eat more fruit! A few dairy-free dark chocolate chips paired with a banana and nutritious nuts is not out of line in my opinion. Costco and Winco both sell chocolate chips that are naturally dairy free, and, when eaten sparingly, they fit in a whole-food plant-based diet.
Next time you have some bananas that are getting too ripe, stick some popsicle sticks in them and put them in the freezer. They’ll be ready when you are to dip them in chocolate and make a super yummy treat.
I love that little baby hand so sweetly grabbing the popsicle stick while I took this picture.
She got what she wanted. Happy early Summer!
Chocolate dipped bananas make for a delicious summer treat that is mostly fruit! Unlike most recipes that have some coconut oil or butter in the chocolate, I use a little coconut milk to thin it and make it harden.
- 3 ripe bananas
- 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup coconut milk from a can
- peanuts, coconut, crushed pretzels, or chopped nuts
- 6 popsicle sticks, straws, plastic fork handles, or any other stick you have in your house
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When you have ripe bananas, cut them in half and push a popsicle stick into them. Put them on a plate or in a bag and freeze at least 30 minutes (so the stick doesn't come out when you hold them).
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Put the chocolate chips and coconut milk into a bowl. Microwave 30 seconds, and stir. If not totally melted, heat for 20 more seconds. Stir until melty and smooth. The coconut milk makes the chocolate thinner and covers the bananas easier. It also hardens the chocolate when frozen. Most recipes use butter or coconut oil, but coconut milk works just as well and is less saturated fat.
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Spoon the chocolate mixture over each banana and then sprinkle the nuts or coconut on top, if desired. The chocolate will probably harden immediately, but if not, just put them in the freezer for a few more minutes.
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Banana pops store well in the freezer on a plate or in a bag until you're ready for a cold chocolate treat! You may like to let them sit out a few minutes and soften before eating. They thaw quickley!
