Frozen Banana Peanut Chocolate

These Frozen Banana Snickers always remind me of hot afternoons when the only answer was a cold treat you could hold in your hands I was searching for a healthy way to satisfy chocolate cravings without turning on the oven and stumbled on this recipe that feels just as indulgent as the classic candy bar but so much lighter

I remember the first time I made these for a barbecue and not a single one made it past the first hour People always ask for the recipe and there are never leftovers

Ingredients

• Bananas: ripe but firm for sweetness and structure soft bananas get mushy after freezing Choose bananas without too many brown spots for best taste
• Peanut butter: creamy spreads better but crunchy works too Use natural peanut butter for pure flavor
• Dark chocolate: melted for that classic Snickers shell Select chocolate with at least 70 percent cocoa for a richer taste
• Coconut oil: helps the chocolate melt smoothly and gives a glossy finish Go for virgin coconut oil for subtle coconut notes
• Chopped peanuts: add crunch and a salty contrast to the sweet banana Fresh roasted peanuts give the best crunch
• Sea salt: a little sprinkle wakes up all the flavors Choose flaky sea salt if you have it for best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Bananas:

Peel each banana gently so the sides stay smooth Cut them lengthwise then crosswise for a total of eight even slices Lay each slice flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking

Add the Peanut Butter:

Use a butter knife or small spatula to spread a layer of peanut butter over each banana slice covering all the top surfaces For neater edges chill the peanut butter slightly before spreading

Top With Peanuts and Salt:

Sprinkle chopped peanuts generously over each banana then add just a pinch of sea salt Make sure every piece gets a little peanut for that Snickers crunch

Melt and Drizzle the Chocolate:

Combine dark chocolate and coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl Microwave in thirty second bursts stirring each time until smooth and glossy Drizzle the melted chocolate over each banana slice so the peanut butter is mostly covered

Freeze Until Set:

Slide the baking sheet carefully into the freezer Freeze for at least one hour or until the chocolate is fully hardened Once frozen they are ready to eat straight from the tray

Save

I have always loved the magic of bananas in frozen desserts The creamy texture after freezing is so much like ice cream it fooled my whole family the first time and now it is one of our favorite summer sweets

Storage Tips

Once the banana Snickers are frozen transfer them to an airtight container and keep in the freezer for up to two weeks Layer parchment between the bars to keep them from sticking together and always serve them directly from frozen for the best creamy texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Try almond butter or cashew butter if you want to switch up the nut flavor For nut free options sunflower seed butter works beautifully You can also use chopped almonds or cashews for topping and swap out chocolate for dairy free white chocolate if preferred

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Frozen Banana Snickers as a mid afternoon snack an easy dessert or a sweet finish to a barbecue For a little extra flair drizzle with more melted chocolate right before serving or sprinkle with toasted coconut

Cultural and Historical Context

While these bars are inspired by classic Snickers the combination of banana and peanut butter is a comfort food tradition in many cultures especially in American Southern cooking Freezing fruit as a healthy treat has roots in vintage recipes from the 1960s and 1970s often as a creative way to cool off without ice cream

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should I freeze the banana bars?

Freeze for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate has fully set and bars are firm to the touch.

→ Can I use other nut butters in place of peanut butter?

Yes, almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter work well for different flavors and dietary needs.

→ What kind of chocolate is best for this treat?

Dark chocolate is preferred for its rich flavor, but semi-sweet or milk chocolate can also be used.

→ Do I need to add coconut oil to the chocolate?

Coconut oil helps achieve a smooth, glossy drizzle and makes the chocolate easier to work with.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Keep frozen banana bars in an airtight container in the freezer and enjoy straight from there for best texture.

→ Are these suitable for special diets?

Yes, they fit vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets if all ingredients are compliant with your needs.