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If you’re looking for a sweet, satisfying snack that’s both healthy and indulgent, Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites are the perfect treat! These bite-sized morsels combine creamy peanut butter, natural banana sweetness, and rich dark chocolate for a delicious, guilt-free snack or dessert. They’re packed with nutrients, including fiber, protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants, making them a great option for anyone looking for a quick, healthy snack to boost their energy throughout the day.
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What makes these bites so healthy is that they use natural ingredients such as ripe bananas, peanut butter (or your choice of nut butter), and dark chocolate. This recipe avoids refined sugars, uses whole foods, and offers a balanced blend of nutrients, making it a great choice for people looking to eat more cleanly while still enjoying their favorite flavors.
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Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Banana Bites
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Peel and Slice the Bananas: Start by peeling the ripe bananas and slicing them into approximately 1/2-inch thick rounds. Make sure to cut them into uniform slices so they look neat and have an even coating of peanut butter and chocolate.
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Place Banana Slices on a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the banana bites from sticking to the surface and helps when it’s time to transfer them into the freezer. Arrange the banana slices on the baking sheet in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece for easy handling later.
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Step 2: Add Peanut Butter Filling
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Spread Peanut Butter: Using a small spoon, spread a thin layer of peanut butter on each banana slice. You can adjust the amount of peanut butter depending on your preference, but a generous teaspoon should be sufficient. If you like a crunchier texture, feel free to use chunky peanut butter for added texture.
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Optional Sweetening: If you prefer a sweeter snack, drizzle a tiny bit of honey over each peanut butter layer. This will help bring out the sweetness of the banana and create a well-rounded flavor. Alternatively, you can skip the honey if you’re looking to reduce the sugar content.
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Add a Pinch of Salt: A pinch of salt sprinkled over the peanut butter adds contrast to the sweetness of the banana and enhances the flavors of the chocolate coating that will go on top later.
Step 3: Freeze the Banana Bites
- Freeze the Peanut Butter-Banana Slices: Place the baking sheet with the banana slices into the freezer for about 30-45 minutes, or until the banana slices are firm. Freezing them will help set the peanut butter filling so it doesn’t get too messy when you dip them in chocolate.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
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Melt the Dark Chocolate: While the banana bites are freezing, it’s time to melt the dark chocolate. Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the mixture in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be sure not to overheat the chocolate as it may seize up.
- Tip: You can also melt the chocolate using a double boiler. Just place the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Stir gently until the chocolate has fully melted.
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Optional Add-ins: If desired, you can add additional flavorings or textures to the chocolate coating. A splash of vanilla extract, a dash of cinnamon, or a pinch of sea salt can bring extra dimension to the chocolate layer. If you want to give the bites a crunchy texture, consider stirring in chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans) into the melted chocolate.
Step 5: Coat the Banana Bites with Chocolate
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Dip the Banana Slices: Once the banana slices are frozen and the chocolate is melted, it’s time to assemble the bites. Using a fork or toothpick, carefully dip each frozen peanut butter-covered banana slice into the melted chocolate, covering it completely. Let the excess chocolate drip off, then place the chocolate-dipped bite back onto the parchment paper.
- Tip: If you want to add a touch of texture or extra flavor, you can sprinkle chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate-coated banana bites before the chocolate hardens.
Step 6: Set the Chocolate and Serve
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Freeze the Bites: After all the banana slices are coated in chocolate, return the baking sheet to the freezer and let the bites sit for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the chocolate is fully set, your Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites are ready to serve! Store them in an airtight container in the freezer, where they can be kept for up to 1-2 weeks. When you’re ready to enjoy a treat, simply pull them out of the freezer for a quick snack or dessert.
Nutrition and Health Benefits
These Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also provide several health benefits due to their wholesome ingredients:
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Bananas:
- High in potassium, bananas help maintain proper heart and muscle function.
- Bananas are a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.
- They provide natural energy and are a great snack before or after a workout.
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Peanut Butter:
- Peanut butter is rich in healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which support heart health.
- It’s a good source of plant-based protein, which helps with muscle repair and growth.
- Peanut butter is packed with vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin E, magnesium, and folate.
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Dark Chocolate:
- Dark chocolate, especially varieties with 70% cocoa or higher, is packed with antioxidants known as flavonoids. These can help reduce inflammation and support cardiovascular health.
- Dark chocolate also contains small amounts of iron, magnesium, and other essential minerals.
- Studies suggest that moderate consumption of dark chocolate may improve cognitive function and lower blood pressure.
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Coconut Oil:
- Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are easily absorbed by the body and used for energy. This makes it a great addition for a quick energy boost.
- It also has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can support overall health.
Tips and Variations
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Vegan Version: If you’re following a plant-based diet, you can make these bites vegan by choosing a vegan peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t contain any added sugar or hydrogenated oils) and using dairy-free dark chocolate.
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Nut-Free Option: For those with peanut allergies, swap out the peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. You can also make these bites with other nut butters depending on your preference.
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Add Flaxseeds or Chia Seeds: For an extra boost of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants, sprinkle ground flaxseeds or chia seeds on top of the chocolate before it sets. These tiny additions can provide a hidden nutritional punch.
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Use a Variety of Chocolate: While dark chocolate is the healthiest choice, you can experiment with milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even a combination of chocolate types to cater to your taste preferences.
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Toppings and Mix-ins: Feel free to get creative with toppings and mix-ins. Some ideas include:
- A sprinkle of sea salt for a sweet-salty combo.
- Shredded coconut for tropical flavor.
- Crushed nuts or granola for added texture.
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
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Make them Mini: For a bite-sized treat, you can make these bites smaller by cutting the banana slices into quarters instead of halves. This will give you even more bites to enjoy without feeling guilty.
Conclusion
These Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites are the ultimate combination of sweet and savory, packed with nutrients that nourish your body and curb your cravings. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for a snack, dessert, or even a pre-workout energy boost.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- ¼ cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 2 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
- 1 tsp coconut oil (optional, to smooth the chocolate)
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
- A pinch of sea salt (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Prep the Bananas:
Peel the bananas and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds. Lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate. - Peanut Butter Filling:
Place a small amount (about ½ teaspoon) of peanut butter on top of half of the banana slices. Top each peanut butter-covered slice with another banana slice to form little “sandwiches.” - Melt the Chocolate:
Break the dark chocolate into small pieces and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the coconut oil (if using). Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Add honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness, if desired. - Dip the Bites:
Dip each banana peanut butter sandwich into the melted chocolate, covering it completely. You can use a fork or spoon to help coat them evenly. - Set and Freeze:
Place the chocolate-covered banana bites back on the parchment-lined sheet. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt, if desired, for a salted chocolate-peanut butter flavor.
Freeze the bites for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm and the bites are set. - Serve:
Once the bites are frozen, enjoy immediately or store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1-2 weeks.
Notes
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