Once bananas start to turn brown, they never really seem to get eaten. For that reason, I’m always looking for new recipes that use bananas. I have found a few recipes that I really enjoy such as these grain-free spiced banana walnut muffins, these homemade granola bars, and this chocolate almond butter banana ice cream bites recipe. They’re cold, creamy, and naturally sweet — a perfect treat for a hot day!
What are Banana Ice Cream Bites?
You may be familiar with banana ice cream recipes where you blend frozen bananas to make an ice cream. What’s different about this recipe is that you don’t have to blend the bananas at all. Using slices of bananas you can still get the same naturally sweet and creamy “ice cream” but in a bite sized piece. These are perfect for a crowd since they are already portioned and everyone loves them.
This recipe is a great basis for your own creations too. Add whatever toppings you want before dipping in chocolate. Some ideas are nuts, coconut, and dried fruit. You can also add toppings after the banana ice cream bites are dipped in chocolate.
What Makes These Healthy?
Regular ice cream can be healthy when it’s homemade because it contains healthy brain boosting fats. But there are some other health benefits to this chocolate almond butter banana ice cream recipe.
Bananas
Making banana ice cream is a great way to avoid added sugars in desserts. When using fruit as a sweetener we also get all of the nutrients that are already in the fruit! Bananas contain the following vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C
- Folate
- Riboflavin
- Niacin
- Vitamin A
- Manganese
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Iron
Bananas are also a good source of carbohydrates and fiber. Bananas even contain some protein.
Almonds
Almond butter is another healthy ingredient in these banana ice cream bites. Almonds are a good source of protein and healthy fats. They also contain the following vitamins and minerals:
- Folate
- Vitamin E
- Niacin
- Zinc
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Iron
Almonds and almond butter are best when they are soaked and then dried. Soaking helps reduce enzyme inhibitors and improves nutrient bioavailability.
Chocolate
Some chocolate chips contain ingredients we don’t want anywhere near ourselves or our kids. But if you find the right chocolate chips (or make them yourself) they can be a healthy dessert.
Chocolate contains magnesium which many of us are deficient in. It’s also a decent source of antioxidants. Additionally, chocolate can have positive effects on the brain. Chocolate increases serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for better mood, sleep, and reduction of anxiety.
Want More? Dessert Recipes to try
If you like this recipe, you’ll love these other dessert recipes:
Coffee Ice Cream – This recipe is dairy-free and perfect for days when adulting is hard.
Coconut Custard – This lightly sweetened baked custard is full of healthy fats and protein is surprisingly healthy.
Chocolate Mousse – This 5-minute chocolate mousse recipe is an excellent way to get a healthy chocolate fix.
Apple Tart Tartin – If you’re looking for something caramelized and gooey, this apple tarte Tatin is an excellent choice.
Vanilla Coconut Macaroons – These vanilla coconut macaroons are just another delicious way my family enjoys the health benefits of the beloved coconut.
Homemade Mint Ice Cream – Mint and chocolate chips, a perfect combo. I’m excited to try this recipe next!
Chocolate Almond Butter Frozen Banana Bites Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 bananas
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup fillings & toppings (optional: chopped nuts, nut butter, coconut flakes, or jam)
Instructions
- Slice bananas and set aside.
- In a double boiler, melt chocolate chips. If you don’t have a double boiler, simply place a tempered glass bowl over a pan with a small amount of water in the bottom and heat, stirring occasionally until the chocolate is melted.
- Spread a layer of almond butter or jam on half of the banana slices.
- Place the remaining banana slices on top of the buttered/jammed slices.
- Use a fork to dip each banana sandwich into the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off before placing on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Freeze 3-4 hours before eating straight from the freezer!
Notes
Nutrition
Do you ever freeze bananas? What do you do with them?
Becky
Those look delicious!!! 🙂
Joe Imbriano
http://thefullertoninformer.com/are-ipads-safe-in-the-laps-of-school-children-why-are-women-getting-breast-cancer-from-keeping-cell-phones-in-their-bras/
sharon
These sound yummy…will try them out. What I usually make are banana slices with chocolate (melt a bar of endangered species dark chocolate w/almonds and sea salt) and shredded coconut (Let’s do Organic, 100% organic coconut) sprinkle a bit on top of each while chocolate is still melted. On some I add Cacao Nibs (Navitas, organic) I kind of make a variety pack, some have extra almonds or perhaps a pecan stuck on top of the coconut. Put em on a cookie sheet and freeze. They make a great cold snack to pick on.