Frozen Chocolate-Covered Bananas Recipe

By
Colleen Graham
Photo of Colleen Graham
Colleen Graham
Freelance writer and cocktail book author Colleen Graham is a seasoned mixologist who loves sharing her knowledge of spirits and passion for preparing drinks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 01/14/23
Tested by
Kayla Hoang
Photo of Kayla Hoang
Tested by Kayla Hoang
Kayla Hoang is a freelance recipe developer, writer, and baker whose Bangladeshi and Vietnamese roots influence all she does. Her life revolves around food and she can almost always be found waiting by the oven for a fresh batch of cookies.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Frozen chocolate covered bananas

The Spruce Eats / Cara Cormack

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 5 mins
Freeze: 90 mins
Total: 110 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Yield: 8 frozen banana halves
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
285 Calories
15g Fat
40g Carbs
3g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories 285
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 15g 19%
Saturated Fat 9g 46%
Cholesterol 5mg 2%
Sodium 36mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 40g 14%
Dietary Fiber 4g 13%
Total Sugars 30g
Protein 3g
Vitamin C 5mg 26%
Calcium 50mg 4%
Iron 1mg 7%
Potassium 369mg 8%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Frozen bananas were created on California's Balboa Island in the 1940s. While there is some dispute about who first dipped bananas in chocolate and rolled them in nuts, it was a brilliant idea that caught on across the U.S. There's no need to travel because these goodies are easy and fun to make at home. Adults love them as much as kids, and they're a perfect treat for birthday parties and afternoon snacks.

Bananas freeze exceptionally well because they contain water, and frozen bananas taste sweeter as they thaw. It's the perfect foundation for a crispy chocolate coating when you're craving a sweet treat. This recipe uses both semisweet and milk chocolate chips for a well-balanced flavor, while coconut oil and a pinch of salt give it a nice boost. There's no need to temper the chocolate, simply melt it in a double boiler or microwave and dip the skewered bananas into it.

The real fun comes with the toppings, and it's the part where kids can help. You can go with classic options like chopped nuts, colorful sprinkles, or coconut flakes. Crushed cookies, pretzels, or crispy bacon are delicious, too. Letting imaginations run, see what wild ideas your family comes up with, and try them out.

"Frozen chocolate-covered bananas are such a fun treat for the summer. While the chocolate can absolutely be melted in the microwave, I like keeping it over the residual heat from a double boiler. It helps keep the chocolate from cooling too quickly or seizing when dipping the cold bananas." —Kayla Hoang

Frozen Chocolate-Covered Bananas Recipe/Tester Image
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 4 medium ripe bananas

  • 8 popsicle sticks

  • Chopped nuts, for garnish, optional

  • Sprinkles,  for garnish, optional

  • Coconut flakes, for garnish, optional

  • 6 ounces (1 cup)  semisweet chocolate chips

  • 6 ounces (1 cup)  milk chocolate chips

  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil

  • 1 pinch sea salt

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients to make frozen chocolate covered bananas

    The Spruce Eats / Cara Cormack

  2. Peel the bananas, cut each in half crosswise, and insert a popsicle stick in the cut end.

    Peeled, halved bananas with popsicle sticks

    The Spruce Eats / Cara Cormack

  3. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper and freeze until hard, about 45 minutes.

    Bananas with popsicle sticks on a parchment lined baking sheet

    The Spruce Eats / Cara Cormack

  4. Meanwhile, prepare any desired toppings, placing each on a small plate. Set aside near your work station.

    Shallow bowls of sprinkles, coconut flakes, and chopped peanuts

    The Spruce Eats / Cara Cormack

  5. Once the bananas are frozen, set up a double boiler. Bring the water to a boil. Remove the bananas from the freezer.

    A glass bowl over a pan of water

    The Spruce Eats / Cara Cormack

  6. Place the chocolate chips, coconut oil, and salt into the top bowl of the double boiler. Stir until the chocolate is melted, about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat but leave the chocolate in the bowl so it stays warm.

    A bowl of coconut oil, chocolate, and salt on top of a pot of water

    The Spruce Eats / Cara Cormack

  7. Dip each banana into the melted chocolate, ensuring it's completely covered. If needed, use a spoon to drizzle the chocolate over top to cover spots.

    A chocolate covered banana and a bowl of melted chocolate

    The Spruce Eats / Cara Cormack

  8. Immediately roll the chocolate-covered banana into the topping of your choice before the chocolate sets up.

    A chocolate covered banana rolled in chopped peanuts

    The Spruce Eats / Cara Cormack

  9. Place the banana back on the paper-lined baking sheet and continue with the remaining bananas.

    A parchment lined baking sheet with chocolate covered bananas with different toppings

    The Spruce Eats / Cara Cormack

  10. Freeze the bananas for at least another 30 minutes. Let the bananas sit at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

    Chocolate covered bananas on a serving platter

    The Spruce Eats / Cara Cormack

Tips

  • To guarantee your bananas taste amazing, make sure that your freezer is clean and avoid freezing the bananas near smelly foods. Even when frozen, other foods can pick up the taste of things like fish.
  • If you prefer to melt chocolate in the microwave, use a bowl that will stay cool enough to touch and the low power setting. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each until the chocolate is almost melted, then stir until it's smooth, shiny, and entirely melted. If the chocolate begins to solidify before you're finished, return it to the microwave for 10 to 30 seconds.
  • Chocolate will seize with the tiniest splash of water and get lumpy when overheated. Make sure your bowl is completely dry, and stir in the last solid pieces until melted.
  • Working with the chocolate requires speed because you want to dip and top the bananas before the chocolate sets. Once the chocolate melts, you have just a few minutes to get the job done. Have everything prepared, and be sure any helpers know the plan and are ready to go. If you want to double the recipe, work in batches.

Recipe Variations

  • Oil helps the chocolate melt smoothly, so it's a preferred addition when dipping. If you don’t like coconut oil, try canola or vegetable oil for a neutral taste. Nutty options like hazelnut and almond oil are great and add extra flavor.
  • You can use a single type of chocolate or devise your own combinations. For instance, dark chocolate is a good substitute for semisweet chips, or you can go with milk chocolate alone (it's an ideal choice for any fruit). Try ruby or white chocolate for a little color, or melt one of these separately and drizzle them in streams over the dipped bananas.
  • No popsicle sticks? Cut the bananas into rounds and make chocolate-covered banana bites. Dipping is a bit tricky, but a toothpick or small fork should hold frozen bananas.
  • Add an extract when the chocolate is almost completely melted for a hint of extra flavor. Take it easy because just two or three drops of almond, mint, orange, or vanilla extract will do.

How to Store

Chocolate-covered bananas will last in the freezer for a week, so you can make them in advance or have them around for a quick snack. Layer the frozen bananas between the paper you used for freezing and stack them loosely in a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid.