Low Calorie Frozen Banana Snickers: Guilt-Free Treat
Healthy Sweet Treat Healthy Desserts.
A guilt-free, healthy take on Snickers using frozen bananas, creamy peanut butter, and a crisp chocolate shell. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
I remember hot summer days when the only thing that could cool you down was a treat from the freezer. I wanted to capture that feeling, but in a way that felt a little more nourishing. So I started playing around in the kitchen. The sweetness of a ripe banana, the salty pull of peanut butter, and that satisfying crack of a dark chocolate shell. It’s a combination that just works. My kids love them, and honestly, so do I. They feel like a little moment of quiet joy on a busy day.
Why You'll Love This Little Treat
- •It's completely no-bake. A perfect recipe for a warm day.
- •So simple to make, even the kids can help.
- •It satisfies that sweet, candy bar craving in a healthier way.
- •Made with just a handful of wholesome ingredients.
- •They're perfectly portioned for a quick snack.
- •Vegan and gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy them.
Wow, these are a game-changer! I made a batch on Sunday, and they've been the perfect afternoon pick-me-up all week. They taste so decadent, it's hard to believe they're actually healthy. My whole family is obsessed!
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Ripe Bananas: Look for bananas with a few brown spots. They're naturally sweeter, which means you don't need to add much other sugar. Their softer texture is perfect for this.
- Natural Peanut Butter: The kind where the only ingredients are peanuts and salt is best. It has a runnier consistency that makes it easy to mix and spread, and it tastes so pure.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: A good quality dark chocolate makes all the difference. The slight bitterness balances the sweet banana and salty peanut butter beautifully. The coconut oil helps it melt into a perfect, glossy shell.
Complete Cooking Process
- First, get your station ready. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this is so important, trust me.
- Slice your ripe bananas. I like to cut them in half lengthwise, then in half again. It creates a nice little boat for the filling.
- In a little bowl, stir together your peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla. It will get nice and smooth.
- Then, fold in the chopped peanuts. This gives you that classic Snickers crunch.
- Carefully spoon this mixture onto each banana slice. Don't worry if it's not perfect.
- Pop the baking sheet into the freezer. Let them sit in there for at least an hour. You want them to be really firm before you dip them in chocolate.
- When you're ready, melt your chocolate and coconut oil together until it's silky smooth.
- Work quickly here. Dip each frozen banana bite into the warm chocolate, turn it over with a fork, and lift it out, letting the extra drip away.
- Place them back on the parchment paper and put them straight back into the freezer to set.
A Few Common Questions
→Can I use a different nut butter?
Of course! Almond butter or cashew butter would be lovely. For a nut-free version, sunflower seed butter is a fantastic substitute.
→How long will these keep in the freezer?
They're best within the first two weeks. Just store them in a good airtight container or a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.
→My chocolate seized up! What did I do wrong?
Oh, that's the worst. It usually happens if a tiny bit of water gets into the chocolate. Also, make sure your banana bites are fully frozen and dry. The cold helps the chocolate set instantly, but any moisture can cause problems.
→Do I have to use coconut oil?
The coconut oil helps the chocolate melt smoothly and create a thinner shell that cracks perfectly. You can omit it, but the chocolate might be a bit thicker and harder to work with.
Low Calorie Frozen Banana Snickers: Guilt-Free Treat
Low calorie frozen banana Snickers are a guilt-free treat and healthy dessert idea! Easy to make for snacks or pre-workout fuel.
Timing
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Total Time
2 hours 20 minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Banana Base
- 013 large, ripe bananas
For the Peanut Butter 'Caramel'
- 011/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter
- 022 tablespoons maple syrup
- 031 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 041/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- 05A pinch of sea salt
For the Chocolate Coating
- 011 cup dark chocolate chips (dairy-free for vegan)
- 021 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
Line a baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper. Slice each banana in half lengthwise, and then cut each half in two, creating 12 flat-ish pieces.
In a small bowl, mix together the peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt until smooth. Gently fold in the chopped peanuts.
Spoon a layer of the peanut butter mixture onto each banana slice, spreading it evenly.
Place the banana pieces on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
Once the bananas are frozen, prepare the chocolate coating. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
Working quickly, dip each frozen banana bite into the melted chocolate, coating it completely. A fork works well for this. Let any excess chocolate drip off.
Place the chocolate-coated bananas back onto the parchment-lined sheet. You can sprinkle a little extra sea salt on top right now if you like.
Return the baking sheet to the freezer for another hour, or until the chocolate shell is hard.
Once fully frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Enjoy straight from the freezer!
Notes & Tips
- 1Let the chocolate cool for a minute or two after melting before you start dipping.
- 2If your peanut butter is very thick, you can warm it slightly to make it easier to mix.
- 3These are meant to be eaten frozen, as the banana will get soft once thawed.
Tools You'll Need
- •Use parchment paper. Seriously, it will save you so much trouble and prevent sticking.
- •Work fast when dipping in chocolate. The frozen bananas will make the chocolate harden quickly.
- •Don't skip the first freeze. The firm base makes the dipping process much cleaner.
- •Choose bananas that are ripe but not mushy. They should still hold their shape well.