Ingredients
- Ripe Bananas: (2-3 medium-sized bananas) – The star of the show! Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness, creaminess, and essential nutrients. Look for bananas that are yellow with brown spots, indicating they are at their peak ripeness.
- Peanut Butter: (1/2 cup, creamy or crunchy) – Offers healthy fats, protein, and that classic nutty flavor we all love. Choose your favorite – creamy for a smooth texture or crunchy for added texture. Opt for natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils for a healthier option.
- Chocolate Chips (Optional): (1/4 cup, semi-sweet or dark) – Adds a touch of indulgence and enhances the flavor profile. Dark chocolate provides antioxidants and a less sweet option, while semi-sweet offers a classic chocolatey taste. You can also use mini chocolate chips for easier coating.
- Chopped Nuts (Optional): (1/4 cup, peanuts, almonds, walnuts, etc.) – Provides extra crunch, healthy fats, and protein. Choose your favorite nuts or a mix for varied flavors and textures. Toasting the nuts beforehand can enhance their flavor even further.
- Shredded Coconut (Optional): (1/4 cup, unsweetened) – Adds a tropical flavor and a delicate texture. Unsweetened coconut keeps the recipe healthier and allows the other flavors to shine through.
- Granola (Optional): (1/4 cup) – Offers a satisfying crunch and whole grain goodness. Choose a granola with low sugar content for a healthier snack.
- Honey or Maple Syrup (Optional): (1-2 tablespoons) – For extra sweetness if desired, especially if using less ripe bananas or unsweetened peanut butter. Honey and maple syrup are natural sweeteners that add a touch of warmth and depth of flavor.
Instructions
- Prepare Your Bananas: Start by peeling your ripe bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and softer your bites will be. If your bananas are very large, you might only need two. For smaller bananas, three might be ideal.
- Slice the Bananas: Carefully slice the bananas into rounds, approximately ½ inch to ¾ inch thick. You want them thick enough to hold their shape and the peanut butter topping, but not so thick that they are difficult to eat in one bite. Aim for consistent thickness for even peanut butter distribution.
- Spread Peanut Butter: Take each banana slice and spread a generous layer of peanut butter on top of one side. Be sure to use enough peanut butter to create a good flavor balance and ensure it sticks to the toppings if you choose to add them. You can use a small spoon or a butter knife for spreading.
- Add Toppings (Optional): Now comes the fun part – adding your toppings! If you are using chocolate chips, sprinkle them generously over the peanut butter layer. For chopped nuts, gently press them into the peanut butter so they adhere well. If you’re opting for shredded coconut or granola, sprinkle these on top as well. You can get creative and mix and match toppings for different flavor combinations. Consider doing a variety of toppings to cater to different preferences or to add visual appeal.
- Assemble the Bites (Optional – for Sandwich Bites): If you want to make sandwich bites, take another banana slice and gently place it on top of the peanut butter and toppings, creating a little banana-peanut butter-banana sandwich. This is optional, but it can make the bites a bit neater and easier to handle, especially for kids.
- Arrange on a Tray: Place the prepared banana bites on a baking sheet or a plate lined with parchment paper or wax paper. This will prevent them from sticking to the surface, especially if you are planning to freeze them.
- Chill in the Freezer (Recommended): For firmer bites and to help the peanut butter and toppings set, place the tray in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. Freezing also transforms these into a refreshing treat, especially enjoyable on a warm day. If you prefer a softer bite, you can chill them in the refrigerator for a shorter period, around 15-20 minutes, or skip chilling altogether if you plan to eat them immediately.
- Serve and Enjoy!: Once chilled (or immediately if you prefer), your Banana Peanut Butter Bites are ready to be devoured! Serve them straight from the freezer for a cool treat, or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes for a slightly softer texture. They are perfect as a snack, dessert, or even a healthy breakfast component.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 12
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 7