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Chocolate Covered Banana Bites

May 12, 2014 by Matt Robinson 75 Comments

My youngest son Cole goes bananas over the Trader Joe’s Gone Banana bites. Who am I kidding? So do his mom and I. They always sounded like such a “kid” treat to me, so I never gave them much thought after buying them and sticking them in the freezer. And then I tried one. Then two. Then three. Then, an entire box. They are crazy good. Obviously, by the looks of them, they seem very easy to make, so I decided to make them myself, taken up a notch of course.

Grab the tips and tricks for making these chocolate covered banana bites | Real Food by Dad

As I rummaged through the pantry, I realized that this could get messy. A fun messy though. Making these gives me an open canvas where I could go 101 ways with them. How cool is that?! So I grabbed some Ghirardelli dark chocolate, peanut butter, Nutella, caramel, marshmallows, coconut and Rice Krispies and went to work. And I came up with three delicious snackables that kids love and are parent approved – peanut butter and marshmallow, coconut and caramel, and Nutella and Rice Krispies.

Grab the tips and tricks for making these chocolate covered banana bites | Real Food by Dad

All of that work and within minutes of taking them out of the freezer, poof, they were gone. Cole woofed them down as if he hadn’t eaten in days. I threw several down myself and justified it by telling myself that there is fruit in them, so why not? And the pregnant momma here? Well, let’s just say, she requested another batch. Done. Easy enough. Now I just have to convince my other boy, Blake how good these are. He is definitely the pickiest in the family. Outside of that, there’s nothing better than making the family happy and feeling like a hero for a few minutes. And besides, it saves me from another trip to Trader Joe’s for a while.

Grab the tips and tricks for making these chocolate covered banana bites | Real Food by Dad

The next time I make these, if there are any left over, they are getting tossed into the BlendTec for a Summer smoothie of some kind. I think we would all go bananas over one of those.

 

Banana Bites

Banana Bites via Real Food by Dad

By Matt Robinson Published: May 12, 2014

  • Yield: 6-8 Servings

My youngest son Cole goes bananas over the Trader Joe's Gone Banana bites. Who am I kidding? So do his mom and I. They always sounded …

Ingredients

  • 11 oz. Ghiradelli Chocolate, 65% cacao
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
  • 3 medium bananas, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 6 large marshmallows
  • 3 tablespoons Nutella
  • 6 tablespoons Rice Krispies
  • 3 tablespoons caramel
  • 4 tablespoons sweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

  1. Reserve one banana for each flavor. Slice each banana to 1/4 inch thickness. Place peanut butter, Nutella and caramel in separate plastic baggies and snip off one corner; set aside. Place chocolate and shortening in a small saucepan over low heat and stir until melted; set aside.
  2. To make Peanut Butter & Marshmallow: Pipe peanut butter onto slices of banana. Cut large marshmallow in half and place on top. Dip in chocolate and place on parchment lined bake sheet. Transfer to freezer for approximately 5 minutes or until chocolate sets.
  3. To make Nutella Crunch Banana Bites: Pipe Nutella onto slices of banana. Dip in Rice Krispies and then place second slice of banana on top. Dip in chocolate and place on parchment lined bake sheet. Transfer to freezer for approximately 5 minutes or until chocolate sets.
  4. To make Coocnut & Caramel Banana Bites: Pipe caramel onto slices of banana and then place a second slice on top. Dip in chocolate and cover exterior with coconut. Place on parchment lined bake sheet. Transfer to freezer for approximately 5 minutes or until chocolate sets.
  • Course: Dessert
  • Skill Level: Easy

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Filed Under: Bites, Coconut, Dessert, Easy, Family, Fruit, Snacks, Sweets Tagged With: banana bites, nutella and banana bites, peanut butter and marshmallow

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Comments

  1. Mary says

    May 12, 2014 at 12:07 am

    I’m impressed! These look really great! I also love that your pantry always has things like good chocolate, coconut, caramel, etc. There must be a food blogger (or two!) in your house!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 12, 2014 at 12:12 am

      Exactly, Mary! That helps, cause I hate making so many trips to the grocery store. Thanks so much as always and hope you had a fantastic weekend!

      Reply
  2. Julie Murkerson says

    May 12, 2014 at 3:19 am

    Wowza! These are such a fun little treat, Matt. I could probably eat an entire batch of these too!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 12, 2014 at 6:58 am

      Seriously Julie, they are so good and fun!

      Reply
  3. Debbie | LunchingDaily.com says

    May 12, 2014 at 4:38 am

    We are going to a family friends sweet 16 party this weekend. This looks like a perfect treat to bring:) They look so good!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 12, 2014 at 6:59 am

      So cool Debbie, let me know if you make them!

      Reply
  4. Leah Davis says

    May 12, 2014 at 6:31 am

    So cute!! Love this idea!!! Chocolate and bananas are such a delicious combination!!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 12, 2014 at 6:59 am

      Thank you Leah! The perfect combination. I LOVE the peanut butter in them too.

      Reply
  5. Justin says

    May 12, 2014 at 6:58 am

    These look amazing! My kids are OBSESSED with bananas. I know they would love these:)

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 12, 2014 at 7:21 am

      Thanks Justin, SO easy to make too!

      Reply
  6. Maggie Zhu says

    May 12, 2014 at 8:38 am

    Those look lovely and so yummy! What did you use for the white decoration on the peanut butter and marshmallow ones?

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 12, 2014 at 8:44 am

      Thanks Maggie! I used a peanut butter glaze. Melt 2 tspn of peanut butter,1 tspn of water, melted in microwave together, mix into 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. We did that more to designate which one is PB since my wife is allergic to it.

      Reply
      • Maggie Zhu says

        May 12, 2014 at 9:00 am

        Thanks for the fast reply! So after making the glaze, how to apply them on the chocolate? Did you use a spoon or some other tool?

        Reply
        • realfoodbydad says

          May 12, 2014 at 9:05 am

          You’re welcome:) I put it in a plastic baggie and snipped off the corner. Super easy!

          Reply
          • Maggie Zhu says

            May 12, 2014 at 9:07 am

            Sounds easy enough! Gonna try out those soon. ๐Ÿ™‚

          • realfoodbydad says

            May 12, 2014 at 9:15 am

            So cool Maggie, let me know how they turn out!

  7. foodnessgracious says

    May 12, 2014 at 10:41 am

    Yup, we always have a box of those too. The kids (and me) love them and they’re so simple!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 12, 2014 at 10:46 am

      Thanks Gerry, they are indeed to so easy and ridiculously good when really cold.

      Reply
  8. Jenn @ Peas and Crayons says

    May 12, 2014 at 11:03 am

    Ohmygooooosh yes please! I’ll take a dozen coconut caramel in my face, like, yesterday! My husband surprised me with chocolate-dipped fruit yesterday for mother’s day and It’s basically all I want to eat for the next week!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 12, 2014 at 11:10 am

      You’ve got one smart husband Jenn! These were a huge hit with everyone here and it cracks me up because I am craving them so badly today. Waiting until at least lunch though!

      Reply
      • Jenn @ Peas and Crayons says

        May 12, 2014 at 11:13 am

        Oh I totally had the leftover chocolate strawberries for breakfast. Shhhhh!

        Reply
        • realfoodbydad says

          May 12, 2014 at 11:29 am

          Haha love that! Don’t worry, I won’t tell a soul.

          Reply
  9. ITheeCook says

    May 12, 2014 at 11:36 am

    Totally awesome! Adult and kid friendly! I have not had chocolate covered bananas since I made the ones on a stick when I was a kid.

    Reply
    • Matt Robinson says

      May 12, 2014 at 12:03 pm

      Thanks Rina! These are so good, hope you try them someday!

      Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 12, 2014 at 12:15 pm

      Thank you so much, Rina!

      Reply
  10. [email protected] says

    May 12, 2014 at 12:55 pm

    Can you believe there’s no TJ’s anywhere near me?! BUT, I’ll just print this lovely recipe and stuff my face with your awesome homemade version!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 12, 2014 at 1:05 pm

      Isn’t every city by law required to have a TJs?? But you’re right, these are way better anyway:) Especially when it’s HOT out, like it is here this week. Brutal.

      Reply
  11. Tutti Dolci says

    May 12, 2014 at 1:12 pm

    I love these, and so much better than store bought! The Nutella crunch is calling my name!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 12, 2014 at 1:44 pm

      Thanks Laura! That one is Cole’s favorite too. All so easy to make.

      Reply
  12. Mike @TheIronYou says

    May 12, 2014 at 2:05 pm

    Man, those looks awesome like really awesome; I’m deffo going to give ’em a try.
    Btw, great pictures too!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 12, 2014 at 3:12 pm

      Thanks Mike! They are pretty darn good. Hard to stop eating them.

      Reply
  13. Allison @ Clean Wellness says

    May 12, 2014 at 2:38 pm

    There’s no Trader Joe’s in Canada, or at least, I don’t know of one, and I’m always jealous of their delicious snacks every one talks about! Now I can make them at home! I love the Nutella crunch idea, because hazelnut, chocolate, banana deliciousness sounds like my kind of treat. And throwing them in a smoothie would be amaaazing! Beyond amazing, actually. Yum! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 12, 2014 at 3:13 pm

      Thanks Allison! Don’t worry, these are better than the TJ ones:)

      Reply
  14. Karen @ The Food Charlatan says

    May 12, 2014 at 2:40 pm

    I love that you instantly grabbed Rice Krispies. Yes please. Why have I never seen these at TJs?? Your version looks dangerously easy.

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 12, 2014 at 3:13 pm

      Thanks Karen! They are in little yellow boxes next to the ice cream there. But don’t bother, these are better, I swear! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  15. Meggan Hill says

    May 12, 2014 at 3:58 pm

    What an easy recipe idea! I didn’t know Trader Joe’s had these, even though I’m there all the time. ๐Ÿ™‚ Sounds like a winner to me! Especially the Nutella option. I *never* buy the stuff but got a jar last week and have been basically digging into it with a spoon. I think the addition of fruit to my Nutella is a great idea! So many fun flavor combinations here too. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 12, 2014 at 4:13 pm

      So easy Meggan! Let me know how they turn out if you every try them. They’re especially good in this brutal heat!

      Reply
  16. JanetFCTC says

    May 12, 2014 at 4:21 pm

    I’m not sure which of these variations sounds best! When I was a kid, I loved chocolate covered whole bananas. I have yet to try the sliced ones. Now however, I am pretty sure they are in my near future ๐Ÿ˜€

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 12, 2014 at 11:10 pm

      Thanks Janet! It’s hard not to eat a ton of these bad boys once you pull them out of the freezer. Hope you try them sometime and thanks so much for stopping by!

      Reply
  17. Paula says

    May 12, 2014 at 5:10 pm

    Wowzers! These look awesome! Chocolate makes fruit much better! ๐Ÿ™‚ I bet freeze dried apples would be tasty sandwiched in it too, so many options!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 12, 2014 at 11:11 pm

      That is such a great idea Paula! Seriously, doing that next time for sure. Thanks!

      Reply
  18. Savory Simple says

    May 12, 2014 at 5:52 pm

    I really love how you’ve created such elegant treats! Very impressive.

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 12, 2014 at 11:11 pm

      Thanks Jennifer! They were so fun and easy…and good!

      Reply
  19. Sandra Shaffer says

    May 12, 2014 at 7:18 pm

    Ohh, these itty-bites are perfect for snacking! I keep eyeing that peanut butter and marshmallow bite!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 12, 2014 at 11:12 pm

      Thanks Sandra! That one is the perfect combination in my opinion too!

      Reply
  20. CrazyforCrust says

    May 12, 2014 at 7:38 pm

    Oh my gosh the add-ins are genius. SO totally making these!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 12, 2014 at 11:13 pm

      I hope you do Dorothy, they are so good and incredibly easy to make!

      Reply
  21. kellyjanke2 says

    May 12, 2014 at 9:08 pm

    omg first off, i’m a Trader Joe’s loyal customer, and have NEVER had the banana bits. Shameful. These look awesome, and I honestly would hardly feel guilty eating them!! My favorite part is that you made them in layers ๐Ÿ˜€ Pinned!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 12, 2014 at 11:13 pm

      Thanks Kelly! The layers are what make these for sure. The combination of flavors and textures. Huge hit with the boys here!

      Reply
  22. Cooking Classy says

    May 12, 2014 at 9:59 pm

    I wish I had a batch in front of me now! They look amazing, and like the perfect afternoon snack!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 12, 2014 at 11:14 pm

      They would be gone in minutes Jaclyn, trust me. Doing them again in the summer for sure!

      Reply
  23. Crystal S.(Apples & Sparkle) says

    May 13, 2014 at 1:03 am

    Oh my goodness, do these ever look good! I really love how you got creative with them and went beyond just dipping them in chocolate and leaving it at that. It’s hard to pick which one sounds best, I think I might have to try them all! ; )

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 13, 2014 at 6:45 am

      Thanks Crystal! They were actually really fun to make too!

      Reply
  24. Alice Choi says

    May 13, 2014 at 4:12 am

    Matt, oh my gawd, love these!!! perfect for adults and kids! ๐Ÿ˜› I’m making the Peanut Butter & Marshmallow ones first! love!!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 13, 2014 at 6:45 am

      Thanks Alice! My fav too!

      Reply
  25. Shareba says

    May 13, 2014 at 8:58 am

    These are totally genius! I want to eat them off the screen!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 13, 2014 at 9:10 am

      Thanks Shareba!

      Reply
  26. Zainab @ Blahnik Baker says

    May 13, 2014 at 12:27 pm

    Coconut caramel? peanut butter marshmallows?? Nutella what? I am freaking happy seeing these. Ok…I must settle down and act adult-like and just go make them! Thanks ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 13, 2014 at 12:53 pm

      Yes you should go make some Zainab! They will help you focus:) Thanks so much!

      Reply
  27. GiGi Eats Celebrities says

    May 13, 2014 at 6:59 pm

    Oh wow! These look absolutely beautiful! Too pretty to eat! LOL!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 13, 2014 at 9:09 pm

      Thank you so much! They were indeed pretty, but way to good NOT to eat. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  28. Allie|Baking a Moment says

    May 13, 2014 at 8:19 pm

    The Nutella crunch has my name written all over it! And I like the idea of making them into a smoothie, but I can’t imagine how you’d ever have any leftover!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 13, 2014 at 9:09 pm

      Absolutely ZERO left over Allie. Next time the smoothie will happen for sure!

      Reply
  29. Cindy @ Pick Fresh Foods says

    May 13, 2014 at 9:10 pm

    Wow, these sound really really good. I can see myself munching on a few or a lot of these. We always have bananas in the house, so I need to try a few of these combos. Pinning!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 13, 2014 at 9:24 pm

      Thanks Cindy! Kinda the same thing here, always fruit around, so it’s fun turning them into something different.

      Reply
  30. noshandnourish says

    May 14, 2014 at 7:06 am

    These don’t sound tooooooo hard to make, but look so fancy!! And I can almost taste the goodness. The Nutella ones…OMG, yes, please! I think this would be a fun (albeit messy) thing to make with my 4 year old ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 14, 2014 at 8:15 am

      You should totally do that with your 4 year old! It would be fun, and yes, messy. These are so good and I am bummed that they are all gone!

      Reply
  31. Shinee says

    May 14, 2014 at 11:13 am

    These look delicious! I never had Trade Joe’s banana bites, but I’m sure they’re good. I’m gonna make the coconut caramel one. ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks for great recipe, Matt!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 14, 2014 at 11:30 am

      Thanks Shinee! If you try them, let me know how they turn out! Always love hearing about that. Thanks!

      Reply
  32. Carrie Higgs says

    May 19, 2014 at 2:58 am

    Hey, these look great for my son’s first birthday ๐Ÿ™‚ he loves banana and peanut butter! Have you ever left them in the freezer for longer than 5 minutes or so? I doubt marshmallow would keep but, otherwise, was hoping I could mke them a few days in advance, and just pop them in the fridge to defrost?? Save some time at birthday weekend ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      May 19, 2014 at 6:10 am

      Hi Carrie, you may be right about the marshmallow ones, they may not keep in there. They were gone too quickly here! All of the others yes for sure. If you do try that and they work, let me know. And what a fun idea for your son’s birthday! Thanks so much for stopping by!

      Reply
  33. Brian says

    June 7, 2014 at 1:33 pm

    When I tried to make these about a week ago I had trouble with the peanut butter or Nutella getting soft due to the heat and then the banana would want to slide off. These do not do well in the freezer as the bananas will turn mushy when they thaw. I am wondering how you were able to combat the problem that I had with the peanutbutter to make yours look so uniform? And how were you able to dip them? Perhaps a video presentation will work?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      June 7, 2014 at 9:57 pm

      Thanks Brian. I didn’t have the same trouble with peanut butter and Nutella sliding off, but to combat that problem try patting the banana slice dry prior to piping the spreads on top. And don’t forget, the more ripe the banana, the “wetter” its surface area will be once cut. Use bananas that are yellow and free of spots.

      As for the bananas turning mushy once removed from the freezer. that is the case if you leave the bananas in there too long or if you are working with bananas that are too ripe. The freezer is just to set the chocolate, so don’t leave it in there any longer than that. But if you do, yes, they will turn mushy–even the Trader Joe’s ones that inspired this have that mushed texture since they are sold as frozen banana bites.

      Hope that helps!

      Reply
  34. Cookie and Kate says

    June 10, 2014 at 3:02 pm

    Love this idea! I’m going to have to hunt down those Trader Joe’s banana bites next time I’m in the store… that, or a bunch of bananas and dark chocolate. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • realfoodbydad says

      June 10, 2014 at 6:14 pm

      These ones are so much better:) Totally addicting once you bite into one. Thanks for stopping by Kate!

      Reply

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Welcome to Real Food by Dad, where I create and share easy-to-make, everyday meals, snacks and desserts for my family, along with my adventures of being a husband, dad and coach. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy your time here and become a regular visitor!

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