Frozen Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Pops

Did you know that you can easily make your own chocolate for dipping without having to buy the expensive baking chocolate at the store? Did you know that it’s way healthier because you can control every ingredient that goes into your chocolate? Did you know it’s super easy and tastes delicious? Well, all of these things are true. You can make your chocolate and eat it too.

On these hot summer days there’s a constant supply of popsicles in my fridge. They’re so easy to make and are a much healthier option to ice cream and slurpee’s. I always try to make them healthy enough that they can be enjoyed every day if we want. A cooling treat is just needed on a scorcher of a day.

These particular pops are still healthy but taste surprisingly like an ice cream Drumstick. You break through the crisp layer of chocolate and peanuts to the creamy centre of banana. Just like with healthy banana ice cream, it’s easy to forget you’re eating a banana, with the custard quality that bananas take on after freezing.

I made an easy homemade chocolate with a little peanut butter and maple syrup stirred in. It has a very dark chocolate taste, but offset against the sweetness of the banana I think it’s perfect. My kids gobbled it right up and were excited to be able to have chocolate and “ice cream” at snack time. It’s so easy to make your own chocolate, it’s kind of ridiculous (and fun!), but of course you can swap it with melted baking chocolate if you prefer.

Frozen Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Pops

Makes: 8

• 2 bananas, peeled
• 2.5 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter
• 3 teaspoons maple syrup
• pinch salt
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup dry roasted peanuts, chopped

Cut each banana into 4 equal pieces. Stick a toothpick in the end of each one, place on a parchment lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 2 hours.

Place coconut oil and peanut butter in a small bowl or saucepan. Melt in the microwave or on the stove top. Stir in syrup, salt and cocoa powder until evenly mixed. Dip frozen bananas into chocolate mixture, using a spoon to help if needed. Let excess drip off. Roll in peanuts. Set back on parchment to harden. Eat immediately or store, covered in the freezer. If you store them in the freezer you may want to take them out 5-10 minutes before serving.