Indulging in a sweet treat doesn’t have to be complicated. This chocolate banana bark is both simple and delicious. It’s perfect for satisfying cravings or as a fun family snack. With creamy chocolate and soft banana, you’ll want this on a regular rotation!
Why You Will Love This Chocolate Banana Bark
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser for sure! It’s easy to make and uses everyday ingredients you likely have at home. The prep only takes a few minutes, making it ideal for a quick treat. Plus, it’s a tasty way to sneak in some fruit. Your family will love it!
How to Make Chocolate Banana Bark
Making this banana bark is a breeze. You’ll combine bananas, peanut butter, and chocolate, then freeze it to set. It’s a straightforward process, so don’t worry if you’re new to cooking. Just follow the steps, and you’ll have a delightful snack in no time.
What You Need
- 2 medium semi-ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons drippy, creamy peanut butter
- 1.5 cups dark chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil – optional
- Flaky sea salt – optional
Step-by-Step
- Line a medium-sized baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peel and slice the bananas into 1/3-inch thick slices. I sliced mine on a slight angle so they fit together better. You want the banana slices to be as even in size as possible.
- Arrange the banana slices in a rectangular shape on the lined baking sheet. Make sure they are touching so they hold together better when you freeze them. See the photos in the post for an example.
- Spread the peanut butter evenly over the bananas to cover them completely. Use a rubber spatula to make the peanut butter easier to spread. If it is too thick, then place the peanut butter in a microwave-safe dish in the microwave and heat it for 10-15 seconds to melt a little. Then place the bark into the freezer for 20 minutes to set.
- After 20 minutes, add the chocolate to a microwave-safe dish and heat it in 30-second intervals in the microwave until mostly melted, then stir it to fully melt. Watch it closely so it does not burn.
- Remove the bark from the freezer, and pour and spread the melted chocolate over it in an even layer. Sprinkle it with sea salt, if desired (this is also the point where you would add more toppings).
- Place the bark back into the freezer for at least 90 minutes, up to 2 hours, to fully set.
- Once the banana bark is ready, remove it from the freezer, flip it over, and peel the parchment paper off of it, then break it up into large pieces.
- Serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Chocolate Banana Bark
This banana bark is wonderful on its own, but you might enjoy it even more with toppings like crushed nuts or a drizzle of extra peanut butter. Serve it as a sweet snack for kids after school or as a quick dessert after dinner. It’s great for parties, too!
How to Store Chocolate Banana Bark
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer. This will keep it fresh for about a month. If you want to enjoy it later, just take out the pieces you want. You can eat it directly from the freezer!
Recipe Tips
- Make sure to slice the bananas evenly for better freezing.
- If the peanut butter is hard to spread, heat it slightly in the microwave.
- Use parchment paper to avoid any sticking.
- You can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste.
- Be careful not to overheat the chocolate in the microwave.
Variations & Swaps
- Swap the peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter for different flavors.
- Add toppings like shredded coconut or chopped dried fruit for extra sweetness.
- Use white chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate for a creamy twist.
FAQs
Can I make this chocolate banana bark ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this treat in advance and store it in the freezer. Just slice it up and keep it in an airtight container for up to a month. It’s perfect for a last-minute dessert or snack!
Can I freeze any leftovers?
Yes, this banana bark freezes beautifully. Just keep it in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for about a month. You can enjoy it cold or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.
How do I reheat or serve it?
There’s no need to reheat this snack. You can enjoy it straight from the freezer, which makes it a nice, cold treat on warm days. Just break off a piece and enjoy!
Are there substitutions I can use?
Sure! If you want to keep it nut-free, use sunflower seed butter. You can also replace bananas with sliced strawberries or apples for a fruity twist.
What common mistakes should I avoid?
Make sure not to slice your bananas too thin; they need to hold together when frozen. Also, keep an eye on your chocolate in the microwave so it doesn’t burn. It should melt just enough to pour. Avoid letting it sit too long without stirring!
Chocolate Banana Bark
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 medium semi-ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup drippy, creamy peanut butter plus 2 tablespoons
- 1.5 cups dark chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil optional
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Line a medium-sized baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Peel and slice the bananas into 1/3-inch thick slices.
- Arrange the banana slices in a rectangular shape on the lined baking sheet, making sure they are touching.
- Spread the peanut butter evenly over the bananas to cover them completely.
- Place the bark into the freezer for 20 minutes to set.
- After 20 minutes, heat the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe dish in 30-second intervals until mostly melted, then stir to fully melt.
- Remove the bark from the freezer and pour the melted chocolate over it in an even layer, sprinkling with sea salt, if desired.
- Place the bark back into the freezer for at least 90 minutes to fully set.
- Once set, remove from the freezer, flip it over, and peel off the parchment paper, then break into large pieces.
