Frozen Banana Snickers is a fun and refreshing treat that combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the rich flavors of chocolate, caramel, and peanuts—just like the candy bar, but way healthier and perfect for a hot day. It has a smooth, creamy texture with a bit of crunch from the peanuts that makes every bite exciting.
I love making these on busy afternoons when I want something sweet but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. They’re super easy to put together, and I usually keep frozen banana slices ready to go in the freezer. It’s like having a quick homemade ice cream bar whenever a craving hits, and my kids adore them too!
My favorite way to enjoy Frozen Banana Snickers is straight from the freezer as a little snack or dessert. Sometimes I like to drizzle a bit of extra caramel or sprinkle some sea salt on top for a nice twist. It’s a great way to treat yourself without feeling guilty, and honestly, it’s just plain fun to eat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Make sure your bananas are ripe and sweet for the best flavor and creaminess. If you want, frozen banana slices on hand make this quick and easy.
Peanut Butter: I like natural peanut butter for its rich flavor and less sugar. You can swap in almond or cashew butter if you prefer a different nutty taste.
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought caramel is fine, but homemade adds a fresh, buttery touch. If you want to cut down on sugar, try a date caramel or drizzle honey instead.
Chocolate Chips: Dark or semi-sweet chocolate works best for a slightly bitter contrast. If you’re dairy-free, use vegan chocolate chips or melted coconut chocolate.
Chopped Peanuts: Roasted and unsalted peanuts add nice crunch and flavor, but you can use mixed nuts or even sunflower seeds if you need a nut-free option.
How Do You Keep the Chocolate from Melting the Banana?
Keeping the banana solid while coating with warm chocolate is the trickiest part. Here’s what helps:
- Freeze the bananas for at least 1 hour before dipping or drizzling chocolate.
- Use a microwave in short bursts (15-20 seconds) when melting chocolate, stirring often.
- Drizzle the chocolate quickly over the frozen banana to limit melting.
- After adding chocolate and peanuts, freeze again quickly (15-20 minutes) to harden the chocolate shell.
These steps help the banana stay firm while you get a smooth chocolate coating with crunchy peanut bits on top. The result is a perfect cool treat every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Cutting board and knife – To peel and cut bananas into halves or smaller pieces.
- Popsicle sticks – For easy handling and serving of the frozen treats.
- Baking sheet with parchment paper – To place the bananas on while freezing and prevent sticking.
- Microwave-safe bowl – For melting chocolate chips smoothly.
- Spatula or spoon – To drizzle melted chocolate and spread peanut butter evenly.
- Freezer – To harden the bananas, chocolate, and caramel layers until firm.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate Coating: Use white or milk chocolate instead of dark for a different flavor profile.
- Nut Swap: Try chopped almonds, cashews, or pecans for varied crunch and taste.
- Filling Twist: Add a spread of Nutella or marshmallow fluff inside before freezing for extra gooeyness.
- Additional Toppings: Sprinkle shredded coconut, dried fruits, or crushed graham crackers on top before the chocolate sets for more texture.
Frozen Banana Snickers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 ripe bananas
- ⅓ cup natural peanut butter (or any nut butter)
- ¼ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts (roasted, unsalted)
- Popsicle sticks
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and assemble. Then, allow 1 hour to freeze the banana pops before adding chocolate and peanuts, plus another 15-20 minutes to set the chocolate coating. So, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes total, mostly hands-off freezing time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bananas:
Peel the bananas and cut each one in half crosswise so they’ll fit nicely on a popsicle stick. Push a popsicle stick halfway into each banana piece to hold it securely.
2. Add Peanut Butter and Caramel:
Spread a thin, even layer of peanut butter all over each banana piece. Then drizzle caramel sauce over the peanut butter, making sure each bite will have that rich, gooey flavor.
3. Freeze Until Firm:
Place your prepared banana pops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for at least 1 hour or until they’re fully firm and cold, which helps when adding the chocolate coating.
4. Melt Chocolate and Coat:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips by heating in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth and shiny. Quickly drizzle the melted chocolate over the frozen banana pops.
5. Add Peanuts and Final Freeze:
Right after drizzling chocolate, sprinkle the chopped peanuts on top so they stick well. Return the banana pops to the freezer for another 15-20 minutes to let the chocolate harden completely.
6. Serve:
Once the chocolate is set, your Frozen Banana Snickers are ready to enjoy! Keep any extras frozen until you’re ready for a cool, tasty treat.
Can I Use Frozen Bananas Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Just thaw frozen bananas slightly so they’re soft enough to insert popsicle sticks and spread peanut butter on, but not too mushy. You may want to freeze them a bit longer after assembly to keep them firm.
Can I Substitute the Peanut Butter?
Absolutely! Almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter work great too. Just choose one that you enjoy for a different twist on the flavor and texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Frozen Banana Snickers?
Keep them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag in the freezer. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 1 week. Just pop one out when you want a quick frozen treat!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, they’re perfect for make-ahead snacks. Prepare and freeze fully, then keep frozen until ready to eat. They make great party treats or an easy dessert to grab on busy days.
