Frozen Chocolate Covered Bananas
I’m about to get on my soap box today but before I do that I’m gonna tell you a little about the recipe I’m bringing you. This is a fun and kid friendly treat that the whole family can get in on making and everyone can customize to their own tastes. Whats even better is that it is inexpensive (can you believe how cheap bananas are?) and a much healthier alternative to ice cream and frozen novelty treats at the grocery store. Of course, as with anything there is a lighter version and a bring-on-the-calories version so I’ll leave that part up to you to decide. I love frozen bananas plain myself, but they do pack quite a wallop when you coat them in chocolate and dust them with sprinkles or nuts!
Having introduced the recipe, now I’m gonna get on my soap box.
~clears throat and pulls out a tiny wooden box from her back to stand up on as she starts her sermon~
I’m a big believer in all things happening for a reason. I also believe that the reason things happen is to help us become better people or so that we can help others in some way. Whether it be a little unexpected money (is there someone I am supposed to help with this?) , a problem or situation I’m struggling with (how this make me a better person?), or sometimes just a saying or quote that is weighing heavily on my heart (is there someone in my life that needs to hear this today?).
Oftentimes a quote will start nagging at me, one that just seems to stick in my head until I take time to turn it over and do something with it. It’s always a little bit of timeless wisdom that can reach out and resonate with us or help us get our heads on a little straighter. When this happens, I figure someone needs to hear it as much as I do and I’ll post it here or on our Facebook page.
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I’m special or better than anyone else, all I’m saying is that I believe things happen for a reason and that we are all here for a reason. While I can’t testify to what your reason is, I know mine and I’ll just bet yours is somewhat similar. I think we all share a common thread, we’re here to build each other up as we go about our growing and becoming whatever it is we are meant to be.
You know how you hear “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all”? Well I think we need to look at the flipside of that as well (and I’ve even mentioned this before on SP).
If you think something nice, you should say it whenever possible.
So often we keep our kind thoughts to ourselves but I do my best to say them out loud when I can. Have you ever been in the grocery store and had someone compliment you on your blouse or your hairstyle? I’ll admit this is tricky if its someone of the opposite gender so I’m not encouraging that but just last week I saw this lady in Krogers and she had the prettiest blouse on. It was light blue linen with embroidery all over it. She was an older lady with the kindest eyes and I just had to stop and tell her how beautiful her shirt was. She was so kind and gracious in return and I feel certain that one little encounter made both of our days a little brighter.
So here is what I posted it on Facebook and sure enough, people chimed in with “that is just what I needed to hear today” so I got the affirmation that I did what I was supposed to do with it. Just in case you’re one of the folks I am supposed to share this with today I’m gonna put it here, too.
“Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain – and most fools do.” ~Dale Carnegie.
Great reminder that we need to build each other up and not keep company with folks who tear others down. Thankful for all the wonderful people in my life (that means you!).
Does this quote speak to you today or is there something that is weighing on your heart that you think will lift somebody else up? I’d love to hear in the comments section!
I just wonder, how many people can we as a group lift up today?
To make frozen bananas you’ll need: Banana and some cling wrap or little zipper baggies to freeze them in.
That is all you really need. But the rest of makes it a little nicer and a whole lot more fun.
I like to use a little orange juice to dip the bananas in after I peel them to give me more time to get them all squared away before they brown. If you don’t have orange juice, just peel them and put them in the bags kinda quick and freeze them, they won’t turn brown. Some folks like to use lemon juice but I don’t care for the sour tang it gives them.
I also like to use Popsicle sticks if I can find them but have made them plenty of times without.
If you can’t find Popsicle sticks, you can omit them entirely or use plastic forks.
If you’d like to have chocolate covered bananas, you’ll need some chocolate and whatever you’d like to coat them with (if anything)
When it comes to my chocolate, I get the el cheapo chocolate “flavored” coating, otherwise known as Almond Bark. Almond bark is just a cheap candy coating, and doesn’t have any nuts or anything in it despite the name.
I like to roll mine in nuts but the kids get a kick out of sprinkles.
Peel your banana and cut it in half.
Pour a little bit of orange juice in a bowl and…
Dip your banana in the juice, roll it around to coat.
Put a stick in it and repeat with all of your bananas
When you are done wrap them in cling wrap and place them in the freezer until frozen solid.
Then take out your frozen bananas and heat your chocolate coating in the microwave until melted.
To melt your chocolate coating: heat it in forty five second intervals, stirring after each one, until it is smooth and creamy. Make sure you don’t have any drops of water in your bowl or on your spoon as the least little bit of water will cause your candy coating to clot and it won’t be all smooth like you need it to be.
ou can either dip your banana directly into the chocolate or you can spoon it over your banana,
whatever cranks your tractor.
Then roll it around in your nuts or sprinkles.
Looky there how purty!
I still think plain ones are the best though!
Frozen Chocolate Covered Bananas
- Bananas (each one makes two)
- Wooden sticks (can use plastic forks in their place or leave them out entirely)
- Orange juice (optional)
- Toppings (sprinkles, nuts, etc)
Pour orange juice in a bowl (can leave this step out if you like). Peel each banana and cut in half. Roll each banana half in orange juice and then put a stick in the end of it. Wrap in cling wrap and freeze until hard.
Bananas are ready when they are frozen. You can eat them then or coat them in chocolate.
To coat in chocolate: Melt candy coating in microwave in 45 second intervals, stirring in between each, until smooth and creamy. Dip frozen banana into chocolate or spoon chocolate over banana. Roll in nuts or sprinkles. Chocolate will harden quickly since bananas are frozen. Eat immediately or wrap again and place back in freezer.
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“I don’t want to brag or make anybody jealous or anything,
but I can still fit into the earrings I wore in high school.”
Submitted by Kolene. Submit your positive, uplifting, or funny quote by clicking here.
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Posted by Christy Jordan
on Jun 20 2010. Filed under Southern Plate Kids.
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Thanks for getting on your soapbox and I LOVED what you had to say! I make it a point to say something nice to someone when I go into places. Sometimes even just smiling and saying “hello”. What a difference it makes!
Off to make some frozen chocolate covered bananas and grateful to have you on my side.
“People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said . . . but they will always remember how you made them feel.”
Hey!! You make my day every time I see your name pop up here. Thank you!!!
Christy, I love your stories and when you “get on your soapbox.” I’ve never felt like you’re lecturing or anything. I adore your recipes but your blog wouldn’t be the same without everything else you write
As for the actual recipe, those bananas are so cute! I used to work at a place that sold frozen chocolate covered bananas so have made a lot of them, but we never used the OJ. What a good idea! Does it make them taste a little orangey? Yum! We also only dipped them in nuts and shredded coconut. Should’ve done sprinkles! Unfortunately, I won’t be making this recipe because I’m not a huge fan of how frozen nanners taste, but I think they’re just the cutest things ever and wish I did like them. I need to find some kids to make them for! They remind me of an Austrian/German specialty, Schokobananen. A cookie with some fluffy creamy stuff on it, then half a banana, then chocolate poured on top, then sprinkles or nuts or coconut. SO GOOD. My host mom in Austria made her cookie part like meringues and folded coconut into the batter too. Haven’t had one in 10 years.
I think we all need to plan a field trip to see your host mom in Austria!!!
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment!!! I can’t tell you how much it means to be to get to hear back from folks and have a conversation.
Oh my, now I want shredded coconut on my banana!
Gratefully,
Christy
Oh yeah, and how sweet is Brady?! You have the most lovely children.
Thank you so much!!!! I look at that little face of his and just fall in love every time. He has the cutest freckles, too!
Not that I’m biased, mind you ~winks~
I don’t know how many times I’ve told my child “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all” LOL Thanks for reminding us that if we think something nice… we should say it and brighten someone’s day.
As for the bananas…. YUM! I’m trying to watch my intake of sweets right now… but with this HOT & MUGGY weather we’ve been having in South Georgia, I just crave something cold… like ice cream. These would be a great alternative. I have everything in my pantry, too… including chocolate and sprinkles.
Hey… I said I was WATCHING my intake of sweets. Not eliminating it. *wink*
btw… did you know you can also dip your bananas in a little bit of a lemon lime soda to keep them from turning brown? Just a little tip I learned a long time ago. I don’t like the bitterness that lemon juice adds, either.
Thanks for another great recipe, Christy!
My absolutely favorite Summer treat at the ocean. Now I know how simple it can be I will make my own at home.
Your right it doesn’t take much to make someone else’s day. A simple smile or kind word. Makes you feel better too.
I absolutely love your quotes that you share with us and can I tell you that sometimes they are they highlight of my day. I have a son that is a young man with autism and I must tell you I would love someone to stop and tell him or/and I how nice he looks or what a beautiful smile he has, instead of the stares people give us or purposely turning away. I know they don’t realize it at the time, but those looks hurt him so much. Thank you for reminding me how much a kind word can mean.
And can I ask how long the bananas will stay good in the freezer? Thanks!
i know what you mean. My son is affected as well. He has such a good heart,but seldom hears it. If we all do this,it will eventually come around, right?
Chocolate covered Bananas.. Awesome! Thanks for the recipe.
Did I tell you how nice your hair looks today? And I love the way your blog matches your eyes!
I made these just last nite! I saw a program on Food Network this past weekend showcasing different restaurant specialty items and one them was chocolate covered bananas. One thing they did differently was cut off the end of the banana, insert the stick and then peel. This would be easy from both end if you wanted to cut the banana in half. I did it a little differently and cut the banana into pieces, put them on a tray and inserted toothpicks before freezing so that everyone could dip each bite into different toppings. Sort of like an appetizer tray except it was a dessert tray. Soooo good! Love your website, Christy!
Great idea with cutting up the banana . . . easier for little fingers too!
One time, I had this great idea to make chocolate covered frozen bananas for our Kids Crusade (similar to VBS). I bought beaux coup bananas (read “25 lbs), put them all in the freezer and waited for them to get frozen. What a mess to deal with. Seems like I forgot one itty, bitty step…I didn’t PEEL them before freezing. Did you know that as they defrost, bananas begin to actually disintigrate in you hands, on your table, on the floor, or where ever they are at the time!
For some reason, I have never ventured to try them again. ;~P
These sound GREAT!!! I wonder how they would hold up if they were frozen, then put in a cooler for our 4 July picnic and firework show???
not well they defrost fast!!
Great idea – and you could roll them in red, white, and blue sprinkles – and use white bark instead of chocolate – how patriotic you would be!!!
I always try to do this, especially when I get good service anywhere. I went through the Zaxby’s drive through a couple years ago and the lady that took my order was so nice. When I got to the window I made a point to tell her that I appreciated her being nice and friendly over the speaker. She bust into tears!! Said she had had the worst day and that people were just being down right rude to her that day. I asked for her manager and told him how nice she was and how it made my day.
Christy,
My spirits are lifted each time I visit Southern Plate.
Thank you!
Blessings,
Sheila
I agree sometimes a kind word is just what is needed. It can make such a difference.
I tried frozen bananas and did not peel them first, Oh Mercy Me, what a mess. Now I know what I did wrong, I will try again, as bananas are a big favorite with the everyone in my home.
I volunteer at a local non profit group, doing case work, helping people with food etc. It does not take any effort to tell someone you like their jacket or hat or whatever. And a smile is always free and very up lifting. Sometimes that one nice comment or smile is the only one someone gets that day. And you both are winners
usually in the baking/flour aisle, often close to the chocolate chips!
Have a great day!
Can anyone kindly tell me where I’d find Almond Bark? I’ve never seen it in the store.
You can find it at any grocery store or Wal-Mart. My Target even carries it, under a different name, but the same thing.
You usually find it in the same area as the chocolate chips
Thank you for your soap box. I try to be as nice to everyone as I would be to a friend. I was checking out at JC Penney last week and chatting with the sales lady, when she said “you are being so nice to me I am giving you a 10% discount”. I told her that was very nice but not necessary. She said it was a discount they mail out to the public and because I treated her like a person I was getting the discount. Evidently people yell at her because they are remodeling the inside of the store, like it is her fault.
I’m going down a bunny trail here, but you know you can take overripe bananas and if you don’t have time to make them into bread or bars or whatever you do with your overripe bananas, just toss them in the freezer. You can peel them or not. If you want peel them, mash them and measure the amount you will need for your recipe, then put them in a container…..mark how much you have in there, so you don’t forget, and toss it in the freezer. Otherwise, just toss the whole thing in the freezer. When you are ready to use it, take it out and let it thaw, peel it, mash and measure and away you go!!
I loved your Kroger story — I know how I feel when someone speaks kindly to me…but honestly, the little warm glow in my heart burns a lot brighter when I get to be the blessor instead of the blessee! And I try to remember that of all the gifts I can give away, a smile costs the least and adds the most value to the day! Don’t put that little soapbox away — you can preach to me anytime!
A few weeks ago, a woman came up to me in the grocery store and told me that she sees me all the time around town, and I always look so happy that it makes her feel good. Now I’m very good with faces, I like to think, but I didn’t recognize hers at all. That off hand comment made me feel very good and reminded me that people see me when I’m not even aware of it.
Christy, your comments are always welcome – and the quote at the bottom of the page today is certainly for me….my earrings sure do still fit and I am going to put that on my class reunion Facebook page immediately and hope that I can give someone else a laugh like it gave me.
I have never had a frozen bananas…first time for everything!
Hey Christy:
You can also dip in pineapple juice if you don’t have orange juice on hand or for a little different flavor!
Sherrie
Kristi,
How true…..my husband and I eat out often and whenever we see families with children behaving mannerly, we always compliment the children and the parents. Needless to say, the parents beam and the children get a real self esteem boost. We make it a point to tell the parents how proud they must be.
I so enjoy your site and have started my own Southern Plate Collection of recipes in a dedicated notebook. Thanks for all your wisdom and humor.
I love that quote, too. One day I told a Walmart greeter that she should have a prize for the friendliest person around! She thanked me and said she was just so grateful to have the job!!! On the other hand, someone came to me this morning and told me some nasty stories that had circulated about someone dear to me over the weekend. It turned out to be a statement that person made as a joke to another friend – she took it all the wrong way and ran with it. I’ve been so upset all day and if I try to correct it, it will just get worse. SO – that’s the opposite effect and believe me, it’s not fun. I’m sure we’ve all had that experience.
My dad always told me if I couldn’t say something nice about someone, I shouldn’t say anything at all – and my kids have heard it so many times…………so very true, tho!
So true Christy. I try to make a practice of lifting others whenever I can as I’m out and about in the world – there is enough negative stuff we have to live with aready.
Love frozen bananas – plain or decorated!!
I will admit that I am one of those strange women that will go up to a complete stranger and compliment them on their clothing, hair, etc….my husband says he would like to sink through the floor when I do that…but it sure makes me feel good to see the smile on folks faces when they get a true compliment out of the blue…and you made my day too….I CAN STILL FIT IN MY HIGH SCHOOL EARRINGS TOO! LOL
Wackywheelers name makes me smile, too!. I have a client whose last name is Colliflower; Seeing her name always makes me smile!
I want to share some things my Daddy often said:
“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost;
that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under
them.” He borrowed this from Thoreau. I love this encouragement to dream…and to DO!
He also said, “There may be Winter on the roof and Fall in the arches, but there is Spring in my step and Summer in my heart!” I hope when there is ‘Winter’ on my roof that I will feel this way.
The frozen bananas sound delish!
Denise in Dallas
By all means Dear Lady, step on that soapbox any and every time you feel the need. We can always use a gentle reminder.
I always make a point to thank and let the cleaning crew at work know they are appreciated. Yes I know they are doing their job, but also know how often people do not clean up after themselves knowing someone will come behind them and clean up their mess. Or when I am in a store and there is someone giving the cashier a hard time, I always let the cashier know I’m not in a hurry, if I was I should not be in the store.
This is one of my favorite sites, since wandering on to it a few weeks ago, I have had so much fun reading yours and everyone else’s notes. I have recipes from this wonderful site that I’ve bookmarked to try. As soon as my son gets home from school, I am going to be cooking up a storm.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you
Oh Christy you have done it again……brought back happy memories from my childhood. How many times did we go to OPRYLAND and I would beg Mom and Dad for the frozen banana. Thank you so much….I can hardly wait to share this with Sarah and Turner. By the way Sarah is anxiously waiting to freeze some more tomatoes, she loves helping in the kitchen.
I love being complemented and I’m sure other people do too, so I always try to say something to give somebody a smile. There is a greeter at our Walmart who always looks so gloomy — until you speak to her. Then she is all smiles and seems so happy to be recognized as a real person. Her smile lights up my day!
My granddaughter is allergic to milk products, so frozen bananas are a great treat for her when all of the other kids are getting ice cream. Now even the grandchildren who can have ice cream want the banana pops!
Now Dahling, I know things happen for a reason. BUT, when my
dryer belt breaks, half of my tooth broke off and the motor of my
car goes out all in a 3 days time………..Well, when I found out how much all this was going to cost…I ran straight where I always go . To God for help. Things are going o.k. and He is helping me take care of all things. Haven’t called the Dentist yet since it is a back tooth but it will be O.K. Hopefully my car will be ready by this evening. What lesson have I learned?? Besides leaning on my maker, which I always do, I am still thinking about that question.
Chocolate dipped covered frozen bananas are an excellent ice cream alternative. They are healthy as well as delicious. See the following page for nutritional information: http://www.totally-bananas.net/nutrition.php
I love your comment, “we’re here to build each other up as we go about our growing and becoming whatever it is we are meant to be.” Beautifully stated. I see life as a continual learning experience and learning from (and leaning on) each other sure adds to the joy.
Now it’s time to freeze the abundant amount of bananas that a friend blessed me with. Thanks for the instructions – the kids and I are going to love this treat!
I sometimes substitute the chocolate coating that hardens when it gets cold (found in the aisle with ice cream toppings) which is perfect for toting the frozen bananas to the park or a picnic where it might be difficult to melt the bark. I’ve taken these everywhere…just takes a little extra attention when packing bananas; I use large ziploc bags and place in cooler with ice directly below and directly on top of the bananas. We also love strawberries (cleaned, dried, insert toothpick and freeze on a paper plate before putting in ziploc to make sure they don’t stick together).
Crushed pretzels also are a great dip item!
Great ideas here. I’ve neen dipping mine in chocolate before freezing them. And I haven’t tried dipping them in juice. Organic peanut butter also works well – although kids will naturally prefer chocolate.
Ya know, you could even just put some chocolate on one side of the banana to at least get some chocolate taste. Of course, covering the banana with it would be sooo much better.
When I was a girl in 1960′s California, my Nana would have large Sunday family suppers at her home. I didn’t understand what it meant that my family was from the south. But summer suppers at Nana’s usually involved sweet tea, barbecue, watermelon with salt, fresh corn puddin, coleslaw, divinity and sugar cookies, and of course “Nana’s Bananas”. And baseball games blairing from the transistor radio in the backyard while the meat grilled. Nana’s Bananas were brought out as dessert.
Reading about your orange juice dip to slow the browning brought a smile and fond memories back! Nana’s bananas were sliced lengthwise in two, then rolled in thawed orange juice concentrate. Then popped into the little freezer of her round-top Frigidaire.
At serving time she’d get out her big painted china platter with the gold edges. The bananas would be quickly rolled in Miracle Whip, then finely chopped salted peanuts.
Her presentation was a big part of the memory of this treat. Ever the gracious southern lady, wearing her ruffled hostess apron, always in a dress, with high heels and pearls, Nana would ceremoniously walk about offering this special treat to all the kids. I can still hear her asking, “Marti Louise darlin, would you like one of Nana’s bananas?” I could have devoured three of them, but I assumed they were the treat of royalty, and that one would have to do to be polite!
I think it’s time I make some frozen bananas for my own little grandchildren this summer!
Oh my goodness, what precious memories!!! And Marti Louise darlin, I think that is the perfect memory to make with your grandchildren this summer.