I’ve tested dozens of banana recipes over the years, and these banana chocolate popsicles are my favorite refreshing frozen dessert that’s perfect for summer. Give them a try if you’re looking for easy recipes using ripe bananas, like these decadent banana truffles, which are another delicious option.
Ingredients
You’ll need 3-4 ripe bananas to make these popsicles. If your bananas are large, then use three of them, but if they’re on the smaller side you can add a fourth. Be sure to pick bananas with plenty of brown spots to ensure the popsicles have the perfect level of sweetness.
These banana popsicles get their chocolate flavor from unsweetened cocoa powder. You can use either Dutch process, natural cocoa powder, or raw cacao powder.
I sweetened these popsicles with maple syrup. You can substitute other liquid sweeteners such as agave nectar if you prefer. Or for a lower-sugar version, you can omit the sweetener altogether.
I included some vanilla extract in this recipe because it complements the flavors of chocolate and banana nicely. I recommend using pure vanilla extract as opposed to artificial vanilla flavoring if possible.
How to Make Banana Chocolate Popsicles
Start by mashing your bananas in a large mixing bowl. I like to use a potato masher to get the job done quickly, but a fork works too.
Next you’ll add the unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and salt to the mixing bowl. Use a whisk to mix well.
Transfer that mixture to a popsicle mold (this recipe makes 5 popsicles but you can scale it up to make as many as you want), then freeze until rock solid (this will take a minimum of 5 hours).
Or if you’d prefer to make these without a popsicle mold, you can line some small plastic cups with plastic wrap and then pour in the banana chocolate mixture. Freeze until semi-solid (this should take about 2 hours), then insert popsicle sticks. Then freeze for a minimum of 3 more hours.
Alternative Flavor Ideas
If you’re not in the mood for chocolate, omit the cocoa powder and add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg instead. Then they’ll taste just like frozen banana bread. Or if you’re a fan of the combination of peanut butter, banana, and chocolate, then add 1/4 cup of creamy natural peanut butter to the banana mixture.
Optional Additions
To add an extra layer of flavor and texture to these popsicles, once they’re frozen solid, remove them from the popsicle mold, then dip them in melted dark chocolate before sprinkling on some chopped peanuts, pecans, or walnuts. Then place the popsicles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and return them to the freezer for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Banana Chocolate Popsicles Recipe
Equipment
- Popsicle Mold
Ingredients
- 3 large ripe bananas
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add the bananas to a large mixing bowl, then use a potato masher or fork to mash them well.
- Add the cocoa powder, pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Use a whisk to mix well.
- Transfer that mixture to a popsicle mold (this recipe makes 5 popsicles, but you can scale it up or down as needed).
- Freeze for at least 5 hours or until solid.
Notes
- Store the popsicles in an airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer for up to three months.
- To make this recipe without using a popsicle mold, use small plastic cups lined with plastic wrap. Pour in the banana chocolate mixture, then place the cups in the freezer. Insert popsicle sticks when they are semi-frozen (this should take about 2 hours), then continue to freeze for a minimum of 3 more hours.
- To add an extra layer of flavor and texture to these popsicles, once they’re frozen solid, remove them from the popsicle mold, then dip them in melted dark chocolate before sprinkling on some chopped peanuts, pecans, or walnuts. Then place the popsicles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and return them to the freezer for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Estimates
You Might Also Like
- These chocolate covered blackberries are sweet, juicy, and delicious.