Chocolate Covered Banana Pops

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These frozen chocolate covered banana pops are a classic treat for the summer. Whether you decorate them for the 4th of July or simply serve them at your next backyard party, these choco bananas on a stick are always delicious and always welcome.

Frozen chocolate covered banana pops stacked atop oine another on a plate.

These delicious chocolate covered bananas on a stick are coated in chocolate, decorated with sprinkles, and then frozen. They're a favorite from my childhood and I've been serving them to family and friends on hot days for years.

This recipe was inspired by my peanut butter chocolate covered bananas recipe! Love cooling down with frozen treats in the summer? Then you've got to try these Dole Whip popsicles or this homemade rhubarb ice cream.

Why You Will Love Banana Pops!

Banana pops only require a few ingredients with minimal equipment, making them fast and easy to prepare anytime.
A healthy, cool, tasty treat that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.
You can customize the frozen banana pops with your favorite toppings and ingredients.

Ingredients

You'll only need a handful of simple ingredients to make chocolate covered frozen bananas.

Most, if not all, of them are in your kitchen right now, and anything you don't have is readily available at your local grocery store. Be sure the check the recipe card at the end of the post for exact amounts.

Overhead shot of individual ingredients for frozen chocolate covered banana pops on a stick on table.

Bananas: You can use bananas at most stages of ripeness but I'd try to avoid those that are overly ripe as they will be quite soft and may not work so well.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: For the perfect balance of bitter and sweet chocolate flavor.
Coconut Oil: This will help make the chocolate smoother and thinner so it's easier to work with when coating your bananas.
Chopped Salted Peanuts and Rainbow Sprinkles: For jazzing up your bananas!

Substitutions and Variations

To make delicious banana pops, you'll need a variety of ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Milk Chocolate: You can use different types of chocolate including dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate.
Toppings: The sky is the limit! Consider toasted shredded coconut, crushed or chopped nuts, granola, seasonal sprinkles, crushed graham cracker crumbs, crushed waffle cones, craisins, or even freeze-dried strawberry powder.
Cinnamon Roll Bananas: Roll bananas in cinnamon sugar before freezing and serving without the chocolate!
Oil: You can use any oil in place of coconut oil.

How to Make Chocolate Covered Banana Pops

It only takes a few minutes and a few simple steps to make these frozen chocolate covered banana pops. The highlights are here, but you'll find the exact instructions in the recipe card at the end of the post.

Cut each of your bananas in half.
Place popsicle sticks in the bananas. Then lay them out on a parchment-lined baking tray and freeze.

Overhead shot of cutting board with banana halves on it.

Overhead shot of banana halves with popsicle sticks stuck in them on baking sheet.

Combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil and heat to melt the chocolate, mixing until it's smooth.
Dip the bananas in the chocolate.

Overhead shot of melted chocolate in bowl.

Overhead shot of hand holding a banana on a stick.

Immediately dip them in the chopped peanuts or sprinkles while the chocolate is still warm.
Lay them back on the baking tray and refrigerate or freeze to set the chocolate.

Overhead shot of chocolate covered banana on a stick coated in chopped peanuts.

Overhead shot of chocolate covered banana pops decorated with sprinkles and crushed peanuts of baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Hint: When placing the lollipop sticks, angle the bananas so the sticks go into the center of the banana as far as possible.

If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy this patriotic fruit cookie pizza or Fruity Pebbles banana pops.

Closeup shot of frozen chocolate covered banana pops stacked atop one another on cutting board.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store for up to 3 days in an air-tight container.

Freezer: Place the banana pops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid - at least 2 hours. Then, place them in single layers separated on all sides and the top by parchment paper in an air-tight container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Make Ahead: Make the banana pops up to 2 months ahead of time. Then, serve them frozen or let them sit for a few minutes to soften and then serve.

What to Serve with Banana Pops

When enjoying banana pops, you may want to serve them alongside some tasty and complementary treats. Here are a few ideas:

Fruit Salad: A refreshing and colorful fruit salad can provide a well-rounded flavor palate to pair with the sweetness of banana pops.
Yogurt or Whipped Cream: Add a touch of creaminess to your banana pops by serving them with a side of your favorite yogurt or whipped cream.
Dippable Treats: Create a fun build-your-own banana pop station by providing various options of dippable treats like our fruit dip, caramel apple dip, or Oreo fluff.
Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt: Serve your banana pops next to a scoop of ice cream or frozen yogurt. Choose flavors that complement your banana pops' toppings, such as a rich chocolate ice cream!

Tips

This is a super simple recipe, but I do have a couple of tips to make it even easier.

Add the sprinkles and nuts while the chocolate is warm so they will stick to the chocolate coating on the bananas.
Angle the bananas when placing the lollipop sticks so the sticks stay in the center of the bananas.
It's best to use ripe but firm bananas as overly ripe bananas will break and cause a big mess.
Always ensure your bananas are frozen or almost frozen before you dip them. This helps the chocolate coating solidify quickly, creating a smooth and even layer around the banana.
Be sure your chocolate is fresh so it melts evenly. Use a little extra coconut oil if it seems thick when melting, you want a nice runny consistency.
For easy cleanup work over the lined baking sheet to catch all the drips and crumbs.

FAQ

Do you have questions about frozen chocolate covered banana pops? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about these patriotic bananas on a stick.

Can I make banana pops vegan?

Yes! To make vegan banana pops, simply use dark chocolate or a dairy-free chocolate option.

Can I prepare non-frozen chocolate covered bananas?

Yes, you can prepare non-frozen chocolate covered bananas. Simply skip the freezing step before dipping the bananas into the melted chocolate and enjoy them at room temperature. The texture will be different, but they will still be a delicious treat.

Are chocolate covered bananas healthy?

While chocolate covered bananas are not exactly a healthy food, they can be a healthier alternative to other frozen desserts. Bananas are naturally rich in potassium and fiber, while the chocolate provides antioxidants. However, be mindful of the amount of chocolate coating and added toppings, as they can increase the calorie and sugar content. You can create a healthier version of banana pops by using dark chocolate and choosing wholesome toppings like nuts, granola, or dried fruit pieces.

Do I need any special equipment to make banana pops?

Besides popsicle sticks and a flat tray or plate for freezing, you don't need any special equipment to make banana pops. Although a double-boiler or microwave can be helpful for melting chocolate, you can also use a regular saucepan or heat the chocolate in a bowl over a pot of hot water.

How long do banana pops need to freeze?

Banana pops take about 6 to 8 hours to freeze completely. However, freezing them overnight delivers the best texture.

Frozen chocolate covered banana pops on cutting board.

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Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.