Frozen bananas on a stick covered in chocolate, salted caramel, and chopped walnuts make a wonderful summertime treat that’s both refreshing and satisfying!
This recipe was developed in partnership with Diamond of California.
Indulge in the Ultimate Summer Treat: Chocolate Covered Frozen Bananas with Salted Caramel and Walnuts
Summer is undeniably my favorite time of the year. It’s a season synonymous with joy, marked by memorable family road trips, leisurely afternoons spent by the pool, and heartwarming backyard BBQs with cherished friends. I adore every aspect of it. However, as the season progresses and the heat intensifies, I often find myself retreating from the kitchen. The thought of turning on the oven or standing over a hot stove becomes less appealing, leading me to keep my cooking and baking endeavors to an absolute minimum.
During these sweltering months, my fridge transforms into a haven of ready-to-eat produce and effortless snacks. Simultaneously, my freezer becomes overloaded with a delightful array of frozen treats, all designed to help us beat the relentless heat. We stock up on classic popsicles, various flavors of ice cream, and now, a new family favorite that has quickly risen to the top of our list: homemade frozen bananas. These aren’t just any frozen bananas; they are transformed into an irresistible dessert, coated in rich chocolate, drizzled with sweet and salty caramel, and adorned with crunchy walnuts. It’s a treat that perfectly marries indulgence with refreshing coolness.
Why Frozen Bananas Are Your New Favorite Summer Dessert
Frozen bananas are an absolute game-changer for so many compelling reasons, making them an ideal choice for anyone seeking a delightful yet guilt-free treat. First and foremost, I feel significantly better about indulging in a frozen banana compared to a large bowl of ice cream. While I still get my much-needed sweet fix, there’s an undeniable sense of less guilt attached. Bananas are naturally sweet, packed with essential vitamins like Potassium, and offer a good source of fiber. When frozen, their texture becomes wonderfully creamy, mimicking a soft-serve ice cream, but with all the inherent goodness of fruit. Adding a layer of dark chocolate further enhances this “healthier” profile, as dark chocolate is known for its antioxidants.
Secondly, and perhaps even more appealing for those looking to minimize kitchen time during summer, frozen bananas are incredibly simple and quick to prepare! You don’t need fancy equipment or extensive culinary skills. All you truly need are a few key ingredients: ripe but firm bananas, good quality chocolate, a touch of coconut oil, and then, the sky’s the limit when it comes to toppings. This versatility allows for endless customization, catering to every palate and preference. For this particular recipe, I gravitated towards the classic yet sophisticated combination of salted caramel and chopped walnuts. The sweet and salty dynamic is always a winner, creating a complex flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds. And honestly, nuts are *always* a good idea – they add a crucial textural contrast and a boost of healthy fats and protein.
The Magic of Diamond of California Walnuts
To keep this recipe super simple and ensure exceptional quality, I specifically recommend Diamond of California Shake & Spoon Finely Diced Walnuts. These pre-diced walnuts are a lifesaver, eliminating the need for chopping and saving valuable time. Diamond of California has long been a trusted name in nuts, known for their commitment to quality and freshness. Their finely diced walnuts are perfect for sprinkling, providing that satisfying crunch without overwhelming the delicate banana and chocolate base. This partnership allows me to share a truly delicious recipe, knowing that the ingredients are top-notch.
These little nut containers are truly awesome! I’ve become a huge fan of keeping them handy in my pantry. They are perfect for sprinkling on almost everything, from elevating a simple bowl of ice cream to adding texture and flavor to my salads. Beyond recipes, they’re fantastic for snacking on the go. Their convenient packaging makes them ideal companions for road trips, a healthy energy boost at the pool, or even a quick snack while hiking on the trail. They embody convenience without compromising on the natural goodness and taste that Diamond of California is celebrated for.
Crafting Your Perfect Frozen Banana Treat: Tips and Tricks
Making these chocolate-covered frozen bananas is not just a recipe; it’s an enjoyable and customizable experience. To ensure your treats turn out perfectly every time, consider these valuable tips:
- Choosing the Right Bananas: Select bananas that are ripe but still firm. Overly ripe bananas can be too soft and mushy when frozen, while unripe ones lack the desired sweetness and creamy texture. A banana with a few brown spots is usually ideal.
- Pre-Freezing is Key: While the recipe suggests freezing after assembly, for an even firmer banana and easier dipping, you can briefly freeze the banana halves on sticks for about 30 minutes before dipping them in chocolate. This helps the chocolate set faster and prevents the banana from softening too much during the dipping process.
- Melting Chocolate: When melting the chocolate and coconut oil, microwave in short 30-second bursts, stirring well after each. The coconut oil is crucial here as it helps the chocolate achieve a smooth, dippable consistency and allows it to harden quickly and beautifully once it hits the cold banana. Stir until just a few lumps remain, then let the residual heat melt them completely for a silky smooth coating.
- Dipping Technique: Use a shallow bowl or a lipped plate for your melted chocolate. This makes it easier to fully submerge the banana halves without wasting chocolate. Rotate the banana to ensure even coverage, and let any excess chocolate drip off before placing it on your prepared sheet pan. Speed is your friend here as the chocolate will start to set almost immediately upon contact with the cold banana.
- Caramel Drizzle & Walnut Sprinkle: Drizzle the salted caramel generously and immediately sprinkle with Diamond of California Finely Diced Walnuts. The caramel will adhere better to the freshly dipped chocolate before it completely hardens, and the walnuts will stick easily to both. Don’t be shy with the toppings – they add so much flavor and texture!
- Storage: Once assembled and frozen, wrap individual bananas tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. This prevents freezer burn and keeps them fresh for up to a week, ensuring you always have a delightful treat on hand.
Customization: Make It Your Own!
While the salted caramel and walnut combination is undeniably delicious, these frozen bananas are a fantastic canvas for your creativity. Feel free to experiment with other toppings:
- Sprinkles: Add a festive touch with colorful sprinkles, perfect for kids’ parties or just for fun.
- Shredded Coconut: Toasted or untoasted, shredded coconut adds a tropical flavor and unique texture.
- Other Nuts: Almonds, pecans, or pistachios can also be finely chopped and used in place of or in addition to walnuts.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: For an extra chocolatey crunch.
- Crushed Cereal or Cookies: Think crushed graham crackers, Oreos, or your favorite breakfast cereal for a playful twist.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: After the dark chocolate has set, a contrasting white chocolate drizzle can add both flavor and visual appeal.
These customizable options mean you can adapt the recipe to suit different dietary preferences or simply to try something new each time you make them!
Whether you’re desperately trying to keep cool from the intense summer heat or simply seeking a delicious yet healthier treat to share with friends and family – or both! – these chocolate-covered frozen bananas with salted caramel and finely chopped walnuts are exactly what you need. They are easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and offer a wonderful balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love.
Chocolate Covered Frozen Bananas with Walnuts and Caramel
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Ingredients
Caramel sauce:
- ¼ cup butter (56 grams)
- ¼ cup packed light or dark brown sugar (53 grams)
- ¼ cup heavy cream (60 ml)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
To assemble frozen bananas:
- 4 large bananas , halved crosswise
- 1 cup chopped semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (5 ounces, 140 grams)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- ½ cup finely chopped walnuts (56 grams)
- ½ cup caramel sauce , above
- 8 wooden skewers or popsicle sticks
Instructions
To make the caramel sauce:
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Combine the butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and salt in a small saucepan over medium high heat.
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Bring to a boil, stirring frequently, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Let cool slightly.
To assemble frozen bananas:
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Line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment or wax paper. Set aside.
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Place chocolate and coconut oil in a shallow bowl or lipped plate and microwave on high in 30 second bursts, stirring after each. Stop when a few lumps of chocolate remain and stir until smooth.
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Insert the skewers or sticks into the bottom of each banana half. Dip in the chocolate. Let the excess chocolate drip off, then place on the prepared sheet pan. Drizzle with the caramel sauce and sprinkle with walnuts.
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When all bananas are assembled, Covered with plastic wrap and freeze for 1 hour before serving.
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Well-wrapped frozen bananas will keep in the freezer for up to 1 week. Store leftover caramel sauce in the fridge.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Diamond of California as part of a long-term culinary ambassadorship. Thank you for supporting partnerships with brands I love and believe in, which make Completely Delicious possible. All opinions are always 100% my own.
To find more great recipes using nuts, visit the Diamond Nuts website. You can also connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.