Low Calorie Frozen Banana Snickers Recipe

When you’re craving something sweet, it’s easy to turn to sugary, high-calorie snacks, but what if you could indulge without the guilt? This Low Calorie Frozen Banana Snickers recipe is a fantastic alternative to the traditional Snickers bar. It’s packed with delicious flavors and textures, yet it’s much lighter and healthier than the candy bar you know and love. Using bananas as the base for this dessert not only cuts down on the calories but also provides a natural sweetness, fiber, and essential vitamins.

The banana’s creamy texture mimics that of caramel, and when frozen, it becomes the perfect base for peanut butter and chocolate. By swapping out sugary caramel and nougat for whole, nutritious ingredients like natural peanut butter, dark chocolate, and honey, you can enjoy a snack that’s both satisfying and much lower in calories.

Introduction: Why Frozen Banana Snickers?

Bananas make for an excellent base in healthy dessert recipes because of their natural sweetness and creamy texture when frozen. In this Low Calorie Frozen Banana Snickers recipe, we are replacing the nougat and caramel layers found in traditional Snickers bars with banana slices, creating a healthier alternative.

This recipe incorporates the classic combination of banana, peanut butter, and chocolate. Bananas provide essential vitamins, particularly potassium, which supports heart health and muscle function. Peanut butter adds healthy fats and protein, making this treat a good source of energy and satisfaction. The dark chocolate drizzle provides antioxidants and a rich, indulgent taste, making it a great substitute for sugary candy bars.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Bananas

1. Peel the Bananas: Start by peeling the three ripe bananas. Make sure to choose bananas that are slightly overripe for the best sweetness and texture. If the bananas are too green, they may not have the right flavor or creaminess when frozen.

2. Slice the Bananas: Cut each banana into about 1/2-inch thick slices. You should get roughly 5–6 slices per banana, depending on their size. Lay the slices on a parchment paper-lined tray or baking sheet, making sure they don’t overlap. This will ensure the banana slices freeze individually, making them easier to work with later.

Step 2: Assembling the Frozen Banana Snickers

1. Spread Peanut Butter on the Banana Slices: Take the 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter and spread a thin layer on top of each banana slice. You don’t need to use too much peanut butter; just a small amount on each slice is enough to mimic the nougat layer in a Snickers bar.

2. Freeze the Bananas with Peanut Butter: Once you’ve spread the peanut butter on each banana slice, place the tray of banana slices in the freezer for at least 1 hour. The banana slices should freeze solid, so make sure the peanut butter layer is firmly set before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Preparing the Chocolate Drizzle

1. Melt the Dark Chocolate: Place the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. The coconut oil helps to give the chocolate a glossy finish and makes it easier to drizzle over the bananas.

2. Drizzle the Chocolate: Once the chocolate is melted, remove the banana slices from the freezer. Using a spoon or a small piping bag, drizzle the melted chocolate over the peanut butter-covered banana slices. Be sure to coat each piece evenly with the chocolate.

3. Optional Topping: For an extra caramel-like touch, drizzle a small amount of honey or maple syrup over each banana slice. You can also sprinkle some crushed peanuts on top for a crunchy texture that mimics the peanuts found in Snickers bars.

Step 4: Freezing the Treats

1. Freeze Again: Place the tray of banana slices back in the freezer for at least 2 hours, or until the chocolate has hardened. The longer you leave them in the freezer, the more solid they’ll become.

2. Store in a Container: Once the treats are fully frozen, transfer them into an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for storage. These frozen treats can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Just be sure to separate the slices with a layer of parchment paper if you’re stacking them in a container to prevent sticking.

Tips and Variations

• Use Other Nut Butters: While peanut butter is the classic choice, you can use almond butter, cashew butter, or any nut butter you prefer. Just make sure to use the natural kind without added sugar or unhealthy fats.
• Add Dark Chocolate Chips: Instead of drizzling melted dark chocolate, you can sprinkle some mini dark chocolate chips directly onto the peanut butter before freezing. This gives you a bit of extra chocolatey crunch.
• Vegan Option: To make this dessert fully vegan, ensure that you use dairy-free chocolate and maple syrup instead of honey.
• Add Sea Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt over the finished treat can enhance the flavors and create a nice salty-sweet balance.
• Frozen Bananas in Bulk: If you love this recipe, you can make a large batch of frozen banana slices with peanut butter and chocolate, then store them in the freezer for a quick and easy snack whenever you’re craving something sweet.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Freezing Long Enough: Make sure the bananas are completely frozen before adding the chocolate and that the chocolate hardens properly in the freezer. If you don’t freeze the treats long enough, the layers may melt together.
• Using Too Much Peanut Butter: A little goes a long way. Don’t overdo the peanut butter layer, as it can overpower the banana flavor and add unnecessary calories.
• Not Using Parchment Paper: Always line your tray with parchment paper to prevent the banana slices from sticking to the tray and each other during freezing.
• Overloading with Sweeteners: While honey or maple syrup adds a nice flavor, be cautious not to overuse them, as they can add extra sugar and calories. Just a small drizzle will suffice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this dessert without chocolate?
Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the chocolate drizzle and stick to just the banana and peanut butter layers. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon or cocoa powder for a different flavor.

How long do these frozen treats last in the freezer?
These Low Calorie Frozen Banana Snickers can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Just make sure they are in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.

Can I use regular peanut butter?
While regular peanut butter works, natural peanut butter is preferable because it contains fewer added sugars and unhealthy fats. Choose a brand with minimal ingredients for a healthier option.

Conclusion

This Low Calorie Frozen Banana Snickers recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a sweet, satisfying treat without the guilt. Combining the natural sweetness of bananas with creamy peanut butter, rich dark chocolate, and a touch of caramel flavor, these frozen bites will satisfy your candy cravings in a healthier way. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, you can enjoy this indulgent snack any time you want to treat yourself while sticking to your health and fitness goals.

Yield: 15

Low Calorie Frozen Banana Snickers Recipe

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When you're craving something sweet, it's easy to turn to sugary, high-calorie snacks, but what if you could indulge without the guilt? This Low Calorie Frozen Banana Snickers recipe is a fantastic alternative to the traditional Snickers bar. It’s packed with delicious flavors and textures, yet it’s much lighter and healthier than the candy bar you know and love. Using bananas as the base for this dessert not only cuts down on the calories but also provides a natural sweetness, fiber, and essential vitamins.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Freezing Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (or sugar-free chocolate chips)
• 1 tbsp coconut oil (optional, helps with smooth chocolate coating)
• 1/4 cup unsalted roasted peanuts, chopped
• 1-2 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, depending on your sweetness preference)
• Pinch of sea salt (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the bananas: Peel the bananas and cut them into 1-inch thick slices.
2. Freeze banana slices: Lay the banana slices out on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 1 hour until firm.
3. Prepare peanut butter layer: While the banana slices freeze, slightly soften the peanut butter in the microwave (if it's too thick) and mix it with a small drizzle of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness (optional).
4. Assemble the layers: Once the banana slices are frozen, spread a small layer of peanut butter on top of each slice. Place a second banana slice on top to create a "sandwich."
5. Prepare the chocolate coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips with the coconut oil (if using) in 20-second intervals, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
6. Coat the "Snickers": Dip each banana sandwich into the melted chocolate and then roll in chopped peanuts, pressing lightly to coat them. Optionally, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.
7. Freeze again: Place the coated banana sandwiches back on the parchment-lined tray and freeze for an additional 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate is completely firm.
8. Serve: Once the chocolate has set, enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1-2 weeks.

Notes

Use sugar-free chocolate chips or dark chocolate with a high cocoa percentage (70% or more) for fewer calories and sugar.

For extra flavor, add a dash of vanilla extract to the peanut butter layer.

These snacks are perfect for a healthy treat or a protein boost, especially if you're craving something sweet!