Natalie’s back today with a really fun alternative to summer ice cream – frozen banana pops. I can’t wait to try these with S and C (and steal a few for myself too). The cream cheese breakfast versions are especially calling my name.
Let me just cut to the chase with you guys, you and your kids are going to love these pops. I know this because:
A) kids love anything on a stick
B) kids love rolling sticky stuff in other stuff
C) moms love healthy choices that are still fun
D) frozen pops are a summer essential
Bananas have some good nutrition (Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Potassium, Magnesium) but they also taste great and are usually popular with the little people. The process may get a little messy, but your kids will love to play along.
It’s probably best for the parent to take charge of the popsicle sticks and spreading, but let the kids pick and add their own toppings. Children are crazy creative, maybe their combinations will surprise you!
The pops are meant to be frozen for a few hours before eating, but I wouldn’t blame you if you decided to eat them right away. It’s hard to wait patiently for a fun treat like this one. You can make them healthy enough for breakfast (cream cheese/yogurt with oats/nuts) or decadent enough for dessert (chocolate, chocolate, chocolate). Make it fun and make it your own.
Pictured in top photo, left to right: Peanut Butter with Oats/Granola and Chocolate Chips, Dark Chocolate with Sprinkles and Honey Cinnamon Cream Cheese with Cashews.
Pictured in bottom photo, left to right: Peanut Butter with Oats/Granola,Dark Chocolate with Coconut and Honey Cinnamon Cream Cheese with Graham Cracker Crumbs
- bananas (small bananas will make 2 pops, large ones can make 3)
- spread- cream cheese*, yogurt, dark chocolate**, peanut butter, Nutella, Biscoff, whatever you like!
- toppings- oats, granola, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, crushed graham crackers, cookie crumbs, shredded coconut, sprinkles, chopped dried fruit, etc.
- popsicle sticks
Directions
- Prepare a cookie sheet with a layer of parchment paper.
- Peel bananas and cut off each end. Cut the bananas in half or thirds, depending on the size. Carefully insert a popsicle stick into the banana.
- Using a knife, spread your desired topping onto the banana. (For melted chocolate, yogurt, or thinner spreads, dipping may be more practical.)
- Roll the banana in your toppings (a shallow bowl or plate works well), using your hands to add more topping if your banana is curved. Place on the parchment paper. Repeat with remaining bananas.
- Freeze the bananas for 2-4 hours. Serve or place in a freezer bag for up to a week.
additional notes
*Cream cheese must be very soft to spread onto the bananas, so make sure it is warm or room temperature. You can also doctor it up with honey and cinnamon for more flavor.
**To create a good dipping chocolate, add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil to each 3 oz of chocolate and heat until melted. This will create a hard shell when frozen.
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