Here’s a simple recipe you can make if you’re craving a frozen dessert, but wanting a little more, fruit-wise. Here in Hawaii, we have apple bananas which are about half the size of regular bananas. I also find them to have more flavor even though they’re less sweet, and they’re more firm which makes them perfect for this recipe. You can use baby bananas (or just halve a regular one) if you can’t find apple bananas in your area. I love the idea of incorporating new spices to familiar flavors – that little hint of cayenne pepper in the chocolate leaves you wondering, “Hmm…what is that?” and is a unique addition to the sweet flavor profile.
There’s this cute shop in Balboa Island that sells frozen bananas, and I thought of those as I made my version. It’s always nice to associate a little nostalgia with your food; with this recipe, I thought of the long weekend walks I’d have with my parents along the cute streets here in Newport Beach.
Spicy Chocolate-Covered Apple Bananas
2 baby or apple bananas
1/2 cup semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate baking chips
1 Tbsp reduced-fat peanut butter
2 Tbsp fat-free milk
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp Saigon cinnamon
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
Optional: toppings, like chopped almonds to sprinkle on the chocolate
Preparation:
1. In a microwave bowl, heat all ingredients (except the bananas) in increments of 15-20 seconds a time, stirring in between heating periods until all ingredients are combined and smooth. Insert a popsicle stick (a wooden chopstick works great!) into the banana. Dip the apple bananas (or baby bananas) into the spiced chocolate mixture until coated. If you want to add additional toppings, sprinkle them on. Freeze on wax paper for about 45 minutes- 1 hour or until chocolate mixture has firmed.
Holy cow does that look delicious!! Love the addition of cayenne – perfect with chocolate!
I’ve heard about about apple banana but never tried yet. Does it taste like apple? Chocolate and banana can never go wrong!
Hey Em! It doesn’t taste like apple – I really don’t know why that’s the name with that variety! But it’s good!
Yum!! I remember you gave one of these bananas and I love it.
What a great idea. I’m so tired of making banana bread or muffins with banana that are about to turn too ripe. Next time, I’ll make this! I’m going to tweet this.
Thanks Nurit! Usually my bananas go into banana bread too, but having a stash of these in the freezer (especially when you have a chocolate craving) make these another sure standby!
Phi – anytime, my friend!
This is so inspiring.. I’m going to buy some chocolate chips tonight! What is Saigon cinnamon?
Christine – you can find Saigon cinnamon at the grocery stores now! Compared to regular cinnamon, I find it to be more fragrant, spicier, and sweeter than the standard. Go get yourself some!
How cute! I’d never heard of apple bananas. Bananas and chocolate can’t be beat, so tasty!
Sophie, I agree. I typically don’t like fruit with chocolate (like chocolate-dipped strawberries, I know, I’m strange), but love chocolate with bananas!
What a great combination of flavors-these look delicious and so fun to make!
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