Make chocolate dipped frozen banana like the ones you enjoy at county fairs, amusement parks, and theme parks— but even better!
During the summer months, I cannot visit Disneyland without getting a chocolate-dipped frozen banana. It’s my absolutely must-have treat. I love that perfect combination of creamy frozen banana, rich chocolate coating, and crunchy peanut toppings.
After years of recreating this beloved treat at home, I’ve perfected how to make frozen bananas that rival (and often surpass) any store-bought version!
Whether you’re craving the classic chocolate dip or want to explore different flavor variations, this guide will help you master the art of frozen bananas perfection!
Why Homemade Frozen Banana Are Better
- You control every element- such as the ripeness of your bananas
- Quality and type of chocolate
- Pick and choose your toppings (nuts, sprinkles, cookies, candies)
- Cut bananas exactly the size you want
How to Freeze Bananas
STEP 1: Prep Your Workspace
Line baking sheet tray with parchment paper or wax paper.
STEP 2: Choose Your Size
- Mini Treats (as shown in image above): Slice bananas into thirds
- Classic: Keep bananas whole or slice in half
STEP 3: Insert Sticks
Insert wooden stick halfway into one end of each banana piece. Alternative include: bamboo sticks, silicone sticks, or plastic sticks.
STEP 4: Initial Freeze
Place assembled bananas on prepared baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Freeze for ant least one hour until bananas are frozen solid.
PRO TIP: Slightly overripe bananas will be sweeter and creamier when frozen
The Secret to Perfect Chocolate Coating
I’m gonna let you in a on a little culinary secret. A secret that will make dipping frozen bananas in melted chocolate a breeze!
To get that perfect, smooth chocolate coating each time: use a tall, narrow glass instead of a bowl.
Place your melted chocolate in drinking glass, a glass deep enough for your frozen banana. This allows you to dip straight down and get an even coating!
Regular Chocolate vs Magic Shell Chocolate
- Regular Melted Chocolate: creates a thicker, softer coating. Better for those that want more chocolate per bite.
- Magic Shell Chocolate: creates a thin, crispy coating that cracks easily.
These almond mocha ice cream bars feature magic shell chocolate mixed with chopped almonds.
Magic shell is a mixture of melted chocolate and coconut oil that stays liquid at room temperature but hardens when in contact when something frozen or cold. This silky, luscious chocolate sauce instantly hardens and solidifies when introduced to the frozen banana. Thus, creating a thin crispy shell that shatters with each bite.
Set Up Assembly Station
Mise en place is important! Have your frozen bananas, melted dipping chocolate, and choice of desired toppings all ready before you begin assembly.
There are so many different choices for toppings. Some options include:
- Rainbow sprinkles
- Chopped nuts (hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, etc)
- Chopped chocolate candies (Reese’s peanut butter cups, Crunch bars, Milky Ways, etc)
- Toasted shredded coconut
- Freeze dried fruits
- Crushed cookies
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Immediate Storage: Place chocolate dipped bananas back in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to fully set the chocolate (even if you used the magic shell chocolate). Enjoy immediately or wrap up for longer storage.
Longer Storage: Individually wrap dipped bananas in plastic wrap. Place inside a freezer bag for additional protection against freezer burn. Keep frozen for up to two weeks.
Troubleshooting
Add a little more coconut oil to thin mixture out. Start at adding one teaspoon of melted coconut at a time.
Add a little more melted chocolate to thicken mixture. Add melted chocolate until desired consistency is achieved.
Regular melted chocolate should stick to the frozen bananas just fine. Magic shell chocolate may not properly stick to the bananas if the fruit is not cold enough. Return bananas to the freeze for another 15-30 minutes to chill.
More Frozen Dessert Recipes
Chocolate Dipped Frozen Banana
Ingredients
- 4 large bananas, cut into thirds or desired portions
- 12 popsicle sticks, (wooden, bamboo, plastic, or silicone)
- 2 cups high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate,, roughly chopped (or “magic shell”*)
Magic Shell:
- 8 oz high-quality dark chocolate, roughly chopped
- 2 ½ Tbsp refined coconut oil
Topping Choices:
- rainbow sprinkles
- chopped roasted hazelnuts
- chopped roasted almonds
- chopped peanuts
- chopped mini Reese’s cups
Instructions
Banana Prep:
- Insert wooden stick into one end of each banana piece. Place bananas on a parchment lined plate or baking sheet. Cover and freeze until bananas are frozen solid, at least one hour.
Chocolate Prep:
- Place chocolate in a microwave safe bowl or glass. Heat in microwave on half power at 15-20 second intervals. Stir each time. Continue to heat until melted and smooth. Pour into a tall drinking glass. *Be careful not to overheat the chocolate. This will take it out of temper.
- Magic Shell Version: Combine chopped chocolate and coconut oil in a large bowl. Place bowl over a pot of barely simmering water, making sure the bowl does not touch the water. Gently melt mixture, stirring often. Once mixture is smooth, remove from heat and wipe away any moisture from the bottom of the bowl. Pour melted mixture into a tall drinking glass.
Assembly:
- Working with one banana at a time, dip banana into the warm chocolate. Let any excess chocolate drip off. Sprinkle chosen toppings all over. Place banana back on parchment lined sheet. Continue with remaining bananas. Once completed, let banana rest in freezer to harden.
- Magic Shell Version: Dip frozen bananas into melted chocolate mixture. Chocolate will harden immediately upon contact with the cold banana. Immediately sprinkle toppings over chocolate before it hardens. Enjoy immediately, or individually wrap in plastic wrap and keep frozen until ready to eat.
Notes
- Refined coconut oil has little to no coconut flavor.
- Coconut oil solidifies at around 76 degrees F (24 C).
- Chocolate-coconut oil mixture will rapidly harden around the cold banana causing the mixture to set.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!
GURRRL these look amazing! As I’m living in a tiny apartment as a student I can’t bake and blog technical recipes and this looks like the perfect recipe! I will definitely give it a try!
Love your photography by the way! xxx
How have I never tried frozen bananas?! They look so delicous (and are surely healthy because they have fruit in them…right?)
It’s never too late to give it a try! And, of course, it’s healthy (depending on your definition). ;)
Man, I loved frozen bananas as a kid. My health nut mom would never let me put sprinkles on it though…BUT NOW I WILL.
YES. Do it! Sprinkle to your heart’s content.