Peanut Butter Banana Bites

Ingredients

• 2 ripe banana – peeled and cut into 0.25-inch slices
• 0.5 cup creamy peanut butter – stirred until smooth
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• fine sea salt – a small pinch for topping (optional)
• parchment paper – for lining the tray

Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet or flat plate with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Peel the bananas and cut them into slices about 0.25 inch thick, aiming for evenly sized rounds so they stack neatly.
3. Arrange half of the banana slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each slice.
4. Spoon or pipe a small dollop of creamy peanut butter, about 0.5 tsp, onto the center of each banana slice on the tray.
5. Top each peanut-buttered slice with a second banana slice to make small sandwich-style bites, pressing gently so the filling spreads to the edges but does not squeeze out.
6. Place the tray of banana sandwiches in the freezer and chill until firm enough to handle without squishing, 20–30 minutes.
7. While the bites chill, place the semisweet chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl.
8. Microwave the chocolate mixture in 20–30 second bursts, stirring after each burst, until just melted and smooth, 1–2 minutes total; do not overheat. Alternatively, melt the chocolate and coconut oil together in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of barely simmering water, stirring frequently.
9. Let the melted chocolate cool for 3–5 minutes until it is warm and fluid but not hot, so it does not immediately melt the bananas.
10. Remove the firm banana sandwiches from the freezer. Working with a few at a time, dip each sandwich into the melted chocolate using a fork, turning to coat completely, and let excess chocolate drip back into the bowl.
11. Return each coated bite to the parchment-lined tray, smoothing or tidying with a spoon if needed so they sit flat.
12. If using, sprinkle a very small pinch of fine sea salt over the tops of the chocolate-coated bites before the chocolate sets.
13. Once all bites are coated, place the tray back in the freezer and freeze until the chocolate is fully set and the centers are firm, 30–45 minutes.
14. Serve the peanut butter banana bites straight from the freezer for a firmer, candy-like texture or let them sit at room temperature for 3–5 minutes for a softer bite. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.