Frozen Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Banana Bites
Introduction

Discover a delightful and guilt-free treat with these Zero-Point Frozen Peanut Butter Chocolate Banana Bites. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while staying within your Weight Watchers (WW) points budget, these bites are a combination of creamy peanut butter, ripe bananas, and rich dark chocolate. Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they also offer a nutritious snack option that fits seamlessly into a healthy lifestyle. Each bite is packed with flavor and texture, making them an excellent choice for a quick snack or a post-workout treat.

Ingredients

For the Bites:
2 large ripe bananas, peeled
1/2 cup natural peanut butter (no added sugar or salt)
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher)
1 tablespoon coconut oil (for melting chocolate)
For Optional Toppings:

1 tablespoon crushed nuts (such as almonds or peanuts)
1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut
Pinch of sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bananas:

Peel the bananas and cut them into 1-inch slices. Place the banana slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray. This prevents them from sticking together as they freeze.

  1. Portion the Peanut Butter:

Using a small spoon or a piping bag, place a small dollop of natural peanut butter on top of each banana slice. Aim for about 1/2 teaspoon of peanut butter per slice. Smooth it out slightly if needed. The peanut butter provides a creamy texture and rich flavor that complements the banana and chocolate.

  1. Freeze Banana and Peanut Butter:

Transfer the baking sheet or tray to the freezer. Freeze the banana slices with peanut butter for at least 1 hour, or until the peanut butter is firm. This step is crucial to ensure the bites hold together when dipped in chocolate.

  1. Melt the Chocolate:

While the banana slices are freezing, prepare the chocolate coating. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat, as chocolate can burn quickly.

  1. Dip the Frozen Banana Bites:

Once the banana slices are frozen and the chocolate is melted, remove the baking sheet from the freezer. Using a fork or toothpick, dip each frozen banana slice with peanut butter into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing the coated banana bite back onto the parchment-lined tray.

  1. Add Optional Toppings:

If desired, sprinkle the dipped banana bites with crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or a pinch of sea salt before the chocolate sets. These toppings add extra texture and flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the bites.

  1. Freeze Again:

Return the coated banana bites to the freezer and freeze for an additional 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set. This ensures that the chocolate coating is firm and that the bites are ready to eat.

  1. Store the Bites:

Once the chocolate is set, transfer the banana bites to an airtight container or resealable bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. The bites are best enjoyed straight from the freezer for a refreshing, cold treat.

  1. Serve:

Enjoy the frozen peanut butter chocolate banana bites directly from the freezer. They make a great snack or dessert and can be served at parties or gatherings for a healthy treat option.

  1. Reheat for Softer Texture (Optional):

If you prefer a softer texture, allow the banana bites to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating. This will soften the chocolate slightly and make the bites easier to chew.
Nutritional Information
Per Bite (assuming 12 bites total):

Calories: 80
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Total Carbohydrates: 8g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 2g
Weight Watchers (WW) Points
Freestyle Points: 0 points per bite (based on the use of zero-point foods like bananas and peanut butter)

SmartPoints: 0 points per bite (based on the use of zero-point foods)

PointsPlus: 1 point per bite (due to the chocolate, but each serving is still minimal)

Useful Information

  1. Selecting Bananas:

Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture. Riper bananas are sweeter and have a softer texture, which makes them ideal for this recipe. If the bananas are overly ripe, they can be frozen before use.

  1. Peanut Butter Choice:

Opt for natural peanut butter without added sugars or hydrogenated oils. This keeps the recipe healthier and maintains a lower point value. If you have a peanut allergy, consider using almond butter or sunflower seed butter as alternatives.

  1. Chocolate Type:

Dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa is recommended for a richer flavor and lower sugar content. You can also use chocolate chips that are specifically labeled as low-sugar or sugar-free if preferred.

  1. Coconut Oil Use:

Coconut oil helps to smooth out the chocolate and make it easier to dip. If you don’t have coconut oil, you can use a small amount of butter, but this may affect the nutritional information slightly.

  1. Customizing Toppings:

Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences. Crushed nuts and shredded coconut add texture, while a pinch of sea salt enhances the sweet and salty flavor combination.

  1. Serving Suggestions:

These banana bites are perfect for a quick snack or dessert. They can be served at parties, packed in lunchboxes, or enjoyed as a post-workout treat.

  1. Freezing Tips:

Ensure the banana bites are properly frozen to prevent them from sticking together. Using parchment paper or a silicone mat helps to keep them separated.

  1. Portion Control:

Although these bites are zero points, portion control is still important. Enjoy them as a part of a balanced diet and keep track of how many you consume to stay within your daily points allowance.

  1. Dietary Considerations:

This recipe can be made vegan by using dairy-free chocolate chips and a plant-based peanut butter alternative. For a nut-free version, substitute with sunflower seed butter.

  1. Meal Prep:

These frozen bites are excellent for meal prep. Make a large batch and store them in the freezer for easy access to a healthy treat. They are ideal for busy weeks when you need a quick and satisfying snack.

  1. Reheating for Softness:

If you find the bites too cold or hard straight from the freezer, allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before eating.
By following these detailed instructions, you can create delicious and Weight Watchers-friendly Zero-Point Frozen Peanut Butter Chocolate Banana Bites that fit perfectly into your weight management plan. Enjoy these bites as a tasty and satisfying treat that helps you stay on track with your health goals.