Recipes
Easy and Healthy Banana Popsicles with Yogurt and Chocolate
These homemade banana popsicles have been a favorite for my kids this summer. I love healthy recipes that are fun, and there homemade popsicles are one of those things I always loved as a kid in the summer months. These popsicles are made with simple ingredients and are such a great treat on a hot summer day. These combine the natural sweetness of bananas with yogurt or chocolate, and your favorite toppings. They’re easy to make and a healthier alternative to most store-bought popsicles. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make these banana ice pops.
Easy and Healthy Banana Popsicles with Yogurt and Chocolate
I love any healthy treat that has minimal added sugar, is free of artificial flavors, and this easy recipe only had a handful of ingredients. If you have a banana lover in your family, they’ll love these! If you’re looking to make a healthier version, consider using unsweetened yogurt and dark chocolate with a high cocoa content. Here’s how to make our favorite healthy popsicles, that are the perfect healthy snack or treat.
Ingredients
Ripe Bananas
Chocolate chips. You can buy no sugar added or dairy-free chocolate at Whole Foods.
Coconut oil (to help the chocolate melt smoothly)
Greek yogurt (vanilla or plain, depending on your preference)
Toppings of your choice. I used cashews, sprinkles, and coconut.
Maple syrup or agave nectar to mix with plain yogurt
Supplies
Wooden sticks
Microwave-safe bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
How to Make These Easy Banana Popsicles
Prepare the banana
Choose bananas that are ripe but still firm. Overripe bananas can be too soft and may not hold up well during the dipping process. Peel your banana and place it on the popsicle stick. If you’re making these for children or prefer smaller portions, cutting the bananas in half is a good idea.
Add the popsicle stick
Gently insert a popsicle stick into each banana (or banana half). Push the stick about halfway into the banana to ensure it’s secure but be careful not to push it all the way through. The bananas should be able to stand on the stick without falling apart.
Prep the baking sheet
Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper or wax paper. This will prevent the bananas from sticking to the surface and make for easier cleanup.
Prep your chocolate and yogurt
Place the chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a small amount of coconut oil (about 1 teaspoon per cup of chocolate) to help the chocolate melt smoothly and create a shiny finish. Microwave the chocolate in 20-30 second intervals, stirring after each interval, until it is completely melted and smooth.
Add your toppings
Dip each banana into the yogurt and melted chocolate, using a spoon or spatula to coat it evenly. Ensure that the entire banana is covered in a thick layer of yogurt. Add the toppings of your choice and place on a parchment lined tray. I would recommend working quickly, and doing the yogurt popsicles last as the yogurt won’t stick as well as the chocolate. I made these with 3 and 5 year-olds, so they were a little messy, but that’s half the fun. The options are endless. Add melted peanut butter, or anything you’d like.
Freeze your bananas
Put the baking sheet in the freezer and let the bananas freeze for at least 1-2 hours, or until the yogurt is solid. Your banana popsicles are now ready to be enjoyed! Remove them from the freezer a few minutes before serving to let them soften slightly. These popsicles can be stored in the freezer in an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag for up to two weeks.
More Topping Ideas
- Yogurt Variations: Experiment with different flavors of Greek yogurt. Try strawberry, blueberry, or plain yogurt with added vanilla extract.
- Chocolate: Depending on your taste preference, you can use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is a healthier option and pairs well with the sweetness of the banana but my kids preferred milk chocolate since it’s sweeter.
- Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Crushed pretzels, freeze-dried fruit, crushed cookies, or mini chocolate chips.
The final product is a delicious and healthy treat. I hope you enjoy this homemade popsicle recipe!
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