I had a blast making these snacks! They are a perfect activity for the children to get involved with. While making the sweet treat, children can be creative with additional toppings and combinations. Not only are my “banana bites” fun to make, but they make for an excellent snack with a hint of sweetness. Who does not love chocolate and peanut butter and strawberry and granola?!
Banana “pops” (half of a banana on a popsicle stick) have been increasing in popularity on Pinterest over the past few weeks. I wanted to create something a bit different than the banana pops I have seen. I had been trying to come up with something to include pretzels, peanut butter, and chocolate. When I saw the banana pops the idea came to me! The best part of this treat is the edible “pretzel” stick. I am all about helping the environment!
Let me explain some of the healthier ingredients I choose for the recipe – specifically the chocolate, peanut butter, and yogurt.
Most people are familiar with lower-calorie/fat yogurt options. When you choose a yogurt you want to make sure it states “light” and low-fat on the outside packaging. The goal is to choose a 6 oz yogurt with no more than 80 calories.
Peanut butter options have become limitless. The key to a healthier peanut butter product is to choose something that says “natural”. Natural peanut butter indicates the product has no additives and lacks hydrogenated fats.
And now for the most important ingredient – the CHOCOLATE. The best chocolate choices are those that have at least 60% cacao – these chocolates will have less added fats and more nutritional benefits. In a future post we will further delve into the nutrition benefits of chocolate.
The final product! 🙂
Ingredients:
(Chocolate Peanut Butter)
5-6 small pretzel sticks
1 medium banana
1 square of dark chocolate (60% cocoa or greater)
2 tablespoons natural creamy peanut butter
(Strawberry Granola)
5-6 small pretzel sticks
1 medium banana
1/2 cup light low-fat strawberry yogurt
1/2 cup granola
Directions:
(Chocolate Peanut Butter)
1. Cut the banana into approximately 6 – 3/4 inch pieces
2. Microwave chocolate in microwave safe bowl until melted (usually about 45-60 seconds). Stir well.
3. Push pretzel through bottom of banana (about half of pretzel should be through banana)
4. With a spoon or knife spread (thin) 1 teaspoon of peanut butter on banana.
5. Drizzle chocolate over banana; place on wax paper
6. Repeat steps 3-6 for each of the banana pieces
7. Place in freezer for about 30-60 minutes
(Strawberry Granola)
1. Cut banana into approximately 6 – 3/4 inch pieces
2. Push pretzel through bottom of banana (about half of pretzel should be through banana)
(Optional: Dip tip of pretzel in chocolate before pushing into banana for better hold)
3. With a spoon or knife spread about 1-2 teaspoons of yogurt on banana
4. Roll banana though granola; place on wax paper
5. Repeat steps 2-4 for each of the banana pieces
6. Place banana bites in freezer for at least 1-2 hours (keep frozen or refrigerated until consumed)
Nutrition:
(Chocolate Peanut Butter)
Serving size: 2 bites • Servings: 3 • Calories: 108 kcal • Protein: 3.1 g • Sodium: 55.3 mg • Carbs: 10.6 g • Fat: 5.9 g • Fiber: 1.5 g • Sugar: 4.7 g
(Strawberry and Granola)
Serving size: 2 bites • Servings: 3 • Calories: 82 kcal • Protein: 1.9 g • Sodium: 48.8 mg • Carbs: 17.8 g • Fat: 0.6 g • Fiber: 1.4 g • Sugar: 8.3 g
Enjoy!
360FN
Jenny G says
Great ideas!! I love the pretzel used as a Popsicle stick! Can't wait to do this with my daughter!!
Anonymous says
Great healthy summer snacks for the young and old!!
Jaye MVDD