Chocolate Caramel Covered Peanut Butter Banana Bites Recipe

Ingredients

4 large bananas (peeled and sliced in 3/4" slices approx doesn't have to be exact)
1/2 to 2/3 cup natural peanut butter
2 cups bittersweet chocolate chips
2/3 to 3/4 cup light cream

1/4 cup melted Kraft caramels (or any brand)
Optional
Crushed peanuts
Coconut

Nutritional

Serving Size: 1 (182.3 g)
Calories 383.4
Total Fat - 19.4 g
Saturated Fat - 6.2 g
Cholesterol - 14.8 mg
Sodium - 60.3 mg
Total Carbohydrate - 49.7 g
Dietary Fiber - 3.6 g
Sugars - 17.8 g
Protein - 9.1 g
Calcium - 76.5 mg
Iron - 1.8 mg
Vitamin C - 10.5 mg
Thiamin - 0.2 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Peanut Butter ... I prefer to use a natural peanut butter, but it isn't necessary; make sure to use your favorite brand. I add the peanut butter to a small ziploc bag and microwave 20-30 seconds on medium, just to soften it. Cut the tip off of the ziploc bag and use it like a pastry bag. You can squeeze a nice dollop on each banana slice. This ... trust me, is so much easier than trying to use a spoon. And NO clean up either. You want a nice dollop on each banana slice. I do a little spiral on each slice which seems to work well. Then, stick a toothpick in the center of each banana slice.

Step 2

Freeze ... Cover with plastic wrap and freeze until they are firm and the peanut butter is set - about 30-45 minutes.

Step 3

Chocolate ... Add the chocolate and cream to a small glass bowl over microwave in 30 second intervals on medium low heat until the chocolate is melted - stirring often. This can also be done over a pot of simmering water. Heat just until the chocolate is melted. In the microwave, it shouldn't take more than 1 1/2 minutes if that.

Step 4

Dip ... Remove the lightly frozen banana and peanut butter bites from the freezer, dip each one in the chocolate being sure to cover each one on both sides. You can use a spoon to get some on the top of the bites if you want. Set on a sheet pan lined with wax paper or parchment paper. Top with a few peanuts or coconut if you want when they first come out of the chocolate. Let the chocolate set up or harden, just a a couple of minutes is all it takes.

Step 5

Finish ... Melt the Kraft caramels (or any brand) in the microwave according to package directions in a measuring cup. Again, I do mine in the microwave, but you can also do this over a bowl of simmering water. In the microwave ... medium heat at 30 second intervals, should only take 1 minute to be completely melted. Then, using a spoon drizzle a little over each chocolate covered banana bite.

Step 6

Freeze ... Cover again with plastic wrap and freeze until all the chocolate and caramel is firm. You can remove the toothpicks if you want; then, store in a tupperware type of container or ziploc freezer bag. ENJOY! They are a great healthy snack.