I mocked up these Nutty Banana Pops for the girls one day. They are the easiest treat to make that I want to share them with you. There’s not even a recipe, just a how-to. I think some of you will appreciate that, because sometimes we just want ideas instead of specific ingredients and recipe ‘rules’!
These can be made in about five minutes, and are easy as 1, 2, 3 (okay… and 4, 5)
- Get a couple of bananas, peel and cut in half, and place on a plate or sheet of parchment. I used fairly ripe nanners, and I learned they were a little too soft. So, either just perfectly ripe, or even a touch more yellow-green.
- Shmear on (yes, that is shmancy culinary talk) some peanut butter, nut butter, or seed butter (sunflower, hemp). I did one batch with pb, another with almond butter. The nut butter part gets a bit messy, but is easier if the bananas aren’t too soft.
- On a plate or another sheet of parchment, mix a few toppings. I chose brown rice crisp cereal, unsweetened shredded coconut, and mini vegan chocolate chips for one batch, the other more brown rice crisp cereal and Mum’s coconut cocoa nibs. Other ideas?… chopped cranberries (colorful), hemp seeds, crushed nuts, cocoa powder, coconut sugar… to name a few!
- Take a stick (I used wooden kebab sticks and trimmed the pointy end so no dangerous sharp edges) and insert (precut end, not the end you cut) into wide end of banana halves.
- Roll in the toppings. Voila! Banana Pops!
I froze the pops, because I wanted them cool during the summer heat, and also wanted to save a few for later. (If freezing, you can slide a small baking tray right under the parchment and transfer to the freezer.) But, if you are having a play date or something with a group of children, you could simply serve up as is – plus the kids can get involved in the process!
(Photo story: My photo shoot for these pops amused the family. Our eldest daughter has been working out all summer to make a girls’ rep hockey team in September. So, she is in the family room doing squats and lunges and the like, and sees her mom running through the garden with banana pops and then no banana pops and instead some flowers. She said “Dad, what is mom doing, is she okay out there?, she’s running awful fast“… They soon laugh at me when I explain that I had positioned the banana pops outside for a pic, but had to move fast before the flies and wasps got into the scene – so I’m running back and forth, thinking some flowers might look nice in the pic, and all the while trying to protect my pops!) I have mentioned before that I’m a food geek. A little nutters you could say. Nutty Banana Pops very fitting.
Think you’ll try these? What will you choose for nut butter/topping combos? Enjoy! 🙂
Ksenija @ Health Ninja says
What a great treat for children … and me!
I usually slice my banana in half and fill it with nutbutter and cranberries to make a sandwich – but the idea to coat it with all kinds of delicious stuff and put it on a stick – niiiice!
Caroline says
Wouldn’t it be easier to freeze the bananas first? Then you won’t have to worry about how soft they are.
Dreena says
Absolutely, unless the kiddos want to eat them room temp rather than frozen – but that’s a great suggestion Caroline, thank you!
Rachel @ My Naturally Frugal Family says
That must have been a funny site indeed for your daughter. My kids would love these and topped with any, or all, of your selections above would suit them.
Granola would also be something I know they would enjoy.
Have a great day Dreena!
Dreena says
Rachel, I didn’t even think about rolling into a granola mix! What a fabulous suggestion. I love getting other ideas from my readers – thanks. 🙂
Liz says
Dreena,
What a little go-getter you have on your hands! I didn’t even know what I squat or lunge WAS until my 20’s and she’s doing them on her own to make the hockey team? I LOVE it!
Dreena says
Thanks Liz, I know, I didn’t know those terms until my 20’s either! Yeah, she has been working hard. She has really transformed her strength and ability through the summer with her workouts, and I think she is really proud herself of how far she’s come. When she works out, I say “Chickpeas, Hercules!!”… heh. Gotta’ cheer on plant-power! 😉
Liz says
I love how proud you are of her; after listening to you talk about her workouts and transformation, *I’M* a little proud of her, too!
It’s amazing and heartwarming to see your loved ones grow and become empowered by their strengths and capabilities powered by their own determination.
I’ll be crossing my fingers for her that she makes it on the team, but, from the sounds of it, it doesn’t seem like she’ll be in much need of any luck. 🙂
mattheworbit says
So festive!! 😉
Dreena says
thanks Matt! Mostly messy/festive in our kitchen. 🙂
Janae @ Bring-Joy says
Um, duh. Of course we’ll be trying these (& devouring them I’m sure!). You’re brilliant Dreena.
Dreena says
and, you… sweetheart Janae. Hope they keep your crew happy (and full, you know, for like an hour!!!) :-/