Description
These Easy No-Bake Chocolate Almond Butter Banana Bites are a delicious and healthy snack that combines ripe bananas, creamy almond butter, rolled oats, and rich cocoa powder. Coated in dark chocolate and sprinkled with sea salt, these bite-sized treats are simple to make, require no baking, and are perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or providing a nutritious energy boost.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe bananas (mashed until smooth)
- 1/2 cup smooth almond butter
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (for coating and folding in)
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and necessary tools, including a mixing bowl, a fork for mashing, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Mash Bananas: Peel the ripe bananas and mash them in the mixing bowl until smooth to create the base of the bites.
- Add Almond Butter: Mix the smooth almond butter into the mashed bananas until thoroughly combined for creaminess and flavor.
- Incorporate Oats: Stir in the rolled oats evenly to add texture and bulk to the mixture.
- Add Sweetener and Cocoa: Pour in honey or maple syrup and the unsweetened cocoa powder, mixing well to fully combine all ingredients and infuse chocolate flavor.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the dark chocolate chips into the mixture until they are evenly dispersed throughout.
- Form Bites: Scoop small portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls, then place them on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill to Firm Up: Refrigerate the formed bites for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.
- Melt Remaining Chocolate: Melt the remaining dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
- Coat Bites: Dip each bite into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off, then return the coated bites to the baking sheet.
- Sprinkle Sea Salt: Lightly sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over each chocolate-coated bite before the chocolate hardens to enhance the flavor.
- Set Chocolate: Chill the bites again for 15 to 20 minutes until the chocolate coating has fully set.
- Store: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute maple syrup for honey to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Use gluten-free oats if you require a gluten-free snack.
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for natural sweetness and better binding.
- Dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa is recommended for the coating to keep sugar content lower.
- These bites can be stored in the freezer for longer shelf life. Thaw a few minutes before eating.
- If you prefer, add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the mixture for extra texture.
