Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor Combination: The trio of chocolate, peanut butter, and banana creates a harmonious blend of sweet and savory tastes.
- Healthier Indulgence: Made with dark chocolate and natural peanut butter, these cups provide antioxidants and protein without excessive sugar.
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these treats in no time.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment by adding a sprinkle of sea salt, using almond butter instead of peanut butter, or incorporating other toppings like chopped nuts or dried fruits.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1 medium banana
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Prepare the Banana: Slice the banana into rounds approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Melt the Chocolate: Using a double boiler or a microwave, melt the chocolate chips until smooth.
- Combine Peanut Butter and Coconut Oil: In a separate bowl, mix the natural peanut butter with the melted coconut oil until well combined.
- Assemble the Cups:
- Place mini cupcake liners on a tray.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate into the bottom of each liner, spreading it to cover the base.
- Place a banana slice on top of the chocolate layer.
- Add approximately 1 teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture over the banana slice.
- Top with another 1/2 teaspoon of melted chocolate, ensuring the filling is fully covered.
- Set the Cups: Place the tray in the freezer for about 1 hour, or until the chocolate is firm.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy immediately, or store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 16 cups.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Setting Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter to accommodate nut allergies.
- Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a sweeter filling, consider adding a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the peanut butter mixture.
- Toppings: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top before freezing for a salted caramel flavor, or add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
Storage/Reheating
Store these cups in an airtight container in the freezer. They can be kept frozen for up to a week. Allow them to sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes before enjoying for optimal texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter taste.
2. How do I prevent the cups from sticking to the liners?
Using mini cupcake liners helps prevent sticking. If you’re concerned, lightly grease the liners before adding the chocolate.
3. Can I make these cups without coconut oil?
Coconut oil helps the chocolate set firm. If you omit it, the texture may be softer, and the cups might not hold their shape as well.
4. How thick should the banana slices be?
Slice the banana into rounds about 1/4 inch thick to ensure they fit well within the cupcake liners and provide a balanced bite.
5. Can I use a different nut butter?
Yes, almond butter or cashew butter can be used as alternatives to peanut butter.
6. Are these cups suitable for vegans?
Yes, if you use dairy-free chocolate chips and ensure the peanut butter is free from added dairy, these cups are vegan-friendly.
7. Can I add other fruits?
Sliced strawberries or raspberries can be used in place of banana slices for a different flavor profile.
8. Do I need to refrigerate these cups?
It’s best to store them in the freezer to maintain their firmness and freshness.
9. How can I make these cups sweeter?
Incorporate a sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or powdered sugar into the peanut butter mixture to adjust sweetness to your liking.
10. Can I make a larger batch?
Yes, you can double or triple the recipe. Just ensure you have enough cupcake liners and freezer space to accommodate the additional cups.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Banana Cups are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional candies. With their rich flavors and simple preparation, they make for an excellent homemade treat. Feel free to experiment with different nut butters, sweeteners, and toppings to make them your own.
Print
Peanut Butter Banana Cups
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 cups
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of dark chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and fresh banana slices with these homemade Peanut Butter Banana Cups. These healthier treats are made with natural ingredients and a touch of coconut oil, offering a delicious and satisfying snack. Ideal for anyone craving a nutritious alternative to candy, these cups are easy to make and can be customized with various toppings.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1 medium banana
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Banana: Slice the banana into rounds about 1/4 inch thick.
- Melt the Chocolate: Melt the chocolate chips using a double boiler or microwave until smooth.
- Combine Peanut Butter and Coconut Oil: In a separate bowl, mix the natural peanut butter with the melted coconut oil until well combined.
- Assemble the Cups:
- Place mini cupcake liners on a tray.
- Spoon about 1 teaspoon of melted chocolate into the bottom of each liner and spread it to cover the base.
- Place a banana slice on top of the chocolate.
- Add approximately 1 teaspoon of the peanut butter mixture over the banana slice.
- Top with another 1/2 teaspoon of melted chocolate, ensuring the filling is fully covered.
- Set the Cups: Place the tray in the freezer for 1 hour or until the chocolate is firm.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week.
Notes
- Nut-Free Option: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter to accommodate nut allergies.
- Sweetness Adjustment: Add honey or maple syrup to the peanut butter mixture for a sweeter filling.
- Toppings: Add sea salt, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
