Magic Shell Chocolate Covered Bananas

Inspired by my 6 Ingredient Raw Candy Bars, I came up with this bite-size flavor-packed goodness. I really enjoyed making the Raw Candy Bars because I was able to get my sister’s kids involved.  When the kids can help you in the kitchen they are more likely to eat the food you make! My niece loves making the Raw Candy Bars because she was so proud of what she came up so she was more than happy to eat it. This slightly different version of the Candy Bars are a great snack all around – for kids and adults. And making these treats is a great activity to do with your kids after camp or on the weekends. It can be a post-dinner dessert or enjoyed all weekend long.

pre-freezer bananas

This recipe is part of the series of recipes I created fors IronWill Kids in the hopes to get kids to eat healthier. Again, the best way to accomplish this goal is to get the kids in the kitchen more often!  Ironwill Kids does this through their nutrition education program which includes two food labs where kids get to make food from scratch in the classroom. 

I never was one of those people that was a nut butter addict but after trying Nuttzo and basically finishing the jar on my own in two weeks I think I have changed. It’s crunchy and slightly salty. It’s packed with 7 different nuts and seeds– organic peanuts, organic cashews, organic almonds, organic flax  seeds, organic brazil nuts, organic hazelnuts and organic sunflower seeds. How can you not fall in love?!I also really like how they do not add oils! Nuts already contain healthy fats and nut butters that have added oils or sugars are a deal breaker for me. It is so hard to find actual “healthy” nut butters. Most stores have shelves and shelves of nut butter but only a select few are actually good for you! My advice- always check the ingredients when buying any type of nut butter because more often than not, the companies try to sneak in sugar.

Warning: These are highly addictive. Also, be prepared for your hands to get messy. But that’s part of the fun! Especially if you are working with your kids.  These treats totally remind me of the chocolate covered bananas they sell at Trader Joes. Except that these have no sugar! I used coconut oil, which gets hard when chilled. So it acted like those magic chocolate shells I used to get my ice cream dipped in! And I added Nuttzo to it for an added indulgence.

Fun fact: Pairing healthy fats– nut butter with complex carbohydrates–banana will slow down the absorption of the sugars found in the banana. That is why I especially love this recipe for kids. Children can be more sensitive to sugar and may feel a sugar high even from bananas. This combination will be really beneficial for kids who have that sensitivity. 

Recipe:

• 3 medium size bananas sliced about 1 inch thick around 50 slices 
• 1/4- 1/2 cup Power Fuel Nuttzo or Original Nuttzo (1/4 teaspoon per every banana slice)
• Cocoa nibs or chocolate chips to sprinkle (optional)

Chocolate Coating:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil melted
• 6 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 3-4 tablespoons Orignal Nuttzo

Directions:

1. Place sliced bananas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
2. For each banana slice spread around 1/4 teaspoon of Nuttzo on top of sliced banana
3. If you are adding chocolate chips, cocoa nibs, almonds or dried fruit, place on top now
4. In a medium size bowl mix together your chocolate coating- coconut oil, cocoa powder and Nuttzo until smooth and evenly combined
5. Place your banana with nut butter into the chocolate mixture coat evenly each side. (here is the messy part- just embrace it) or you can drizzle mixture over the banana 
6. Place in the freezer on a prepared baking sheet for at least 1 hour or until frozen. Once frozen you can transfer to an airtight container and keep frozen. Serve and eat frozen!