Freezable Candy Banana Treats

This frozen banana popsicle recipe transforms ordinary fruit into a delightful patriotic treat perfect for summer gatherings. The frozen bananas create a creamy ice cream like texture while the candy coating adds a festive pop of color and sweetness that both kids and adults adore.

I first made these for a Fourth of July barbecue when I needed a quick dessert solution. The neighborhood children were so delighted by these colorful treats that they've become our standard celebration dessert for every summer holiday.

Ingredients

• Ripe but firm bananas: Choose ones with minimal brown spots for the best texture
• Lollipop sticks: The 6-inch size works perfectly for half bananas
• Candy melts in red, white, and blue: These melt smoothly without requiring tempering
• Festive sprinkles: Star shapes or patriotic colors enhance the holiday theme
• Optional mini chocolate chips: Use for eyes if making character popsicles

How To Make Banana Popsicles

Prepare the bananas:

Peel ripe bananas and cut them in half crosswise. The banana should be yellow with just a few spots for ideal sweetness and firmness. Insert a lollipop stick into the cut end of each banana half, pushing it about halfway through to ensure stability.

Freeze the bananas:

Arrange the banana halves on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they don't touch each other. Place in the freezer for at least one hour or until completely firm. This freezing step is crucial as it allows the bananas to maintain their shape during dipping.

Melt the candy coating:

Place each color of candy melts in separate microwave-safe bowls. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until completely smooth. Be careful not to overheat as candy melts can seize. The ideal consistency should be fluid but not too thin.

Dip the frozen bananas:

Working quickly to keep bananas frozen, remove them one at a time from the freezer. Dip each banana into your choice of colored candy melts, tilting the bowl and rotating the banana to coat evenly. Gently tap off excess coating, allowing it to drip back into the bowl.

Decorate with flair:

While the coating is still wet, sprinkle with patriotic decorations. You can also drizzle with contrasting colors of melted candy by using a fork or small spoon. Work on one banana at a time, as the coating hardens quickly on the frozen fruit.

Return to freezer:

Place the decorated bananas back on the parchment-lined sheet and return to the freezer for at least 15 minutes to set completely. Once set, they can be transferred to an airtight container for storage until ready to serve.

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My favorite part of making these popsicles is watching my grandchildren decorate them. Last summer my five-year-old granddaughter created a whole family of banana characters complete with sprinkle hair and candy melt outfits. Her creativity with these simple ingredients reminded me that cooking with children creates memories that last far longer than the treats themselves.

Storage Tips

These banana popsicles keep beautifully in the freezer for up to one week when stored properly. For best results, place the fully set popsicles in a single layer in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. If you need to store them longer, the bananas may begin to discolor slightly but will still taste delicious. I recommend enjoying them within 7 days for optimal freshness and texture.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve these patriotic popsicles directly from the freezer at your next holiday gathering. Create a festive display by arranging them upright in a container filled with crushed ice to keep them frozen longer during service. Consider setting up a dipping station with additional melted chocolate, extra sprinkles, and chopped nuts, allowing guests to add their own finishing touches. These popsicles pair wonderfully with other summer treats like watermelon slices or fresh berries for a colorful dessert spread.

Dietary Adaptations

These versatile banana popsicles can easily accommodate various dietary needs. For dairy-free guests, use dairy-free candy melts or substitute with dairy-free chocolate chips melted with a teaspoon of coconut oil. Seeking a lower sugar option? Dip bananas in unsweetened melted dark chocolate and add a small sprinkle of sea salt. You can also roll freshly dipped bananas in chopped nuts, granola, or shredded coconut for added texture and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of bananas work best?

Ripe yet firm bananas work best as they hold their shape when frozen and are easy to handle.

→ Can I use chocolate instead of candy melts?

Yes, melted chocolate works perfectly as an alternative to candy melts. You can also mix white and dark chocolate for variety.

→ How do I prevent the bananas from sliding off the sticks?

Ensure the lollipop stick is inserted deeply into the banana and freeze them until completely firm before dipping.

→ What decorations can I use besides sprinkles?

You can use crushed nuts, shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, or edible glitter for decoration.

→ How should I store these banana treats?

Place the decorated bananas in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers and keep them in the freezer until ready to serve.