These Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Banana Bites are a quick and healthy treat or pre/post workout snack. They are vegan, gluten free and paleo-friendly (I was informed peanuts are considered legumes and therefore NOT paleo. Use any other nut butter to make this a paleo treat).
Traveling in tropical countries I had to quickly realize that finding a good place and time to work out can be quite challenging.
I used to like running outside. Here in SE Asia this is only possible very, very early in the morning before the sun comes up. Any other time of day it’s just too freaking HOT and I already feel like I am going to pass out when I’m still within sight of my house.
However, there are two problems with working out so early in the morning: 1. I am a night owl and I’m rarely awake before the sun comes up. 2. The DOGS! They rule at night in Asia. I don’t trust a dog whose owner is sleeping and many of the dogs around don’t even have owners. So, let me tell you, running in the dark while dogs are barking and running after you is SCARY!
Whenever we are close to an ocean or swimming pool, that is my favorite kind of exercise – mainly because I don’t like to sweat. At other times I prefer cardio exercises from the air-conditioned comfort of our place. It’s cool, no dogs and the only onlooker giving me strange stares is my husband. I can also shower right away when I can’t deal with the sweat anymore.
BUT…I have to do it first thing right after I wake up. Once I let the busyness and to-do list of the day get the better of me, working out just doesn’t happen anymore. It has to be even before breakfast. If I have breakfast first, it weighs me down too much, so I have to wait a while. Of course, I pull out my to-do list while I wait, and one thing adds to another and before I know it the day is over.
Since working on a completely empty stomach is no good either, I usually have a couple bites of a banana or a spoonful of honey. Recently I came across these Chocolate PB Banana bites on Pinterest though and they make a wonderful pre or post work out snack. There are only 3 ingredients and they’re gluten free andvegan (you guys know which chocolate to use) and even paleo-friendly (if you use another nut butter). So many healthy options!
Basically, all you do is slice up a banana, spoon peanut butter on half of the slices and top them with another banana slice. Heather then used a toothpick to hold these little peanut butter banana sandwiches together for dipping. To make it a little easier I let them set up in the freezer for 30 minutes to an hour. Then, I put one bite on a fork and spoon melted dark chocolate over the top. The excess chocolate can just drip off this way.
Place the bites in the fridge until the chocolate is set. I like to enjoy these frozen, so I actually keep them in the freezer.
This made taking pictures really hard, though. Condensation just kept setting onto the frozen buggers. Oh the joys of tropical humidity! Please don’t mind the ‘wet-look’. I hear it’s in for lipstick?
Do you have a favorite time and place to work out? Do you have pre or post workout snacks? Share your thoughts with me!
For another yummy banana treat try these Banana Dessert Samosas.
Recipe
Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Banana Bites
Ingredients
- 1 Banana
- ¼ cup Peanut Butter
- 80 grams (3oz) Dark Chocolate
Instructions
- Slice the banana. Spoon peanut butter (about a heaping teaspoon) on one banana slice and top with another. Place into freezer to set up for about an hour.
- Melt dark chocolate and dip banana bites in it. I place one cold bite on a fork and spoon melted chocolate over top - this way the excess can drip right off. Place dipped PB Banana Bites in the fridge until the chocolate sets. I like to enjoy them frozen, so I keep them in the freezer.
Pin this Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Banana Bites recipe for later?
If you are vegan and into cake and baking, have you seen my vegan fondant recipe yet? I posted it close to 2 years ago but to this day it is one of the most popular posts:
Random Questions
Yes, banana with peanut butter can be a healthy snack as it provides a good balance of natural sugars, healthy fats, and proteins. Bananas are a great source of potassium, while peanut butter offers healthy fats and protein, making it a satisfying and nutritious snack option.
Peanut butter banana honey toast can be a healthy option, especially if you use whole grain bread and natural peanut butter. Bananas provide essential nutrients like potassium and fiber, while peanut butter offers healthy fats and protein. Honey adds natural sweetness and some additional health benefits, such as antioxidants and antimicrobial properties.
Absolutely! Peanut butter with banana is a popular and nutritious snack choice. Bananas are rich in vitamins and minerals, while peanut butter contains healthy fats and protein. Together, they create a satisfying and energy-boosting snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
Bananas and peanut butter can make a good bedtime snack option for some individuals. Bananas contain tryptophan, an amino acid that can help promote the production of serotonin, which aids in relaxation and sleep. Peanut butter provides a combination of healthy fats and protein that can help keep you feeling satisfied throughout the night.
However, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes, especially if you are watching your calorie intake before bed.
Jacquee
Bananas are a great after workout snack - lots of potassium, vitamin C and B6! And I am so with you... I don't trust a dog whose owner is asleep. 😉
Regina
Great to hear nutritional facts confirming it 🙂
Erin @ Texanerin Baking
Oh, bananas. How I love them. Especially with peanut butter and chocolate. I wish I could change this allergy for a veggie allergy. 😀
And dogs running around at night? That sounds absolutely terrifying. I somehow doubt that they're cute golden retriever puppies. If this were the case, I'd be outside chasing them. 😉
These look so good! Love this combination.
Regina
Ehh...no golden retrievers and no puppies. Only vicious, terrifying, unidentifiable street breds.
Natalie
These are the perfect snack! I love banana and PB together.
Regina
Yay to another PB and banana lover
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust
I would love these for breakfast! And man, you're dedicated. No way I'd run in the dark!
Regina
Haha...not really all that dedicated. Tried it a few times. The dogs definitely ruined it for me but mainly it's my sleeping habits that get in the way 😉
Amy Tong
These Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Banana Bites are so adorable and definitely healthy treats after workout (although I don't work out as much as I should have). You made me want to just to exercise so I can indulge in these little treats. 🙂 I know my kids would definitely love these too.
Regina
Haha...Amy, I can assure you they are also really good when you didn't just work out 😀
Good to know they are kid-friendly too!
sally @ sallys baking addiction
WHAT! so simple and yet so tasty. I could throw back a ton of these in one sitting. I shouldn't be trusted around them. 🙂
Regina
I can't be trusted with them either! I planned them as pre workout snack only but they also became afternoon and late night snack as well. Oops...
amy @ fearless homemaker
I love quick, easy, healthy snacks like this. And you just can't beat anything that combines chocolate and peanut butter! =)
Regina
I had to almost pinch myself that this chocolate+peanut butter combination can actually be considered healthy 😀
Leah
I love that these sound so easy to assemble (minus the humidity which isn't a problem in Upstate NY at this time haha). Thanks for sharing!
Regina
Yes, a super easy snack to make. I could share some humidity but I am not sure if I am up for a snow storm 😉
Averie @ Averie Cooks
They're so cute! And I've dipped bananas into chocolate with PB on them and they're very slippery and so to get them as neat as yours, took some time and patience. Great work!
Regina
Oh yes, they were really slippery so I put them in the freezer to set up before dipping 😉