Chocolate Dipped Frozen Banana Bites
INGREDIENTS
2 cups (12 ounces) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
2 tablespoons coconut oil (or other neutral vegetable oil)
3 ripe bananas
3 cups toppings — 1 cup each of sprinkles, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or any other favorite toppings
Prepare your work space. Place a cutting board for the banana slices to your left. In front of you arrange bowls for the toppings and leave a space for the bowl of melted chocolate. To your right, set a parchment or silicone baking mat-lined baking sheet for placing the dipped banana slices. Have 2 forks handy.
Melt the chocolate. Fill the bottom of the double-boiler or saucepan with an inch of water and bring to a simmer. Cover with the top of the boiler or place a metal or glass bowl on the saucepan. Place the chocolate in the bowl. Let the chocolate melt, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is completely melted. Remove the bowl with the chocolate and transfer to your work station. (Alternatively, melt the chocolate in 15-second bursts in the microwave, stirring between bursts. Stop when there are still a few lumps of chocolate and stir until all the chocolate is melted.)
Prepare the bananas and toppings. While the chocolate is melting, peel and cut the bananas into 1/2-inch slices. Pour the toppings into separate bowls.
Add the coconut oil to the chocolate. Add the coconut oil to the chocolate and stir until completely combined. The coconut oil will help loosen the chocolate and make a thinner coat over the bananas.
Dip a banana slice. Drop 1 of the banana slices into the chocolate. Use 1 of the forks to dunk it into the chocolate and coat it completely. Lift the slice out with the fork and scrape it against the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate.
Coat the banana slice. Drop the chocolate-covered banana slice into one of the toppings. Use your fingers to sprinkle additional coating over the top of the banana slice. Topping ideas: Sprinkles, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, chopped toffee, granola, crushed malted milk balls, sprinkles or jimmies, other crushed candies.
Transfer the banana slice to the baking sheet. Using the clean fork, dig under the banana slice and lift it out of the toppings. Transfer it to the baking sheet, using a finger to gently nudge it off the fork.
Continue dipping banana slices. Repeat with the remaining banana slices. You may need to re-warm the chocolate once or twice while dipping — just set it back over the simmering water or microwave in bursts until it's loose again. Use the chocolate fork just for dipping and the clean fork just for scooping the slices out of the toppings.
Freeze until solid. Freeze the banana bites until the chocolate is completely solidified, at least 6 hours or overnight.