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- 2 ripe bananas, sliced into rounds - 1 cup dark chocolate chips (preferably semi-sweet for a rich flavor) - 1 tablespoon coconut oil (for a glossy finish) - ½ cup mixed nuts, chopped (e.g., almonds, walnuts, or pecans) - ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut - 2 tablespoons mini marshmallows (optional for a sweet twist) - Sea salt, for a finishing sprinkle Ripe bananas work best. They add natural sweetness and flavor. Use semi-sweet chocolate chips for a balance of rich taste. If you want a healthier touch, dark chocolate is great too. Coconut oil gives a nice shine to the bark. If you don't have it, you can use butter. For nuts, choose your favorites. Almonds and walnuts add crunch. Don't like nuts? Omit them or swap for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower. Shredded coconut adds texture and flavor. If you prefer, you can skip it. Mini marshmallows give a fun touch, but they are optional. Get creative with toppings! Here are some ideas: - Try dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a chewy bite. - Sprinkle on seeds like chia or flax for extra nutrition. - Add spices like cinnamon or chili powder for a kick. - Use flavored chocolate chips, like mint or peanut butter, for a twist. These options let you make the bark your own! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab a baking sheet and some parchment paper. Lay the parchment paper flat on the sheet. This paper keeps the bark from sticking. It also makes it easy to take off later. Make sure the paper covers the whole sheet. Next, take a microwave-safe bowl. Add one cup of dark chocolate chips and one tablespoon of coconut oil. The oil helps give the chocolate a nice shine. Microwave this mix in 30-second bursts. Stir after each time. Keep heating until the chocolate is smooth. This should take about 1 to 1.5 minutes. Now, it's time to layer. Take your banana slices and lay them on the parchment paper. Try to cover the sheet with them. They can touch or overlap a little. Pour the melted chocolate over the bananas. Make sure every slice gets coated. Use a spatula or spoon to spread it out. Next, sprinkle on your toppings. Add ½ cup of chopped mixed nuts, ¼ cup of shredded coconut, and optional mini marshmallows. Be creative! Finish with a light dusting of sea salt. This adds a great contrast to the sweets. Finally, put the whole sheet in the freezer. Chill for 1 to 2 hours until the chocolate is hard. Once set, break the bark into pieces. Each piece will burst with flavor and texture! To melt chocolate well, I use dark chocolate chips. They give a rich taste. Mix the chips with one tablespoon of coconut oil. The oil helps make the chocolate shiny. I melt them in the microwave. Heat for 30 seconds at a time. Stir after each heat cycle. This keeps the chocolate smooth and creamy. It usually takes about 1 to 1.5 minutes. If you don’t have a microwave, use a double boiler. This method heats the chocolate gently. When adding toppings, I like to layer them evenly. Start with the nuts first. They add crunch. I use chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Next, sprinkle shredded coconut for a tropical taste. Finally, if you want a sweet kick, add mini marshmallows. Place the toppings quickly, so the chocolate stays warm. This helps them stick well. For serving, I love to use a decorative platter. It makes the bark look even more tempting. You can cut it into squares or break it into pieces. If you want a fun gift, wrap pieces in clear cellophane. Tie them with a ribbon for a nice touch. It’s a great way to share this tasty treat! Pro Tips Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate for a richer flavor. The better the chocolate, the more delicious your bark will be! Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to customize your bark with different toppings like dried fruits or seeds to suit your taste preferences. Storage Tips: Keep any leftover bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and prevent it from melting. Pre-Slice Bananas: To ensure even chocolate coverage, slice your bananas evenly. This helps in achieving a uniform texture and appearance in the final product. {{image_4}} You can make this treat even better for you. Use only dark chocolate with 70% cocoa or more. It has less sugar and more nutrients. Swap bananas for sliced strawberries or apples for a fresh twist. Instead of nuts, try seeds like pumpkin or sunflower. They add crunch and are packed with good stuff. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of chocolate for a creamy layer. This keeps the bark tasty and light. Mix up the flavors to suit your taste. Try adding a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the chocolate. This makes it warm and cozy. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract for a richer taste. For a fun kick, add a sprinkle of chili powder. It adds a surprise heat that pairs well with sweet bananas. Don't forget to experiment with toppings! You can use dried fruit like cranberries or apricots for a sweet touch. Change your bark with the seasons. In fall, add pumpkin spice to the chocolate. Top the bark with candy corn for a festive look. For winter, use crushed peppermint candies or toffee bits. They add a holiday feel to your treat. In spring, consider fresh berries or edible flowers for a colorful finish. You can even drizzle white chocolate over the bark for a lovely contrast. Each season brings a chance for new flavors and fun! To store your chocolate banana bark, keep it in an airtight container. Line the container with parchment paper for easy removal. This will keep the bark fresh and prevent it from sticking together. Make sure to place a piece of wax paper between layers if you stack them. Store the container in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight. You can freeze chocolate banana bark for longer storage. Once set, cut it into pieces and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about 1 hour. Then, transfer the pieces to an airtight container or freezer bag. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper. You can keep it frozen for up to 3 months. When stored properly, chocolate banana bark lasts about one week at room temperature. In the fridge, it can stay fresh for up to two weeks. If frozen, it maintains its best quality for three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before enjoying your treat. Yes, you can use milk chocolate. It will make the bark sweeter and creamier. Milk chocolate melts well, just like dark chocolate. You can follow the same melting steps. Keep in mind that the flavor will change. Dark chocolate has more depth, while milk chocolate is lighter. To make this bark vegan, simply swap the dark chocolate for a dairy-free option. Many brands offer vegan chocolate chips. You also want to use coconut oil, which is plant-based. Be sure to check the labels of your nuts and toppings. Most are vegan, but some may contain added dairy. You can add many fruits to the bark. Sliced strawberries, dried cranberries, or even orange zest work well. Dried fruits add sweetness, while fresh fruits bring a juicy burst. Just remember to chop them small. This makes it easier to mix into the bark. In this post, we covered how to make delicious chocolate banana bark. We started with the ingredients needed, including substitutes and tasty toppings. Then, I walked you through the steps to prep, melt, and assemble your bark. I shared helpful tips for melting chocolate and suggested fun variations. Finally, we reviewed storage tips and common questions. Now, you can enjoy this treat any time. Remember, you can get creative with flavors and toppings. Enjoy your baking adventure!

Chocolate Banana Bark Delight

A delicious and easy-to-make treat combining bananas, dark chocolate, and a variety of toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 whole ripe bananas, sliced into rounds
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 0.5 cup mixed nuts, chopped
  • 0.25 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 2 tablespoons mini marshmallows
  • 1 pinch sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in the microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring between each session until melted.
  • Arrange the Banana Slices: On the prepared baking sheet, lay out the banana slices in a single layer.
  • Pour the Chocolate: Drizzle the melted chocolate mixture generously over the banana slices.
  • Add Your Toppings: Evenly sprinkle the chopped nuts, shredded coconut, and optional mini marshmallows over the chocolate-covered bananas.
  • Finish with Sea Salt: Lightly sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the entire bark before it sets.
  • Chill to Set: Place the baking sheet in the freezer and chill for 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate has hardened.
  • Break Into Delicious Pieces: Once set, remove the bark from the baking sheet and break it into pieces.

Notes

Serve on a decorative platter or wrap in cellophane for gifts.
Keyword banana, bark, chocolate, dessert, snack