These frozen chocolate-covered banana bites are made with semi-sweet chocolate chips and a crunchy coating of nutty-flavored hemp seeds, unsweetened coconut, and chopped pecans. They’re a naturally gluten-free dessert with a nutritious twist your family will enjoy.
First there was quinoa, then chia seeds, and now hemp seeds have arrived in my kitchen. It took a while to embrace them, but now I use hemp seeds regularly.
Hemp seeds, also called hemp hearts, are the highlight of this recipe for Frozen Chocolate-and-Hemp-Smothered Banana Bites.
These tiny seeds are a complete protein and provide a balanced ratio of essential fatty acids. They add a slightly nutty flavor and a pleasant crunch, and they’re a good source of magnesium and other nutrients.
For a healthier dessert, try these Frozen Chocolate-and-Hemp Smothered Banana Bites.
Hemp seeds are versatile and easy to incorporate into everyday recipes.
Use them in homemade granola bars, cookies, muffins, pancakes, or overnight oats. Sprinkle them over salads and parfaits, include them in coatings for chicken or fish, or blend them into smoothies for added protein and texture.
To make the bites, dip banana slices in melted chocolate…
…then coat them in the hemp seed mixture and freeze until firm.
- 1/4 cup hemp seeds
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped pecans
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons expeller-pressed canola oil
- 2 medium ripe bananas, peeled and cut into twenty-four 1/2-inch slices
- Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and set aside.
- Heat a small skillet over medium-low. Add the hemp seeds, pecans, and coconut and toast, stirring constantly, until lightly golden and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Reduce heat if the mixture browns too quickly. Remove from heat and transfer to a shallow bowl to cool.
- Meanwhile, melt the chocolate chips with the canola oil in a double boiler over low heat, stirring until smooth, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
- To assemble the banana bites, insert a toothpick or wooden skewer horizontally through a banana slice. Dip the slice into the melted chocolate, coating most of it, then dip into the hemp seed mixture to cover. Place on the prepared baking sheet, remove the toothpick, and repeat with remaining slices.
- Place the baking sheet flat in the freezer and freeze for at least 1 hour, until the bites are firm.
Have you tried hemp seeds before? What are your favorite ways to use them?