BAKED BANANAS WITH DARK CHOCOLATE
Baked Bananas with Dark Chocolate is a decadent yet healthy dessert that combines the natural sweetness of baked bananas with the richness of dark chocolate. Garnished with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of crunchy almonds, this dessert is a perfect balance of indulgence and nourishment. It is gluten-free and quick to prepare, making it an ideal treat for any time of day. Whether served as a light dessert or a snack, this dish will satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping healthy ingredients and nutritious.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Dessert, Snack
SERVING SIZE
1 serving
CUISINE
American, Mediterranean
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Bake five ingredients or less
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Party, Fall, Winter, Family Gathering, Potluck, Movie Night, Everyday
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, Gluten-Free, Low Sodium, Kid Friendly, Vegetarian, Quick & Easy
DISH TYPE
Dessert, Snack
INGREDIENTS
- 1 small banana, halved
- 10g dark chocolate, melted
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp chopped almonds
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Sugars: 18g
- Fats: 6g
- Fibre: 3g
- Sodium: 5mg
PREPARATION
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Prepare The Banana: Slice a small banana in half lengthwise and place it on a lined baking sheet or oven-safe dish.
- Bake The Banana: Bake the banana in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until it softens and begins to caramelise.
- Melt The Chocolate: While baking the banana, melt 10g of dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 20-second intervals and stirring until smooth.
- Drizzle With Honey And Chocolate: Remove the banana from the oven and drizzle with 1 tsp of honey. Pour the melted dark chocolate over the banana.
- Top With Almonds: Sprinkle 1 tsp of chopped almonds over the chocolate for added crunch and flavour.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy your Baked Bananas with Dark Chocolate while warm for the best taste and texture.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
10 minutes
TIPS
- Use Ripe Bananas: For the best flavour, use ripe but firm bananas that will hold their shape when baked.
- Add More Toppings: Add a dollop of whipped cream or yoghurt alongside the baked bananas for a more indulgent dessert.
- Control The Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey based on your sweetness preference, or omit it entirely if the banana is sweet enough.
- Nut Alternatives: If you’re allergic to almonds, you can substitute them with walnuts, pecans, or seeds like sunflower or pumpkin.
VARIATIONS
- Vegan Option: Use a bar of plant-based chocolate and replace honey with maple syrup to make the recipe fully vegan.
- Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the banana before baking for a warm, spiced flavour.
- Nut-Free Version: Omit the almonds or replace them with toasted seeds if you’re allergic to nuts.
- Coconut Twist: Sprinkle shredded coconut and almonds for a tropical flavour boost.
- Peanut Butter Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted peanut butter or almond butter along with the dark chocolate for extra richness.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- In The Fridge: Store any leftover baked bananas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Reheat in the microwave before serving.
- Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze baked bananas as they may become mushy when thawed. Enjoy freshness for the best texture.