I've been perfecting frozen treat recipes for over 10 years of gluten-free living, and I can confidently say these Banana Snickers Ice Cube Tray Bites are the most addictive frozen dessert I've ever created. After testing dozens of variations and methods, I discovered that using ice cube trays creates the perfect bite-sized portions with incredibly clean edges – something you simply can't achieve with traditional baking sheet methods.
The secret to making these superior to other banana snickers recipes? Three key techniques: using silicone ice cube trays for effortless release, adding the peanuts in the bottom layer for maximum crunch, and freezing in stages to prevent the chocolate from cracking. These small details make all the difference between a good frozen treat and an absolutely irresistible one.
As a future registered dietitian with over a decade of gluten-free baking experience, I love that these bites pack natural potassium from bananas, healthy fats from peanuts, and protein from peanut butter – all while satisfying that intense chocolate craving we all get.
Why This Recipe Works Better Than Others
Unlike other frozen banana recipes that use baking sheets, the ice cube tray method creates uniform portions and prevents the treats from sticking together in storage. The layered construction – peanuts first, then peanut butter, banana, and finally chocolate – ensures every bite has the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
I've made this recipe over 50 times, tweaking the ratios until I achieved that perfect Snickers-like experience. The result? A treat that tastes indulgent but is made with wholesome ingredients you can feel good about serving to your family.
Equipment
- Silicone Ice Cube Trays - Essential for easy release and creating perfect bite-sized portions. Silicone is crucial because regular plastic trays make removal nearly impossible.
- Piping Bag or Small Spoon - For precise peanut butter placement. A piping bag gives you the most control, but a small spoon works too.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl - For melting chocolate smoothly without burning.
- Sharp Knife - To slice bananas into uniform pieces that fit perfectly in the ice cube compartments.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
Choose bananas that are ripe but still firm – you want them yellow with minimal brown spots. Overripe bananas become mushy when frozen and won't hold their shape well in the molds.
For the chocolate, I recommend using high-quality chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars. Dark chocolate works beautifully if you prefer less sweetness, while milk chocolate appeals more to kids.
The peanut butter should be creamy and at room temperature for easy piping. If you're dealing with food allergies, sunflower seed butter or almond butter work as excellent substitutions.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These frozen bites store perfectly in the freezer for up to 3 months. Once fully frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag to save space. They're best enjoyed straight from the freezer, though you can let them sit at room temperature for 2-3 minutes if you prefer a softer texture.
This recipe is perfect for meal prep – I often make a double batch on Sunday and portion them into individual containers for easy grabbing throughout the week. They're also fantastic for entertaining since they look so professional and elegant.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas
These bites pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or as an after-dinner treat. For a more substantial snack, try them alongside my easy cashew chicken salad recipe for a balanced combination of protein and natural sweetness.
Looking for more frozen treats? My 3-ingredient strawberry frozen yogurt uses the same simple approach with incredible results. And if you're planning a summer gathering, these pair perfectly with my easy chocolate-dipped1 watermelon bites for a refreshing dessert spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
While you can use plastic trays, silicone is strongly recommended for easy release. Plastic trays often cause the treats to stick, making removal difficult and potentially breaking your beautiful bites.
These frozen treats will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months when stored in an airtight container or freezer bag. For best quality, consume within 6-8 weeks.
Absolutely! Simply use dairy-free chocolate chips (brands like Enjoy Life or Hu Kitchen work perfectly) and ensure your peanut butter doesn't contain any dairy ingredients.
Choose bananas that are ripe but still firm - yellow with minimal brown spots. Overripe bananas become too soft when frozen and won't hold their shape well in the molds.
Chocolate cracking usually happens when the chocolate is too hot when poured. Let your melted chocolate cool for 2-3 minutes before pouring over the banana bites.
Banana Snickers Ice Cube Tray Bites
Equipment
- 2 silicone ice cube trays (12 compartments each)
- Piping bag or small spoon
- Microwave-safe bowl
Ingredients
- 1-2 ripe bananas sliced into rounds
- ½ cup chopped roasted peanuts
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup melted chocolate dairy-free if needed
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Sprinkle chopped peanuts into the bottom of each ice cube tray compartment, filling about ¼ of the space.
- Add peanut butter: Using a piping bag or small spoon, add a small dollop of peanut butter over the peanuts in each compartment.
- Insert bananas: Press one slice of banana into each mold, gently pressing it into the peanut butter to secure.
- Top with chocolate: Pour melted chocolate over each banana bite, filling the compartment completely to cover the banana.
- Freeze: Place the trays in the freezer for at least 1 hour or until completely set and firm.
- Release and serve: Gently pop the bites from the silicone trays and enjoy immediately, or store in a freezer-safe container.
Notes
Let chocolate cool slightly before pouring to prevent melting the peanut butter layer
For extra indulgence, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before freezing
Make sure bananas are firm but ripe for the best texture and flavor
Store in an airtight freezer container for up to 3 months
