Balboa Island Frozen Dipped Bananas
Updated May 14, 2025, Published Jul 08, 2020
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Every year the Davis family gathers for a family reunion in Balboa Island, CA. This is a 65 year tradition! In Balboa there is a cute donut/cookie/ice cream shop called Dad’s Donuts that is a family favorite. In the morning we walk there for donuts and in the evening for frozen dipped bananas and Balboa bars (dipped ice cream).
As we are deep in this Covid-19 pandemic it is uncertain what this summer will bring. We decided to create this simple recipe and pretend we can smell the salty air and toss our beach hair back as we enjoy our very own frozen dipped bananas. The best part is- they are fun to make with kids, everyone can personalize their own, and you most likely have everything to make these! Enjoy the little things.
Made with Amore,
Elena
INGREDIENTS
3 just ripe bananas , peeled and cut in half
6 popsicle sticks
8 ounces chopped chocolate (milk or dark) or chocolate chips
2 tablespoons butter
Toppings: toasted hazelnuts , or almonds, sprinkles, coconut flakes, marshmallows, cookie crumbs, peanut butter chips, graham crackers, smashed candy bar, possibilities are endless…
INSTRUCTIONS
Line a sheet pan or a larger flat plate with waxed paper.
Cut each banana in half.
Insert a popsicle stick into the cut-end, and push the stick halfway in.
Place all the bananas on the waxed paper and freeze for 1 hour.
Add chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl and add in the butter.
Melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave. DO NOT burn the chocolate. Check on it every 25-30 seconds and stir.
Put the dipping decorations (nuts, sprinkles, cookies, etc) on flat plates.
Remove bananas from freezer.
Take one banana at a time and dip it in the chocolate, coating it completely – spoon some on, if needed.
Personalize: Roll or sprinkle the dipped bananas with nuts, sprinkles, or shredded coconut, and put them back on the waxed paper.
Put the bananas back in the freezer and freeze for 1 hour. * you can eat them right away if can’t wait it’s just extra messy, but still delicious! Yum!
Balboa Island Frozen Dipped Bananas
Ingredients
- 3 just ripe bananas, peeled and cut in half
- 6 popsicle sticks
- 8 ounces chopped chocolate, milk or dark or chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Toppings: toasted hazelnuts, or almonds, sprinkles, coconut flakes, marshmallows, cookie crumbs, peanut butter chips, graham crackers, smashed candy bar, possibilities are endless…
Instructions
- Line a sheet pan or a larger flat plate with waxed paper.
- Cut each banana in half.
- Insert a popsicle stick into the cut-end, and push the stick halfway in.
- Place all the bananas on the waxed paper and freeze for 1 hour.
- Add chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl and add in the butter.
- Melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave. DO NOT burn the chocolate. Check on it every 25-30 seconds and stir.
- Put the dipping decorations (nuts, sprinkles, cookies, etc) on flat plates.
- Remove bananas from freezer.
- Take one banana at a time and dip it in the chocolate, coating it completely – spoon some on, if needed.
- Personalize: Roll or sprinkle the dipped bananas with nuts, sprinkles, or shredded coconut, and put them back on the waxed paper.
- Put the bananas back in the freezer and freeze for 1 hour. * you can eat them right away if can’t wait it’s just extra messy, but still delicious! Yum!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
A family favorite for a good reason. It is a fun recipe to make with kids!