You're going to either think I'm a genius or just plain weird after this one.
The week before thanksgiving I was craving something chocolate. I was moments from ripping open a bag of chocolate chips I bought for holiday baking when I spied my bananas and it made me pause.
If I was REALLY hungry and not just looking for something to eat, the banana would be appealing and it sort of was but I really, REALLY wanted chocolate.
That's when I reached for one of my favorite things in the world.
I use it smoothies all the time and started dusting my cookie balls with it last year.
I've learned from making single servings of banana soft-serve that the combo of banana and dark cocoa power is pretty much perfect -- no additional sweetener needed. Why not just dust some banana slices with it for a fun twist?
The result was awesome!
I love the bitter cocoa power taste just before biting into the sweet banana. The flavors blend in your mouth, making something really simple and light seem sinfully indulgent. Right now it's my go-to for night-time snack attacks.
Here's how I do it…
Ingredients
- ½ banana
- 1 tablespoon dark cocoa powder
Instructions
Slice the banana about a half inch thick.
Put the cocoa powder in a plastic bag or pour on a plate. I found the bag to be less messy.
Put the banana slices in the bag.
Shake and roll around, making sure to separate any slices that stick together.
I usually just eat them out of the bag but I arranged them on a plate for photos.
Note: Your hands WILL be a mess. Keep a wet wipe nearby. 🙂
Like I said, I may the only one who finds these appealing (unsweetened cocoa powder can be harsh) but they cure my chocolate cravings in a simple way.
📖 Recipe
Cocoa-Dusted Banana Bites
Ingredients
- ½ banana
- 1 tablespoon dark cocoa powder
Instructions
- Slice the banana about a half inch thick.½ banana
- Put the cocoa powder in a plastic bag or pour on a plate. I found the bag to be less messy. Put the banana slices in the bag.1 tablespoon dark cocoa powder
- Shake and roll around, making sure to separate any slices that stick together.
Notes
- Your hands WILL be a mess. Keep a wet wipe nearby. 🙂
Susannah
Just made this and it was yummy! Thanks for the great idea Roni.
Joy @ WhatIWeighToday
This is pure genius. My choco-holic husband is going to love it. I'm making this ASAP!
Tina
Thanks so much for replying, Roni! I missed the part about using "1/2 a banana"... I assumed it was for a whole one. Oops. 🙂
Tina
Hi Roni, I think your point calculations is wrong (or switched) on this one. On the old WW points, the book had a banana as 2 points (you have it written that the entire recipe is 0.5 points... it's probably more like 2 and whatever points the powder is). Anyway, looks delicious! I always enjoy your food photos.
roni
I actually use the nutritional info to calc the points. It's only half a banana so if you are counting 1 would be a save bet. Coco powder in that small amount is free. Of course count it how ever you feel will serve you, I just have to be consistent and use total NI to calculate everything or it gets messy.
Jacquelyn wade
THIS IS JUST GREAT. I JUST LEAVE A FORK ON TOP OF THE PLASTIC BAG AND WHEN THE LIGHTNING STRIKES, JUST GO GET ONE AND ONE BITE WILL DO IT! BANANAS REALLY STAY PERFECTLY COVERED IN THE COCOA FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. THANKS AND YAAAY!
Jenn
Roni, I loved this the other day! this is actually my first ever conscious diy project and I feel more confident now to try some more intentional diys thank you!! I used organic cocoa powder and it was really power packed flavorful gourmet. loved it! I was craving french dusted truffles too for the holidays and the store kept running out of them, or I wasn't ready to get them just yet.. and then i miss my chance. not anymore! genius! Love your site... for years.. you are so fun! Hugs, Jenn
Decalo Weight Loss
LOVE this!
Joshua Hampton
What a neat way to cure a chocolate craving. Awesome.
Ellen
Instead of the cocoa powder, try PB2 powder. It will satisfy your peanut butter craving. It's one of my favorite snacks. I'll have to give the cocoa powder a try.
Cindy
Dammit!! I just ate the other half of my banana!!! Must try tomorrow for sure. I usually don't like the cocoa powder by itself but I'm willing to try this. Thanks!
Tiffany
What an awesome idea! I'm definitely going to give it a try tonight...I happen to have both ingredients at home!
Natalie
I was just having a chocolate craving and tried out your idea... yummy! Definitely a winner!
Nikki
Isn't cocoa powder just the most magnificent thing!! I have been dipping roasted kabocha squash in it lately!! You can also make the cocoa powder into a 'dip' by mixing it with hot water. I sometimes like to add a bit of stevia when I do this. I can eat several cups of squash at a time like this (and sometimes eat several cups more than once a day. I don't know how you can do just HALF a banana... that would be a tease for me!! I go off and on cocoa powder kicks, and lately I have been consuming probably close to 1/4 cup a day in yogurt, oatmeal, with squash or pureed cauliflower or cabbage..... it goes in everything these days!!!
nikki
Your ideas are very original and I appreciate how you walk us through the recipes!
Dottie
Really good ---special dark sprinkled on cut-up pineapple, fresh or TJ frozen bits, a bit thawed. The juice mixes with the cocoa. Suggested by my Weight Watchers leader.
Janel @ Creating Tasty Stories
I have some bananas that are the perfect ripeness to give this a try...sounds like a perfect snack!
Megan
Sounds good and I wonder if you could even freeze them a bit! I love frozen bananas.
roni
I tried that too Megan! But I liked them better unfrozen. They mix with the cocoa powder faster in your mouth making that sweet choc taste.
Krista
Such a simple recipe idea, but I totally LOVE it. I hope there's a banana in the fruit bowl so I can try this tonight. =)
Karen Z
I need to try these because I love the Banana Hershey soft serve!