I was cleaning out my freezer last month when I found three bananas that had seen better days—you know, the ones that are too speckled for cereal but perfect for baking. Instead of making the usual loaf, I decided to experiment with a no-bake treat my toddler could help with. We mashed, mixed, and rolled, and what emerged were these irresistible little bites that disappeared faster than I could photograph them. Now, they’re a staple in our house for after-school hunger pangs or when we need a quick energy boost before soccer practice.
These Chunky Monkey Banana Bites: No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Delight! are the kind of snack that feels indulgent but is packed with wholesome ingredients. The combination of ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and dark chocolate chunks creates a flavor that’s both nostalgic and satisfyingly rich. I love how they come together in minutes without ever turning on the oven, making them perfect for busy days or last-minute playdates. If you’re looking for more ways to use up ripe bananas, you should also try our irresistible peanut butter banana muffins.
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: American
Category: Snack
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes, plus 30 minutes chilling
Servings: Makes about 20 bites
What You’ll Need
When I first started making energy bites, I’d grab whatever brands were on sale, but I’ve since learned that using natural peanut butter without added sugars makes a huge difference in texture. For the oats, rolled oats hold their shape better than instant, giving these bites a pleasant chewiness. If you’re shopping with kids, let them pick out the chocolate chips—it makes the process more fun for everyone.
You’ll need a mixing bowl, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and about 15 minutes of hands-on time. No fancy equipment required, which is one reason I turn to this recipe so often.
INGREDIENTS
One afternoon, my niece and I were prepping these, and she accidentally used sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened. The result was surprisingly delicious, though a bit sweeter—proof that mistakes can lead to happy discoveries. I always set out all my ingredients before starting; it keeps the process smooth and lets me involve little helpers without chaos.
- 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 1/3 cup mini dark chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
PREPARATION
From experience, I’ve found that chilling the mixture for at least 20 minutes before rolling prevents sticky hands and ensures the bites hold their shape. If you’re short on time, pop the bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes—it works almost as well. The aroma of peanut butter and banana mingling is so comforting, it always reminds me of lazy weekend mornings. For another comforting baked treat that’s perfect for weekends, check out our snickerdoodle zucchini bread recipe.
Chunky Monkey Banana Bites: No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Delight! Recipe
INGREDIENTS
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Chunky Monkey Banana Bites: No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Delight! Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- In a medium bowl, combine the mashed bananas, oats, peanut butter, flaxseed, chocolate chips, honey, vanilla, and salt. Stir until everything is well incorporated and the mixture looks uniform.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes until the mixture is firm enough to handle without sticking excessively.
- Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion the mixture and roll into bite-sized balls between your palms. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Once all bites are formed, chill for another 10 minutes to set fully. This step ensures they don’t fall apart when stored.
- Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 85 per bite
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
Customization Ideas
What I appreciate about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it to suit different tastes or dietary needs. For a nut-free version, sunflower seed butter works beautifully and gives a similar creamy texture. If you want to boost the nutrition, add a scoop of protein powder or swap half the chocolate chips for dried cranberries. My son prefers his with shredded coconut mixed in, which adds a subtle tropical twist.
Storage and Serving Tips
These bites are perfect for making ahead—I usually double the batch and freeze half for busy weeks. To serve, let them sit at room temperature for five minutes; they’re best when slightly softened. Pack them in lunchboxes with an ice pack, or crumble them over yogurt for a quick parfait. Around here, we often enjoy them with a glass of milk as an afternoon pick-me-up. If you’re looking for another make-ahead breakfast option, you’ll love our tater tot sausage breakfast casserole.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make these without peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter or sunflower seed butter are great alternatives. Just ensure they’re creamy and not too oily for the best consistency in this Chunky Monkey Banana Bites: No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Delight!.
How long do they last in the fridge?
They keep well for up to five days when stored in an airtight container. If they start to soften, a quick re-chill firms them right up.
Are these suitable for toddlers?
Yes, they’re soft and easy to chew, but always supervise young children due to the small size. You can even flatten them into discs for easier handling.
Conclusion
This Chunky Monkey Banana Bites: No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Delight! has become our go-to for wholesome snacking that feels like a treat. Whether you’re packing them for school or enjoying them with coffee, I hope they bring as much joy to your kitchen as they have to mine. Give them a try this week and see how quickly they become a family favorite!
