With a super creamy texture and a nutritious mix of simple ingredients, these Chocolate Banana Popsicles are a yummy dessert to share with the kids. Plus, they’re dairy-free, so more kiddos can enjoy them!
After making my Chocolate Popsicles and Fudge Pops, I wanted to offer another option that can be made as an added-sugar-free snack or with minimal added sugar—but that was still super creamy and yummy.
And these Chocolate Banana Popsicles rely on bananas for sweetness, avocado for creaminess (and extra nutrition, just like my Chocolate Avocado Pudding), and cocoa powder for the chocolate flavor we want. They are simple to make and just so delicious.
This recipe is a favorite for little kids because it is just sweet enough and has a creamy texture that is similar to a store-bought popsicle. They are great as a dairy-free recipe for kids, too!
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Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to make this Chocolate Banana Popsicle recipe so you know what to have on hand.
- Ripe bananas: Very ripe bananas with some brown spots are key to the sweetness here, and they make the frozen popsicles creamier. So definitely make sure to make these with ripe bananas.
- Ripe avocado: Adding ripe, soft avocado adds creaminess to the popsicles, in addition to fiber and beneficial fats. You can use fresh or frozen avocado as you like.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: I like to use unsweetened cocoa powder to add the chocolate flavor to this recipe. Any brand will work.
- Vanilla extract: You can use pure or artificial vanilla extract. Adding it to this recipe balances the flavors of the rest of the ingredients.
- Maple syrup: I prefer to sweeten these popsicles slightly with maple syrup. You can also use honey (for kids over 1 year old), agave nectar, or a little powdered sugar as other options.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Below is a preview of how to make this Chocolate Banana Popsicles recipe so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full information, including the amounts and timing.
Step 1. Add the ingredients to a blender.
Step 2. Blend very smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed to combine the mixture evenly.
Step 3. Portion out into your popsicle molds.
Step 4. Freeze for 4-6 hours or overnight before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can omit the maple syrup. Be sure that your bananas are super ripe with a lot of brown spots. And know that adding even half of the amount listed will likely result in popsicles that taste more like a dessert than if you omit it completely. But it’s up to you!
Sure, you can do that and cover with melted chocolate or try my Chocolate Covered Bananas, which are a yummy frozen option.
I prefer the mini popsicle mold from Zoku for toddlers since the small size is easy to hold and the small amount means it’s easy to eat.
How to Store
Once frozen, either store in the popsicle molds or transfer from the molds to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 6 months.
Best Tips for Success
- Check my list of the best popsicle molds for kids for my trusted options. The ones shown here are from Tovolo and are silicone molds that release super easily.
- Use ripe bananas for sweetness and ripe avocado for creaminess.
- Let sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before serving for the best texture.
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Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend on low speed until combined, increasing the speed a little to make a smooth pudding. Stop and scrape down the sides of the blender if needed.
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Taste the mixture and add a little additional sweetener if needed.
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Spoon into popsicle molds.
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Freeze for 4-6 hours or overnight until firm.
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Remove from molds and serve cold. (You can let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes so they soften just slightly before serving if desired.)
- Use ripe avocado that’s just soft to the touch. You can also use slightly thawed frozen avocado.
- The amounts listed are my preference for ensuring that these taste like fudge pops, but you can reduce the maple syrup and/or the cocoa powder to 2 tablespoons if you prefer.
- Taste the mixture before you spoon it into the molds and add more sweetener as needed. (Some cocoa powder is more bitter than others.)
- Dairy-free: Use a Greek-style dairy-free yogurt.
- Store frozen popsicles in a sealed freezer bag, with as much air removed as possible, for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Calories: 87kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 9mg, Potassium: 227mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 50IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 32mg, Iron: 1mg