Introduction

These Chunky Monkey Ice Cream Bites are a deliciously creamy and playful treat that combines bananas, coconut, walnuts, and dark chocolate. Perfect for a refreshing snack or dessert, they’re easy to make and great for sharing.

Chunky Monkey Ice Cream Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 ripe Bananas
3-4 tablespoons Maple Syrup
1 can Canned Coconut Milk (1 2/3 cups / 400ml) or coconut yogurt
1/3 cup Walnuts
1/2 cup Dark Chocolate Chunks (or chocolate chips)
1 1/2 cups Dark Chocolate Chips
1 tablespoon Coconut Oil

Instructions

Step 1: Place a 12-hole silicone muffin pan onto a chopping board to make transferring to the freezer easier. Set aside.
Step 2: In a blender, combine bananas, coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth like a banana smoothie.
Step 3: Chop walnuts and dark chocolate into large chunks, then gently fold them into the blended mixture.
Step 4: Divide the mixture evenly into the silicone muffin pan.
Step 5: Freeze overnight until fully hardened.
Step 6: The next day, cover a plate with parchment paper and set aside to place the coated ice cream bites.
Step 7: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and shiny.
Step 8: Remove the ice cream bites from the freezer and release them from the mold one at a time. Using a fork, quickly dip and flip them in the melted chocolate to coat evenly.
Step 9: Place each coated bite on the prepared plate and sprinkle with extra chopped walnuts. Repeat with all remaining bites.
Step 10: Return the plate to the freezer for about 10 minutes to let the chocolate shell harden.
Step 11: Store the ice cream bites in an airtight container or bag in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Step 12: Before serving, remove from the freezer and let soften for 10-12 minutes for the best texture.

Tips & Variations

Use coconut yogurt instead of canned coconut milk for a tangier flavor and creamier texture.
Try substituting walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different crunch.
For a nut-free version, leave out the nuts or use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Make sure to work quickly when dipping in chocolate to prevent melting or dripping.

Storage

Store the Chunky Monkey Ice Cream Bites in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, remove from the freezer and let soften at room temperature for 10-12 minutes to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of coconut milk?

Coconut milk adds a creamy texture and subtle flavor that pairs well with bananas. Using regular milk will alter the taste and consistency, but you can try it if preferred.

How do I prevent the chocolate from melting too quickly when dipping?

Make sure your chocolate is melted but not too hot. Work in small batches and dip quickly. If the chocolate cools and hardens, gently reheat it in short bursts.

Chunky Monkey Ice Cream Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 76 reviews

These Chunky Monkey Ice Cream Bites are a delicious and healthy frozen treat featuring ripe bananas, creamy coconut milk, crunchy walnuts, and rich dark chocolate. Perfect for a quick dessert or snack, they are naturally sweetened with maple syrup and coated in a luscious dark chocolate shell for an irresistible combination of flavors and textures.

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 10 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 ice cream bites 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Freezing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Ice Cream Base

2 ripe Bananas
1 can Canned Coconut Milk (1 2/3 cups / 400ml) or coconut yogurt
3–4 tablespoons Maple Syrup
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Mix-ins

1/3 cup Walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup Dark Chocolate Chunks or Chocolate Chips, chopped

Chocolate Coating

1 1/2 cups Dark Chocolate Chips
1 tablespoon Coconut Oil
Extra chopped walnuts for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

Prepare Mold: Place a 12-hole silicone muffin pan on a chopping board to make it easier to transfer the filled mold to the freezer later. Set aside.
Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine the ripe bananas, canned coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth, resembling a banana smoothie.
Add Mix-Ins: Chop the walnuts and dark chocolate into chunky pieces and gently fold them into the blended mixture to distribute evenly.
Fill Mold: Divide the ice cream mixture evenly among the 12 muffin pan holes.
Freeze: Place the mold in the freezer and freeze overnight until the ice cream bites are hard.
Prepare Coating Area: Line a plate with parchment paper and set aside to place the chocolate-coated ice cream bites later.
Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until the mixture is fully melted and smooth.
Coat Ice Cream Bites: Remove the frozen ice cream bites from the mold one at a time. Using a fork, quickly dip and flip each bite into the melted chocolate to coat them completely. Work quickly as the chocolate sets fast.
Place and Sprinkle: Transfer the coated ice cream bite onto the prepared parchment-lined plate and sprinkle with extra chopped walnuts if desired. Repeat with remaining bites.
Set Chocolate Shell: Return the coated bites to the freezer for 10 minutes to allow the chocolate shell to harden.
Storage: Store the Chunky Monkey Ice Cream Bites in an airtight bag or container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Serve: Remove the bites from the freezer 10-12 minutes before serving to soften slightly for perfect texture.

Notes

You can substitute coconut yogurt for canned coconut milk for a slightly tangier flavor and creamier texture.
For extra crunch, feel free to add more walnuts or your favorite nuts.
Make sure to work quickly when dipping the frozen bites in chocolate to ensure a smooth, even coating before the chocolate sets.
Store leftovers properly in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavor.
If you don’t have a 12-hole silicone muffin pan, any small silicone mold or ice cube tray will work as well.

Keywords: Chunky Monkey, ice cream bites, frozen dessert, banana ice cream, healthy ice cream, dairy-free, vegan dessert, coconut milk ice cream, dark chocolate, walnuts