Frozen banana lollies

Prepare: over 2 hours
Cook: no cooking required
Serve: Makes 8
Dietary: Egg-free Pregnancy-friendly Vegetarian

Making frozen banana lollies is great activity to do with kids as they are super simple to make and can be personalised depending your little ones’ preferences.

For this recipe, you will need 8 wooden lolly sticks.

By Helen Upshall

Shopping list

Ingredients

For the banana lollies

4 large bananas, peeled and cut in half
300g/10½oz dark chocolate, broken into small pieces or Greek-style yoghurt

For the toppings

chopped nuts (optional)
sprinkles (optional)
freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries (optional)
chocolate drizzle (optional)
nut butter drizzle (optional)

Recipe tips

How-to videos

Method

Line a baking tray with baking paper.
Gently push the banana pieces onto the 8 wooden lolly sticks, taking care not to crack the banana. If the banana breaks a little, do not worry as they will harden in the freezer. Place the bananas on the baking tray and transfer to the freezer for 2 hours to firm up.
To melt the chocolate (if using), fill a small saucepan about a quarter full with water and bring to a simmer over a low heat. Place the chocolate pieces in a heat-proof bowl and set this on top of the pan, making sure the water doesn't touch the bowl. Leave to melt for a couple of minutes or so, stirring once or twice.
Put the melted chocolate or yoghurt in a tall glass or narrow mug to make it easier to coat the bananas. Remove the hardened bananas from the freezer and holding the end of one lolly stick, fully submerge the first banana into the chocolate or yoghurt.
Place the dipped lolly back onto the baking tray and sprinkle immediately with any desired toppings before the chocolate or yoghurt sets. Repeat with the remaining banana lollies.
Return the tray to the freezer for another 20 minutes to harden again.
Remove the lollies from the freezer 5 minutes before serving to soften slightly – but be aware, the yoghurt will melt quicker than the chocolate.