Elvis’s Chocolate Peanut Bacon Frozen Banana

When the sun beats down and the air hums with summer heat, there are few pleasures quite as refreshing and effortlessly satisfying as a frozen treat. Among these delightful cooldowns, the classic chocolate-covered frozen banana holds a special place. It’s a simple pleasure, requiring minimal ingredients, skill, or fancy equipment, yet it delivers maximum enjoyment. Even the youngest aspiring chefs in my household have mastered the art of crafting these delightful pops, a testament to their inherent simplicity – and a welcome five minutes of peace for me! But what if we could elevate this humble frozen fruit into something truly extraordinary? Something that pays homage to a legend?

The inspiration for this ultimate frozen banana creation struck like a lightning bolt last week while scrolling through social media. A captivating post from Leite’s Culinaria, featuring the brilliant work of Matt Armendariz, unveiled a concept that stopped me in my tracks. It wasn’t just any frozen banana; it was a clever homage to Elvis Presley’s legendary favorite sandwich: peanut butter, banana, and bacon. The moment I saw it, I knew this culinary masterpiece had to become a reality in my kitchen. I eagerly embraced Matt’s and Elvis’s ingenious concept, applying it to my own time-tested recipes for frozen bananas and homemade magic shell. The result, as expected and profoundly hoped for, was nothing short of a symphony for the senses: a perfect harmony of salty, sweet, crunchy, and cold. It was, in every delightful bite, precisely the afternoon snack I craved and then some.

Now, I know what some of you might be thinking: chocolate and bacon? It might sound unconventional, perhaps even a little daring, but please, do not balk at the idea. This combination is, in a word, magical. It possesses a strangely utterly addictive quality that will surprise and delight your palate. The smoky, savory notes of crisp, crumbled bacon interlace perfectly with the satisfying crunch of chopped peanuts, the smooth sweetness of dark chocolate, and the creamy coolness of the frozen banana. The contrast in textures and flavors creates an experience that is truly unforgettable. And for those looking to impress the men in their lives, consider this your secret weapon. I witnessed eyes rolling back in sheer pleasure as these were devoured in my home. Even the two notorious banana-haters among us found themselves nibbling with unexpected delight, a testament to the irresistible charm of these Elvis-inspired creations.

Every bite of these Elvis Frozen Bananas is a journey through layers of flavor and texture. The initial snap of the chocolate shell gives way to the creamy, sweet banana, then the satisfying crunch of peanuts, followed by the unexpected, yet utterly welcome, salty crispness of bacon. It’s a sensory experience that redefines the simple frozen banana, transforming it into a gourmet delight. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an adventure for your taste buds, a bold fusion that showcases how seemingly disparate ingredients can unite to create something truly harmonious and intensely flavorful. The smoky undertones of the bacon cut through the sweetness of the chocolate and banana, adding a sophisticated depth that elevates the entire treat. It truly is so incredibly worth it.

Elvis Frozen Bananas: Chocolate, Peanuts, and Bacon!

The classic frozen banana treat receives a royal upgrade, worthy of the King himself. These decadent pops are dunked in a rich, homemade chocolate shell coating, then generously rolled in a crunchy, savory mixture of chopped peanuts and crispy crumbled bacon. Get ready for a flavor combination that will have you shouting “Thank you, thank you very much!”

Adapted from and with heartfelt thanks to Matt Armendariz and Leite’s Culinaria.

Ingredients

• 8 ice pop sticks
• 4 ripe bananas, peeled and halved crosswise
• 3 cups dark chocolate chunks (high-quality works best for flavor)
• 4 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
• 1 cup chopped roasted peanuts
• 1 cup crumbled crisp-cooked bacon (ensure it’s very crispy for best texture)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bananas: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. Carefully insert an ice pop stick into the cut end of each banana half, pushing it in as far as possible without piercing through the side or the other end. Make sure to leave enough stick exposed to hold comfortably. Arrange the skewered bananas on the prepared tray, ensuring they don’t touch. Place the tray in the freezer and freeze for at least 2 hours, or until completely solid. This crucial step prevents the bananas from getting mushy when dipped.
2. Make the Chocolate Shell Coating: Combine the dark chocolate chunks and coconut oil in a microwave-safe, wide-mouthed jar (a pint-sized Mason jar works perfectly for dipping). Microwave on high for 1 minute. Remove the jar and stir vigorously to check the chocolate’s consistency. If it’s not fully melted and smooth, continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is completely fluid and glossy. The coconut oil is key to creating that wonderful “magic shell” effect that hardens instantly on contact with the cold bananas. Use immediately for dipping, or if preparing in advance, allow it to cool to room temperature, then secure with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for up to 1 month.
3. Reheat Stored Chocolate Shell (if applicable): If you’ve refrigerated your chocolate shell, remove the lid and reheat it in the microwave on medium power in 30-second bursts. Stir thoroughly after each interval until the mixture is smooth, thin, and ready for dipping.
4. Prepare the Topping: On a dinner plate or shallow dish, combine the chopped peanuts and crumbled crispy bacon. Mix them together well to ensure an even distribution.
5. Assemble the Elvis Frozen Bananas: Working quickly, retrieve one frozen banana half at a time from the freezer. Dip it into the melted chocolate shell, rotating to ensure a thorough and even coating. Lift the banana, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off. Immediately press the chocolate-coated banana into the peanut and bacon mixture, turning and rolling it to coat all sides evenly. The cold banana will cause the chocolate to set almost instantly, allowing the toppings to adhere beautifully.
6. Final Freeze: Transfer the coated banana back to the lined baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining frozen banana halves. Once all bananas are coated, return the tray to the freezer for at least an additional 30 minutes to ensure everything is firm and perfectly chilled before serving.

Notes

• For optimal freshness and texture, these Elvis Frozen Bananas are best enjoyed within a week of being made. Store them individually wrapped in plastic wrap in the freezer to prevent freezer burn and keep them separate.
• Don’t be shy with the bacon! Its smoky, salty crunch is what truly makes these “Elvis” worthy.
• Using good quality dark chocolate will significantly impact the flavor of your magic shell.

Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.

Now, let’s turn our attention to even more exciting news: the “Frozen Treat Week” giveaway goodies! This event isn’t just about incredible recipes; it’s also about showering our wonderful readers with fantastic prizes, and today’s offering is truly something special.

It frankly doesn’t get much more exciting than this, my culinary comrades! We are thrilled to announce the launch of a truly spectacular giveaway. Today, we’re giving away the undisputed mother of all kitchen gadgets: a brand new KitchenAid Stand Mixer, complete with an incredibly versatile ice cream maker attachment! Imagine the possibilities—from perfect bread doughs to homemade ice creams, sorbets, and more, all with one magnificent machine. But we didn’t stop there. To sweeten the pot (pun absolutely intended!), our beloved friends at King Arthur Flour, a company synonymous with quality baking, have generously contributed an amazing ice cream making prize pack. This delectable collection includes one jar of rich caramel sauce, one jar of luscious dark chocolate sauce, a bag of refreshing mint chocolate chips, a bottle of pure vanilla extract (a baking essential!), and a bag of creamy coconut milk powder. Raise your hand if you’re dreaming of winning this incredible and exceptionally generous prize package! A massive thank you to KitchenAid and King Arthur Flour for making “Frozen Treat Week” even sweeter!