Peanut Butter Banana Coins
These Peanut Butter Banana Coins are a delightful and incredibly quick snack, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings while providing sustained energy. With just a few simple ingredients, they come together in minutes.
For 1 serving
**Prepare the banana:** Choose a ripe but firm banana. Peel it carefully and place it on a clean cutting board. Ensure it's not overly soft, which can make slicing difficult.
**Slice the banana:** Using a sharp knife, slice the banana into approximately 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) thick coins. Aim for uniform thickness for easier handling and presentation. You should get about 10-12 coins from a small banana.
**Spread peanut butter:** Take each banana coin and gently spread about 1/2 teaspoon of peanut butter evenly over one side. A small offset spatula or butter knife works well for this. You can adjust the amount of peanut butter to your preference.
**Add toppings:** Arrange the peanut butter-covered banana coins on a plate or small tray. Sprinkle the chia seeds (or hemp hearts) generously over the peanut butter side of each coin. If desired, add a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt and/or a light dusting of ground cinnamon for extra flavor.
**Serve immediately or chill:** Enjoy these delightful coins right away for the best texture and freshness. For a firmer, slightly chilled treat, you can place them in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before serving. Avoid chilling for too long as the banana may start to brown.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1**Banana Ripeness:** Use a banana that is ripe but still firm. Overly ripe bananas can be too soft and mushy to slice and handle easily, while underripe ones lack sweetness.
- 2**Peanut Butter Choice:** Opt for natural peanut butter with minimal added sugar and oils for a healthier snack. Almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter also work wonderfully as alternatives.
- 3**Prevent Browning:** If not serving immediately, a light squeeze of lemon juice over the banana slices before adding peanut butter can help prevent browning, though it might slightly alter the taste.
- 4**Freezing for a Treat:** For a frozen dessert, place the assembled coins on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes until firm. These make a refreshing and satisfying cold snack.
Adapt it for your goals.
Chocolate Drizzle
Drizzle a small amount of melted dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) over the finished coins for an extra indulgent treat.
Nutty CrunchNutty Crunch
Instead of chia seeds, sprinkle with finely chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans for added crunch and healthy fats.
Tropical TwistTropical Twist
Add a tiny sprinkle of unsweetened shredded coconut flakes along with the seeds for a delightful tropical flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Energy Boost
Bananas provide natural sugars and complex carbohydrates for quick and sustained energy, making them ideal for a pre-workout snack or an afternoon slump.
Healthy Fats & Protein
Peanut butter offers healthy monounsaturated fats and protein, contributing to satiety, supporting muscle repair, and providing sustained energy release.
Fiber Rich
Both bananas and chia seeds contribute dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps you feel fuller for longer.
Frequently asked questions
While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare them up to an hour in advance and keep them refrigerated. The banana might soften slightly and brown over time, but they will still be delicious.
