Chocolate Bark Recipe with Banana and Peanut Butter

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Twist: This isn’t your typical chocolate bark recipe – the banana base and peanut butter layer create a frozen treat that’s part bark, part ice cream.
• Simple Ingredients: With just four main ingredients, this homemade chocolate bark is easy and economical to make.
• No Special Equipment: No need for candy thermometers or special tools – just basic kitchen items you already have.
• Customizable: The recipe is incredibly adaptable – swap out toppings or chocolate types based on your preferences.

What Is Chocolate Bark?

Chocolate bark is a versatile confection typically made by spreading melted chocolate into a thin layer, adding toppings, and breaking it into irregular pieces once set. Traditional chocolate bark recipes focus solely on chocolate with mix-ins, but this creative variation uses frozen banana slices as a base, creating a refreshing frozen dessert experience.

The beauty of homemade chocolate bark lies in its simplicity and adaptability. While this recipe features dark chocolate, peanut butter, and pretzels, the basic technique can be used with countless flavor combinations. Whether you prefer white chocolate, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate bark, the preparation method remains the same – melt, spread, top, and chill.

Chocolate Bark with Banana and Peanut Butter Bark Ingredients

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

• Bananas – Provides a sweet, creamy base that freezes beautifully. Choose ripe but still firm bananas for the best texture and natural sweetness.
• Creamy peanut butter – Creates a rich middle layer that pairs perfectly with chocolate and banana. The natural oils in peanut butter help it set firm when frozen.
• Dark chocolate chips – Offers a sophisticated bitter-sweet flavor that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients. Dark chocolate also contains less sugar and more antioxidants than other varieties.
• Mini pretzels – Adds a satisfying salty crunch that contrasts with the smooth layers beneath. Breaking them into pieces ensures they distribute evenly across the bark.

Substitutions and Additions

• Chocolate Options: If dark chocolate isn’t your preference, substitute with semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
• Nut Butter Alternatives: Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter work beautifully for those with peanut allergies or different taste preferences.
• Topping Variations: Instead of pretzels, try chopped nuts, coconut flakes, dried fruit, crushed cookies, or coarse sea salt. For a festive touch, add colorful sprinkles like in my Best Melted Snowman Bark Recipe.
• Flavor Enhancements: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, a dash of vanilla extract to the peanut butter, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for additional flavor dimensions.
• Protein Boost: Mix collagen or protein powder into the peanut butter layer for added nutrition, similar to energy bars.

How to Make Chocolate Bark with Banana and Peanut Butter (step-by-step directions)

STEP 1. Prepare an 11×15 sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

STEP 2. Peel and slice the bananas into approximately ¼-inch thick rounds, arranging them in neat rows on the prepared baking sheet. Place the pan in the freezer while preparing the next component. (Photos 1 & 2)

STEP 3. Add the peanut butter to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 45 seconds to 1 minute until it becomes pourable. Be careful not to overheat. (Photo 3)

STEP 4. Remove the banana-lined pan from the freezer and pour the warm peanut butter over the banana slices, avoiding the very edges. Use a rubber spatula to spread it evenly, then return the pan to the freezer. (Photo 4)

STEP 5. Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until completely melted and smooth (about 2 minutes total).

STEP 6. Take the pan from the freezer and pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, saving a small amount for drizzling. Spread the chocolate evenly with a spatula. (Photos 5 & 6)

STEP 7. Quickly sprinkle the broken pretzel pieces over the chocolate before it sets, distributing them evenly across the surface.

STEP 8. Use the remaining melted chocolate to create decorative drizzle lines across the top using a rubber spatula or spoon. (Photo 7)

STEP 9. Return the pan to the freezer for at least 2 hours or until completely frozen and set. Once firm, break the bark into irregular pieces and serve immediately. (Photo 8)

Recipe Tips

• Quality Matters: Use high-quality chocolate chips like Ghirardelli for the best flavor and melting properties. Better chocolate makes a significant difference in the final taste.
• Banana Selection: Choose bananas that are ripe but still firm. Overly ripe bananas will be too soft to provide a sturdy base for your chocolate bark.
  Even Layers: Take time to spread each layer evenly for consistent texture and flavor in every piece of bark.
• Temperature Control: When melting chocolate, be careful not to overheat it. Chocolate can seize or become grainy if it gets too hot, so stick with short intervals and frequent stirring.
• Work Quickly: Have all your toppings ready before melting the chocolate, as you’ll need to add them while the chocolate is still wet for proper adhesion.

Storing Tips

• Storage: Keep your chocolate banana bark in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week. Never store at room temperature or in the refrigerator, as it will melt quickly.
• Layering: When storing multiple pieces, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Serving: Remove from the freezer just 1-2 minutes before serving – just enough time to take off the chill but not enough to melt.
• Portioning: Consider breaking into individual serving-sized pieces before freezing for easy grabbing of single portions.

Serving Suggestions

This frozen chocolate bark makes a refreshing dessert on warm days or anytime you crave something sweet yet relatively wholesome. Serve it on its own as a special treat or alongside other frozen desserts like my Banana Cream Frozen Yogurt for a dessert spread.

For a fun dessert board, pair pieces of this bark with Homemade White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups and some fresh fruit for contrasting textures and flavors. This bark also makes a great addition to children’s parties or as an after-school snack that feels indulgent while sneaking in some fruit. For more kid-friendly treat ideas, check out my Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Bars.

Need More Dessert Recipes? Try These:

• Easy Homemade Apple Pie (Simple From Scratch Recipe)
• New Mexico Biscochitos
• Cherry Valentine Dump Cake Recipe
• Snickers Salad
• New Mexico Biscochitos
• See all our dessert recipes!