Looking for a healthy summer snack that both kids and adults will love? These frozen yogurt banana pops are the perfect treat. Made with just a few simple ingredients, they offer the creamy sweetness of yogurt and the natural goodness of bananas in a fun, frozen form. Whether you’re planning a picnic, a playdate, or just need a refreshing afternoon bite, this recipe delivers on taste, nutrition, and ease. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable with your favorite toppings. Get ready to make a snack that’s as fun to prepare as it is to eat.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Frozen Yogurt Banana Pops
There’s a reason these frozen yogurt banana pops are a go-to favorite for families, health enthusiasts, and busy snackers alike. They check all the boxes: tasty, healthy, fun, and fast. Let’s take a closer look at why you’ll love making them on repeat.
Packed with Nutrients
Bananas provide natural sweetness and are rich in potassium, fiber, and vitamin B6. When paired with yogurt, especially Greek or high-protein varieties, these pops become a snack that’s not just delicious but also nourishing. Yogurt adds calcium, probiotics, and a creamy texture that freezes beautifully.
Perfect for Kids and Adults
These banana pops are incredibly kid-friendly. They’re easy for little hands to hold and even more fun to decorate. Get the kids involved in dipping and topping, and you’ll turn snack time into a fun kitchen activity. Grown-ups love them too for their balanced nutrition and satisfying flavor.
Budget-Friendly and Waste-Free
Got overripe bananas sitting on the counter? This recipe is the perfect way to use them before they go to waste. You only need a handful of ingredients, many of which you probably already have on hand. No special tools, no expensive ingredients, just real food.
Customizable for Every Diet
Whether you’re dairy-free, gluten-free, or avoiding added sugars, there’s a variation of this treat for you. Use plant-based yogurt, gluten-free toppings like crushed freeze-dried fruit, or naturally sweeten with honey if desired. The combinations are endless.
A Cool Treat for Hot Days
There’s nothing better than a frozen snack on a summer afternoon. These banana pops are refreshing, energizing, and light enough to enjoy any time of day. Plus, they double as a fun breakfast option on busy mornings.
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Healthy Frozen Yogurt Banana Pops Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 6 pops
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Healthy frozen yogurt banana pops are a quick, fun, and customizable treat for kids and adults. Made with ripe bananas and thick yogurt, they’re easy to prepare and perfect for summer.
Ingredients
3 ripe bananas
1 cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
1/2 cup assorted toppings (granola, sprinkles, nuts, etc.)
6 popsicle sticks
Instructions
1. Peel and cut bananas in half crosswise.
2. Insert popsicle sticks into each banana half.
3. Dip bananas into yogurt to coat evenly.
4. Roll in toppings of choice while yogurt is still wet.
5. Place on parchment-lined tray and freeze for 2-3 hours.
6. Serve straight from the freezer or let soften for 2 minutes.
Notes
Use full-fat yogurt for better coating.
For dairy-free pops, use coconut or almond yogurt.
Add cinnamon or cocoa powder to yogurt for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
This recipe is all about simplicity. You only need a few ingredients to create frozen yogurt banana pops that taste like a treat but feel like a healthy choice. Here’s what you’ll need and how to choose the best options for your dietary needs and flavor preferences.
What You’ll Need
- Bananas:
Ripe but still firm bananas are best. Overripe bananas can be too soft for holding their shape on a stick. Slice them in half or thirds depending on size and your preferred portion. - Yogurt:
Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a thicker, creamier coating. You can also use flavored yogurt like vanilla or strawberry, but keep an eye on added sugars. For dairy-free options, try coconut milk yogurt or almond yogurt. - Optional Sweetener:
If you’re using plain yogurt and want a sweeter pop, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup before dipping. - Popsicle sticks or skewers:
These make the banana pops easy to hold and fun to dip. You can also use sturdy paper straws cut in half for a kid-safe alternative. - Toppings (Optional but Recommended):
This is where things get fun. Choose a mix of textures, colors, and flavors. Here are some great topping ideas:- Crushed granola
- Chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, peanuts)
- Shredded coconut
- Mini chocolate chips
- Freeze-dried berries
- Sprinkles
- Crushed cereal (like rice crisps or cornflakes)
- Cinnamon or cocoa powder
- Crushed granola
Ingredient Substitutions
- Dairy-Free Version:
Swap dairy yogurt for a coconut or almond-based version. Make sure it’s unsweetened if you’re watching your sugar intake. - Nut-Free Version:
Use sunflower seeds or granola without nuts. Sprinkles and shredded coconut are safe and colorful alternatives. - Gluten-Free Toppings:
Be sure to choose certified gluten-free granola or cereal. Many brands include wheat, so check labels if serving to someone with celiac or gluten intolerance.
These frozen banana pops are as flexible as you need them to be. You can keep them super basic or dress them up with flavor combinations to fit your mood, diet, or event.
How to Make Frozen Yogurt Banana Pops
Making frozen yogurt banana pops is a quick and fun process that takes just a few minutes of prep. The rest is up to your freezer. This is a great recipe to involve kids in, especially when it comes to dipping and decorating. Here’s how to get it right every time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Bananas
Peel and slice bananas in half crosswise. For smaller pops, you can cut each half again lengthwise. Place them on a parchment-lined tray for easy handling. - Insert Sticks
Gently insert a popsicle stick or skewer into the flat end of each banana piece. Push in about halfway. Be careful not to split the banana. If needed, freeze the banana halves for 10 minutes first to firm them up before dipping. - Dip in Yogurt
Pour your chosen yogurt into a tall glass or wide mug. Dip each banana pop into the yogurt and rotate it to coat evenly. Tap gently to remove any excess. If your yogurt is too thick, thin it slightly with a splash of milk or plant-based milk. - Add Toppings
Before the yogurt sets, roll or sprinkle your toppings over the coated banana. Be generous, this is where the flavor and texture shine. Kids love going wild with this step. - Freeze Until Firm
Lay the coated pops flat on a parchment-lined tray. Place the tray in the freezer and let them chill for at least 2 hours or until fully frozen. - Serve and Enjoy
Once firm, the banana pops are ready to eat. You can enjoy them straight from the freezer or let them soften for 2–3 minutes for a creamier bite.
Pro Tip
If you’re batch-making these for a party or snack prep, transfer fully frozen pops to a sealed container with layers of parchment in between. They’ll stay fresh and ready to grab.
Tips for Perfect Pops
Even a simple recipe can go from good to amazing with the right tips. These frozen yogurt banana pops are easy to make, but a few smart tweaks can improve texture, flavor, and appearance, especially if you want picture-perfect results or kid-approved snacks.
Choosing the Right Bananas
Not all bananas are equal when it comes to freezing. Go for bananas that are ripe, yellow, and free from bruises. Avoid overly soft or spotty bananas, as they tend to slide off the stick or get mushy once frozen. Slightly underripe bananas will hold up better and still taste sweet after freezing.
Use Thick Yogurt for Better Coating
The thicker the yogurt, the smoother and more stable the coating. Greek yogurt works best, especially if you want a clean, even dip. If your yogurt is thin, chill it first or strain it through cheesecloth to remove excess moisture.
Chill Bananas Before Dipping
Popping the banana pieces into the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes before dipping helps the yogurt stick better. Cold bananas cause the yogurt to firm up faster, reducing dripping and making it easier to coat with toppings.
Keep Toppings Dry and Crushed
Moist toppings like fresh fruit don’t freeze well and can get soggy or fall off. Stick to dry, crunchy options such as crushed nuts, granola, coconut flakes, or cereal. Crush toppings into smaller bits so they adhere better to the yogurt coating.
Freeze on Parchment for Easy Removal
Once dipped and decorated, lay the pops on a parchment-lined baking tray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Avoid foil or wax paper, which can tear or stick to the yogurt.
Batch and Store Correctly
After the pops are frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container with parchment between layers. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps them fresh for up to two weeks.
Delicious Variations and Topping Ideas
One of the best things about frozen yogurt banana pops is how endlessly customizable they are. Whether you want a healthy snack, a fun party treat, or a satisfying dessert, you can mix and match flavors and toppings to suit your cravings, dietary needs, or occasion.
Yogurt Flavor Twists
Change up the base flavor with different types of yogurt:
- Vanilla Yogurt: A mild, classic option that pairs well with almost any topping.
- Strawberry Yogurt: Adds natural sweetness and a pink hue that kids love.
- Chocolate Yogurt: Perfect for dessert-style pops, especially with crushed cookies or cocoa nibs.
- Coconut Yogurt: Great for tropical combinations, especially with pineapple or mango toppings.
- Honey Yogurt: Naturally sweetened and smooth.
Creative Topping Ideas
Go beyond sprinkles and create a “topping bar” for guests or kids to design their own pops. Here are some top picks:
| Topping Category | Options |
|---|---|
| Crunchy | Crushed granola, cereal, chopped nuts |
| Sweet | Mini chocolate chips, crushed cookies |
| Fruity | Freeze-dried berries, banana chips |
| Tropical | Shredded coconut, dried pineapple |
| Spiced | Cinnamon, nutmeg, cocoa powder |
| Fun for Kids | Rainbow sprinkles, crushed pretzels |
You can prepare toppings in small bowls and let everyone dip and roll their banana pops as they like. It’s fun, interactive, and great for events.
Dietary Adaptations
These banana pops are super flexible for different dietary needs.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based yogurts like coconut, almond, or cashew yogurt. They freeze well and taste great.
- Gluten-Free Option: Choose certified gluten-free toppings like puffed rice or coconut chips.
- Sugar-Free Option: Use unsweetened yogurt and skip sugary toppings. Add natural sweetness with cinnamon or freeze-dried fruit.
Unique Flavor Combos
Try these combinations for something special:
- Tropical Dream: Coconut yogurt + shredded coconut + crushed dried mango.
- PB&J: Vanilla yogurt + crushed peanuts + freeze-dried strawberries.
- Breakfast Pop: Greek yogurt + crushed granola + honey drizzle.
- Chocolate Banana Bliss: Chocolate yogurt + cocoa nibs + a dash of cinnamon.
For more summer snack ideas, check out lemon raspberry frozen yogurt bites or our easy apple nachos recipe. both are healthy and fun to make.
Storage Instructions
Once your frozen yogurt banana pops are made, proper storage is key to maintaining their texture and taste. The good news? They store well and are easy to grab when you’re in the mood for something cool and satisfying.
How to Store
After the pops are fully frozen (usually 2 to 3 hours), transfer them from the tray to an airtight container. Use parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
If you’re planning to serve them later for a party or snack time, store them in a single layer or wrap each pop individually in parchment paper or a small sandwich bag.
Avoid Freezer Burn
To keep your pops from developing ice crystals or drying out, always store them in a sealed, freezer-safe container. Avoid loosely covering them with foil or plastic wrap. This also helps preserve the flavor and prevents them from absorbing odors from other frozen items.
How Long Do They Last?
Frozen yogurt banana pops stay fresh in the freezer for about two weeks. While they’re still safe to eat after that, the texture may become icy or the flavor may fade. For best quality, enjoy them within this time frame.
Thawing for Best Texture
Before serving, let the pops sit at room temperature for 2 to 3 minutes. This softens the yogurt just enough to bring out its creamy texture without melting completely. If they’re too hard to bite into, they’re probably still too frozen.
FAQs
How to make banana popsicles with yogurt?
To make banana popsicles with yogurt, simply cut ripe bananas in half, insert a stick, dip them into thick yogurt, and roll them in your favorite toppings. Freeze on a parchment-lined tray for a few hours until solid. For added variety, use flavored yogurt or try a healthy yogurt parfait cup base for a layered twist on the same idea.
Can you freeze yogurt and eat it like a popsicle?
Yes, you can freeze yogurt and eat it like a popsicle. Greek yogurt, in particular, freezes well and offers a creamy, dense texture. When paired with fruit or natural sweeteners, frozen yogurt becomes a refreshing and satisfying treat. It’s a great alternative to sugary ice cream, especially when combined with real fruit like bananas or berries.
Can you freeze yogurt and bananas?
Absolutely. Freezing yogurt and bananas is not only safe but a popular method for making healthy snacks. Bananas should be peeled before freezing, and yogurt can be used as a coating or frozen on its own. For example, you can blend the two together and freeze in molds for a smoothie-pop version, or prepare them as banana pops like in this recipe. If you’re looking for another quick snack idea using bananas, try this apple and almond butter snack for variety.
Are banana popsicles good for you?
Banana popsicles can be very good for you, especially when made with whole ingredients. Bananas are a great source of potassium and fiber, while yogurt adds protein, calcium, and probiotics. When you control the toppings and skip the added sugars, banana popsicles become a nutritious, low-effort treat that’s suitable for both kids and adults.
Conclusion
Frozen yogurt banana pops are the kind of snack that makes healthy eating feel effortless. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can whip up a batch of creamy, crunchy, fruit-forward treats that both kids and adults will genuinely enjoy. Whether you’re making them for a hot summer afternoon, a birthday party, or a midweek snack, they offer flexibility, flavor, and nutrition all in one.
Plus, they’re completely customizable. From toppings to yogurt flavors, you can mix things up based on what’s in your pantry or fridge. And if you’re looking to expand your collection of fun, healthy recipes, we’ve got more ideas waiting for you.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love these no-bake easy snacks for kids or our super popular cucumber hummus bites. both quick, wholesome options for your snack rotation.
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