Make Ahead

Adult Monkey Sticks

by:
February 13, 2012
4.5
2 Ratings
  • Makes 3 Monkey Sticks per banana
Author Notes

Chocolate covered bananas are a very popular frozen snack that can be bought in supermarkets and specialty stores everywhere, so in sum this is not an original concept. And, they are a popular recipe all over the internet. My recipe is a twist on a freezer favorite - I created a chocolate sauce that has a spicy flavor with a little heat. Decorate with any chopped nut of your choice, or candy sprinkle. —Bevi

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Ingredients
  • For the Spicy Chocolate Sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cinnamon stick
  • 1 tablespoon agave syrup
  • 1 pinch ground black cardamom
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder or ancho passila
  • 1 2-inch piece of orange peel
  • quick shake of cayenne pepper
  • 4 ounces semi-sweet organic chocolate chips
  • To Assemble the Monkey Sticks
  • ripe bananas - each banana cut into thirds
  • Spicy Chocolate sauce
  • wooden kebob sticks, cut in half, or wooden popsicle sticks
  • well chopped nuts of your choice, or candy sprinkles, or appropriate candy bits
Directions
  1. For the Spicy Chocolate Sauce
  2. Heat 1 cup of the heavy cream, agave syrup, and the spices in a medium saucepan. Bring to a quick simmer. Add the orange peel, the cinnamon stick, and the cayenne pepper. Reduce heat and cook for a few more minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the cream to sit in order to be infused for an hour.
  3. Heat the chocolate chips in a bowl placed over a saucepan of simmering water. When the chocolate is melted, gradually add the infused cream, stirring constantly.
  1. To Assemble the Monkey Sticks
  2. Cut the bananas into thirds, and stick a popsicle or kebob stick in the middle of each banana piece. Place on a parchment lined dish and put into the freezer for 15 minutes.
  3. Dip each banana into the chocolate sauce, covering throughly. Then, roll into the topping of your choice. (In the photo, I used pistachio nuts, cashews, and sugar sprinkles.
  4. Place back in the freezer for 30 minutes. Serve!

See what other Food52ers are saying.

Recipe by: Bevi

Cooking is an important part of my past. I grew up and worked on our family resort. These days, I cook good food to please my friends and family.

15 Reviews

drbabs June 3, 2013
Love this, Bevi!
Bevi June 4, 2013
Thanks drabs!
What a fabulous idea!!
Bevi June 4, 2013
Thanks WV- it's a classic recipe but the spice in the chOc sauce make it more adult. I also make little bites.
wssmom February 26, 2012
Need to try these with coconut ....
Bevi February 26, 2012
They are great with coconut; also great with coconut and nut combination.
mrslarkin February 17, 2012
Yum!
Bevi February 17, 2012
I have a non spicy version sitting in the freezer right now!
aargersi February 17, 2012
My Grandma used to take me to Oceanside to feed the pigeons and eat frozen bananas (this was in the late 60's :-) and now I really really want one of these! Memory Lane only BETTER!!!!
Bevi February 17, 2012
I am about to make a batch with non-spicy chocolate sauce for some little friends who are visiting this weekend - have to go buy some fun toppings for them.
Bevi February 15, 2012
@boulangere- I just made a batch with toasted coconut - delicious! I am also going to try cocoa nibs.
Bevi February 13, 2012
You are very welcome!
boulangere February 13, 2012
Way too cool!
Bevi February 13, 2012
Thanks! I took a walk in the cold air and came back to your comment! I think homemade monkey sticks look better than store bought.
boulangere February 13, 2012
Oh my gosh, I can imagine all sorts of uses for them.: childrens' parties, and especially my Winter Solstice party. They would be fantastic make-your-own desserts to go with the Peppermint Truffles in a Mug. Thank you!