Smooth sailing with these healthy versions of the banana boat! Carrying nutrient rich toppings for a tasty combo of flavors and fun textures — these easy healthy desserts for kids will super charge the whole family.
A go-to snack in our house is a banana and almond butter. The boys will often grab this combination on their own knowing that they love the taste and the energy it gives them. However, when they walk in the door and see Banana Boats on the counter as a healthy after school snack, there’s an extra light in their eye.
Traditional “banana boat” recipes are a campfire favorite with melted chocolate and marshmallows baked into split bananas. Here we use cacao nibs for a healthy hint of chocolate (also full of antioxidants), and nut butter with goji berries for a creamy sweetness.
Unsweetened shredded coconut and hulled hemp seeds provide a slight crunch with every bite
This can also be a fun summer recipe for kids — all it takes are a few simple tasks that develop competency in the kitchen. Slicing the banana, spreading the butter, and sprinkling toppings.
Cooking with your kids is an opportunity to investigate ingredients and each ingredient in this recipe is recognizable as its own food — which of course I LOVE! Healthy Banana Boats are full of real food fruit, fiber, plant proteins, nourishing fats, and vitamins and minerals.
For a dessert with a similar concept — toppings on fruit — check out my Watermelon Pizza recipe.
Fill the body, support the brain, and capture time together in the kitchen.
Print
Healthy Banana Boats
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 1x
Ingredients
- 4 bananas, sliced in half lengthwise
- 4 Tbsp almond butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter
- 1 – 2 Tbsp cacao nibs
- 1/4 cup goji berries (or other unsweetened dried fruit)
- 1 – 2 Tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 Tbsp hulled hemp seeds
Instructions
- Place bananas cut side up on a plate or cutting board.
- Spread nut butter on the face of each banana (evenly divide amongst the 8).
- Evenly sprinkle cacao nibs, goji berries, coconut, and hemp seeds on top.
- Gather around and enjoy!
