This week, in celebration of the upcoming, very long-awaited, premier of the 4th season of Arrested Development (my most favorite TV show of all time) on Netflix, I am doing a week of Arrested Development-themed recipes. It's sort of a week-long Arrested Development premier celebration, if you will ("Oh, sure, I will. Look, I have..."). To answer your questions: Yes, I am a huge Arrested Development fan and yes, I am also kind of a dork.
“There’s always money in the banana stand.”
The Bluth family owns a banana stand on the orange county boardwalk, Balboa Island, where they sell chocolate covered frozen bananas. Many of the story lines revolve around the banana stand and it has become a symbol of the show itself. No Arrested Development-themed celebration would be complete without some form of chocolate-covered frozen bananas.
Gob: Give me a "Gob."
George Michael: Gob!
Gob: No, I didn't mean for you to yell my name at me. It's what I call a double-dipped banana with everything on it.
Today, I’m bringing you my version of the “Gob”: a double-dipped frozen banana with everything on it.
For my version, I’ve double-dipped the banana, alright, but instead of dipping it twice in chocolate, I first spread it with a peanut butter dip and then dipped it in chocolate. I’ve also cut the bananas in half to make smaller portions (and because mini food is always cuter). As for “the everything on it,” I’ve coated these treats with chopped nuts, pretzel bits, and cacao nibs. In all honestly, these are one of the best treats I've ever made in my life- I adore them!
These treats are awesome for any occasion but are perfect for my your upcoming Arrested Development premier party. Just be sure to make enough for everyone so no one is denied these delicious Bluth Bananas!
“You're the one who charged his own brother for a Bluth frozen banana. I mean, it's one banana, Michael. What could it cost, ten dollars?”
Ingredients
- 6 wooden skewers
- 3 ripe bananas
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup plain coconut yogurt (or other non-dairy yogurt)
- 2 packets of stevia, separated (or two 1/2 teaspoons of vegan sugar)
- 1 cup vegan chocolate chips/chunks
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- ¼ cup chopped nut of choice (I used peanuts)
- ¼ cup crushed pretzels
- ¼ cup cacao nibs
Instructions
- Peel the bananas. Trim the ends and cut in half to make 6 mostly straight segments. Stick short skewers into one end of each banana. Line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper. Lay the bananas on the baking sheet and freeze for at least one hour.
- Meanwhile, mix together the peanut butter, yogurt and one packet of stevia in a shallow bowl.
- Once the bananas are frozen, remove them from the freezer. Roll each banana segment in the peanut butter mixture and return to the baking sheet. You may have to use a spoon or butter knife to help spread the peanut butter dip on the banana. Once all bananas have been coated, return to the freezer and freeze for another 30-60 minutes, until the peanut butter coating is hard.
- Mix the chopped nuts, pretzel bits, cacao nibs, and the other packet of stevia together on a plate or shallow bowl. Set aside.
- Melt the chocolate and coconut oil in a double broiler (or in a glass bowl sitting on top of a small pot of boiling water). Remove the bananas from the freezer. One by one, dip each banana into the chocolate, coating it as evenly as possible. Hold the banana over the plate with the toppings and sprinkle toppings onto the banana until all sides are coated. Lightly place the coated banana on the baking sheet. Once all are done, return the bananas to the freezer. Freeze until set, about 10-20 minutes, or store in an airtight container to save for later. Serve and enjoy!
How excited are you for the Arrested Development season 4 release this weekend?
Photography by Chris Miller
Gabby @ the veggie nook
Oh yes you did. These sound amazing!! The addition of the peanut butter would have you winning any banana stand competition, without have to resort to 3 for 1 tactics 😉
keepinitkind
Or having to dress in a banana suit. 😉
Kim @ Cooking in the City
Ah! Why have I never thought to use peanut butter? Genius!
keepinitkind
Thanks- It really takes them to the next level! 🙂
Kiersten
I think I may have to start watching that show...everyone keeps talking about how amazing it is. I grew up near(ish) Balboa Island and they do actually sell frozen bananas there and they are super delicious. Although yours look even better!
keepinitkind
Thanks, Kiersten! I visited Balboa Island once and was terribly excited to see all of the banana stands. We recently discovered, though, that the banana stand scenes were actually filmed in Marina del Rey. 🙂
elizbeth
yum-o-la
I will make these gluten free for the kiddos. They will adore these! Thank you.
Peace and Raw Health,
Elizabeth
keepinitkind
Thanks, Elizabeth! I hope the kiddos enjoy them! 🙂
Alice G Patterson
These look amazing! Some people say there are no stupid questions, but this one may fall under that category, lol. I've never had frozen bananas before, and am wondering if you serve them truly frozen or if you take them out in advance to allow for a softer bite. Do they crumble apart or stay together pretty well.
keepinitkind
Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you! I was out of town. 🙂
We do take them out about 5-10 minutes in advance to thaw. The pretzel/nut/nib mixtures flakes off a little bit, but for the most part, they stay together pretty well. 🙂
Beth
You've never been to a supermarket, have you?...
keepinitkind
*squinty glare*
Ransom Cakes
How Perfect! I am going to make these with almond butter, almonds and gluten-free cookies instead of pretzels because of peanut/wheat allergies. But I love this, thanks for sharing.
Oh, and I love Arrested Development; can't wait for the premiere!
keepinitkind
ooooooh! I love the idea of cookies on the outside- I wish I'd thought of that! Enjoy!
Looking FANCY
Whoa, this looks like a great snack! Love frozen bananas!
keepinitkind
Thanks!
Annie
Holy banana-cow!
keepinitkind
Right?! 🙂
Francesca
I LOVE your blog! I originally found it with the buffalo cauliflower, and have made two of the granola recipes, but I also LOVE Arrested Development!! I am gluten and dairy free (not by choice) and have had no problem modifying the recipes I've tried so far.
These bananas sound so yummy and I am so excited for the other AD themed recipes!!! And for the 4th season! So glad I'm not the only dorky one out there lol
"I think I may have flown too close to the sun" "You let him out in the sun?!?!"
keepinitkind
I love hearing that, Francesca! That makes me so happy! And I love hearing from other AD fans! That is one of my favorite quotes too. 🙂
Sarah
These are 100% fabulous! I made the yogurt part with vanilla soy yogurt and left out the stevia. The nutty part I made with cashews, macadamia nuts, and (salted dry roasted) pistachios. I left out the stevia from that part too. I thought the salty pistachios would help bring out the other flavors... and I was right! YUM! Thanks for the wonderful recipe 🙂
keepinitkind
Sounds so good! I love the nut combo!
Hannah
So lovely meeting you at VVC this weekend, Kristy! Your blog is stunning, your recipes are full of wonderment, and high five for Arrested Development love/obsession! I hope your marathon was nothing but bliss; I can't wait to hunker down and watch 'em all myself!
keepinitkind
It was great meeting you too, Hannah! You are such a sweetheart! We should have a post-AD pow-wow to discuss once we've both watched them all. 🙂
Caitlin
omg, dayv is going to go BANANAS for these! how ingenious. i love that you cut the bananies in half. they look super cute!
keepinitkind
Thanks, Caitlin! Why is it that smaller is cuter when it comes to food? 🙂
Heather
I love all the quotes you have been including "“You’re the one who charged his own brother for a Bluth frozen banana. I mean, it’s one banana, Michael. What could it cost, ten dollars?” oh Mom, so classic!
keepinitkind
I know- I love that one! I say it to Chris all the time. Then he replies with "You've never been to a grocery store, have you?" 🙂
Anna {Herbivore Triathlete}
Confession: I've never watched Arrested Development.
BUT, I've heard a lot of great things about the show. These bananas look incredible! I'm loving your premier week.
keepinitkind
Thanks, Anna! And it's okay- I still love you. 🙂
Sarah
Thank you for the delicious recipe! Made them for a Super Bowl party last night, and they were a hit! The peanut butter spread is genius. 🙂
keepinitkind
Oh, awesome! I love hearing that! Thank you!