Afternoons are often the time when a little craving sneaks in—you’re not quite hungry enough for a meal, but you need something sweet, comforting, and satisfying. That’s where this Easy Sweet Recipe with Bananas and Cocoa comes in. With only a handful of pantry ingredients, you can turn ripe bananas into a smooth, fudgy treat that’s chilled, cut into squares, and coated in sugar for that irresistible bite.
This recipe is a no-fuss dessert, perfect for busy days, tea-time snacks, or even as a quick party sweet. It combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the richness of cocoa, balanced by a touch of lemon juice. The result is a soft, melt-in-the-mouth sweet that tastes like a cross between chocolate fudge and banana candy.
Ingredients
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6 ripe bananas
(The riper, the better – they’ll be naturally sweeter and easier to blend.) -
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
(Adds depth and chocolatey flavor. You can use Dutch-process or natural cocoa powder.) -
1 cup (200 g) sugar
(This sweetens the mixture and helps it set.) -
1 tablespoon lemon juice
(Balances the sweetness and preserves the bright flavor of bananas.) -
¼ cup (50 g) sugar for coating
(Used to roll the sweet pieces at the end for extra texture and sparkle.)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bananas
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Peel the ripe bananas and slice them into rounds.
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Place the slices in a blender or food processor.
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Blend until you get a smooth, lump-free banana puree.
Tip: Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal. They’re sweeter and make the sweet more flavorful.
Step 2: Cook the Mixture
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Transfer the banana puree to a medium saucepan.
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Add the 1 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
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Stir everything together until well combined.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula. The mixture will first look liquid, then gradually thicken.
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Cook until the mixture starts to pull away from the sides and bottom of the pan (this takes about 12–15 minutes).
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You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes glossy and dense, almost like thick fudge.
Tip: Don’t stop stirring, or the mixture may burn at the bottom. A nonstick pan works best for this step.
Step 3: Set the Sweet
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Lightly grease a glass dish or square pan with butter or oil.
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Pour the hot banana-cocoa mixture into the dish.
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Spread it evenly with a spatula.
Allow it to cool at room temperature for 15 minutes, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3–4 hours until firm.
Step 4: Cut & Coat
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Once set, remove from the fridge and cut into squares, bars, or diamond shapes.
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Place the ¼ cup sugar in a shallow plate.
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Roll each sweet piece in sugar until evenly coated.
Variation: Instead of sugar, you can coat the pieces in cocoa powder, desiccated coconut, or even crushed nuts for a unique twist.
️ Serving Ideas
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Serve these banana cocoa squares as a tea-time snack with coffee or green tea.
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Pack them into lunchboxes for kids – they’ll love the natural banana-chocolate flavor.
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Dress them up for a party platter by coating some in sugar, some in cocoa, and some in coconut for a colorful mix.
Storage Tips
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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If you want a firmer, candy-like texture, you can even freeze them – just thaw for 5 minutes before eating.
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Avoid keeping them at room temperature too long, as bananas can ferment and change flavor.
Variations & Twists
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Nutty Banana Sweet – Stir in chopped walnuts, almonds, or cashews before spreading into the pan.
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Banana-Coconut Delight – Mix ½ cup desiccated coconut into the banana mixture before cooking.
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Banana Mocha Bites – Add 1 teaspoon instant coffee along with the cocoa powder for a mocha flavor.
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Healthier Version – Replace white sugar with coconut sugar, brown sugar, or honey for a less refined option.
Key Tips for Success
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Use very ripe bananas for the sweetest flavor.
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Cook until the mixture leaves the sides of the pan – this ensures it sets properly.
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Refrigerate long enough (at least 3 hours) for neat slices.
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Coat just before serving for the freshest sugar sparkle.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Sweet Recipe with Bananas & Cocoa proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create something indulgent. With just 6 ingredients, you’ll have a nostalgic, homemade sweet that’s perfect for afternoon cravings, family gatherings, or even gifting in small treat boxes.
It’s budget-friendly, simple, and oh-so-delicious! Once you try it, you’ll always look forward to letting bananas ripen just so you can make another batch. ✨