DIY Balboa Bar - Frozen Dipped Banana Recipe

 

Hi guys! I'm Elizabeth from Outrageously Elizabeth and I am filling in for Lisa today while she is out enjoying her vacation!

 

A Little About Me

 

I grew up in Huntington Beach, CA and one of my favorite places to visit was Balboa Island. It was only about 15 minutes from my house, but because you took a ferry to get there, to me it was magical! It is a tiny little island with beautiful homes, kid-friendly beaches, fun little shops, a Ferris wheel and an arcade! What could possibly be better? No trip to Balboa was ever complete without a Balboa Bar or a frozen banana from Dad's! A Balboa bar is a bar of vanilla ice cream dipped in chocolate and topped with your choice of a million different things and delicious! A frozen banana is a "healthier" version of that, or at least that's what I told myself as I got older. I felt it was my duty to introduce my oldest to what I consider a dream on a stick when she was two and she was addicted! When we go and stay on the island now she has to have one every night, so I was thinking how could I possibly recreate something like this at home, while actually being a little healthy.

I have found such a fun and easy recipe that the girls can help me with. My little ladies are 2 and 5 and love to help me bake and create in the kitchen. I always pictured baking with my daughters being something out of a movie, we have a flour fight and laugh for hours and I don't care about the mess I know I will have to clean up. Sadly, it does not go like that! Flour does end up on the floor, but usually because my youngest Sydney has knocked something over! But with this easy and super fun dessert recipe there is no flour!! I came up with the idea of making a banana, almond milk ice cream, combining the Balboa Bar and the frozen banana and dipping it in dark chocolate and of course sprinkles! The girls had a blast dipping the banana bars and topping them. Such a fun, somewhat healthy dessert for the summer with just a few ingredients! 

Ingredients

Banana Ice Cream Bars

3 frozen bananas

1/2 cup almond milk

2 cups dark melting chocolate

Whatever toppings make your heart sing!

Directions

Blend the three frozen bananas and 1/2 cup almond milk to an ice cream like texture. Spoon into Popsicle molds. Freeze for at least three hours. Once frozen, heat the chocolate chips until melted, dip the frozen banana bars into the melted chocolate and then immediately into the topping of your choice, We did sprinkles and crushed pretzels. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment and freeze for a half hour and enjoy!  

 

 

These really brought me back to when I was a little lady! You can read more on my blog at Outrageously Elizabeth or follow me on Instagram @outrageouslyorangeelizabeth.

Lisa created this adorable FREE PRINTABLE recipe card for you to keep! That way you will have the recipe for this frozen dipped banana recipe when you need to grab it!

What is your favorite Summer Treat?

My All-Time Favorite 7-Layer Dip

My favorite thing about get-togethers and parties is the appetizers and food. It's just what brings everyone together and it usually isn't something you eat all the time-- so when you do, it's a real treat. One of the most requested items I always want during Holidays and Birthdays is 7-Layer Dip. I figure, this is also a perfect Summer party snack so now was the perfect time to share it with you!

I am such a weirdo that anytime a 7-layer dip is at a party, I always count the layers. Much to my surprise, not many people actually have seven layers. They usually have around 5. But, don't you worry. We have seven FULL layers here, people.

[Ingredients]

• 2-3 packages of Fritos Bean Dip
• 16 oz. Sour Cream
• 1/2 Packet of Taco Seasoning
• 1-3 Avocados (Depending on how much you want)
• 1-2 diced Green Onions
• Handful of Tomatoes (Diced)
• 1-2 Cans of Black Olives (Diced)
• 1 package of Shredded Cheese (Cheddar)

[FIRST LAYER]
The first layer will be the Fritos bean dip. I like to spread it around a circular plate and keep it about an inch from the sides because once you have all the layers added, it ends up settling more so on the edge of the plate.

[SECOND LAYER]
The second layer is the avocado. What I do is smash up the avocado with a fork in a bowl. Feel free to add lime juice and pepper if you want an extra kick. The smear it over the bean dip.

[THIRD LAYER]
The third layer is the sour cream & taco seasoning mixture. I usually dump the taco seasoning directly into the sour cream container and mix it well. Then smear it on top of the avocado spread.

[FOURTH LAYER]
The fourth layer is the chopped green onion. I am not a huge fan of onion, so I ususally will add less of this layer, but honestly, you can't really taste it when you scoop it. So choose to add more or less as you prefer.

[FIFTH LAYER]
The fifth layer is the diced tomato. Feel free to cut them smaller or larger depending on your liking. Then sprinkle them over the onions.

[SIXTH LAYER]
The sixth layer is the black olives. I LOVE green olives, so I always open a few cans and eat them as I make the 7-Layer dip. I don't think I ever make a meal or appetizer without eating a little something as I make it. Please tell me I am not alone.

[SEVENTH LAYER]
The best part of this dip. The cheese. Notice the cheese almost goes to the edge of the plate? I told you this would happen. The dip ends up settling towards the edges so be careful when adding the cheese layer-- it could get messy! I think of it as a good problem to have though!

I also included a cute printable recipe card you can keep in your recipe box if you have one. This one is sure to be a hit at your next get-together. I know it is one of my favorites!
Plus, anything with tortilla chips is a win-win for our household!


Get your printable Recipe Card-- Download Link Below. 

What's your favorite dip to bring to parties? I'd love to hear!