I suppose you should wait a few minutes for these bites to thaw a bit before diving in…but who are we kidding? They are satisfying straight out of the freezer!

I was late to the banana ice cream party. It was only a few summers ago that I discovered that blending frozen bananas has the taste and texture of delicious creamy banana ice cream. I added all sorts of flavors to this fantastic base to help us keep cool during warm air conditioner-less summers in Mongolia. As a newcomer to this confection, and back on a serious workout regimen, it only just occurred to me to take this dessert and transform it to a pre or post workout snack. The new base has a combination of frozen bananas, peanut butter and maple syrup. After that, add what you like. The idea is to keep it simple, flavorful, and leaning toward healthy choices. Ahem, a few itty-bitty mini marshmallows or M&Ms won’t kill you!

I used my silicone mini muffin pan to initially freeze the treats. The cookies pop out easily and you’re ready for another batch. Simply store your freezer fudge in a freezer-safe container lined with parchment paper, and your workout snacks will be ready when you are.

Rocky Road Freezer Fudge

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 overripe banana
• 2 tbsp real maple syrup
• 1/4 cup Dutch Processed cocoa powder
• pinch salt

Directions

1. Use a stick blender or a food processor to combine and smooth all ingredients.
2. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and place in a silicone ice tray or mini muffin pan.
3. Place tray or pan in freezer until confections are solid.
4. Pop out the confections and place them in a freezer-safe container lined with parchment paper.
5. Power up with a couple of these before a workout, or reward yourself after for a job well-done!

We are huge fans of monster cookies, especially monster-sized monster cookies. This freezer fudge flavor is a nod to those not-so-healthy-but-oh-so-good treats. The peanut butter base is perfect with a stir-in of the same candies that give monster cookies their famous flavor and look.

Freezer Fudge a la Monster Cookie

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1 overripe banana
• 2 tbsp real maple syrup
• 2 tbsp M&Ms candies
• 2 tbsp white chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp semi-sweet chocolate chips
• pinch salt

Directions

1. Use a stick blender or a food processor the combine and smooth peanut butter, banana and maple syrup.
2. Fold in M&Ms and chocolate chips.
3. Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions and place in a silicone ice tray or mini muffin pan.
4. Place tray or pan in freezer until confections are solid.
5. Pop out confections and place them in a freezer-safe container lined with parchment paper.
6. Power up with a couple of these before a workout, or reward yourself after for a job well-done!