Ghostly Banana Pops are one of those fall treats that always brings a smile to my face and not just because they look like they’re staring back at you. As a Tuscan born chef turned gluten free food lover, Halloween used to mean loads of wheat-filled goodies I had to skip. But not anymore.
I created these frozen banana ghosts with my nieces in mind something fun, fuss free, and just creepy enough to make them giggle. They’re the perfect no bake dessert for busy families, school parties, or anyone craving a festive bite without the gluten or processed overload. With only a few ingredients and less than 15 minutes of hands on prep, these banana pops have become a reader favorite on Golden Gluten Free.
In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to make Ghostly Banana Pops, plus tips to make them dairy-free or extra spooky. We’ll also cover storage, creative variations, and more.
Whether you’re looking for a fast Halloween snack or a healthier twist on candy, this one’s for you.
Ghostly Banana Pops
Equipment
- parchment-lined tray
- microwave-safe bowl
- spoon or spatula for stirring and dipping
- freezer-safe container for storage
- lollipop sticks or popsicle sticks
Ingredients
- 3 ripe but firm bananas (cut in half)
- 1.5 cups white chocolate chips or yogurt chips
- 2 tsp coconut oil
- candy eyes or mini chocolate chips (for eyes)
- 6 lollipop sticks or popsicle sticks
- Optional: shredded coconut or crushed gluten-free cookies (for texture)
- Optional: natural food coloring (for tinted ghosts)
Instructions
- Peel bananas, cut in half, and insert sticks into the cut end. Place on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 1 hour.
- Melt white chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
- Dip frozen banana halves into melted coating, swirling to cover evenly. Let excess drip off.
- Quickly add candy eyes or decorations before the coating hardens. Sprinkle with coconut or crushed cookies if desired.
- Place decorated pops back on tray and freeze until set, about 20 minutes. Serve directly from freezer.
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients You’ll Need
To keep things easy and accessible, this recipe uses just a handful of pantry-friendly items. Here’s what you’ll need for about 6 pops:
- 3 ripe but firm bananas (cut in half)
- 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips or yogurt chips
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil (for smooth melting)
- Candy eyes or mini chocolate chips (for eyes)
- Lollipop sticks or popsicle sticks
Optional:
- Shredded coconut or crushed gluten free cookies for spooky textures
- Natural food coloring for a ghoulish tint
Looking for more festive banana ideas? Try our Gluten-Free Banana Almond Butter Wraps or these Banana Cottage Cheese Pancakes.
Step by Step Instructions
Making these frozen treats is simple, fun, and perfect for little helpers. Here’s how to do it:
1. Prep the bananas.
Peel and slice each banana in half. Insert a stick into the cut end and place them on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze for at least 1 hour or until firm.
2. Melt the coating.
In a microwave safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips and coconut oil in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth.
3. Dip the bananas.
Dip each frozen banana pop into the melted coating. Gently swirl to cover, then let excess drip off.
4. Decorate.
Quickly add eyes before the coating hardens. You can also sprinkle coconut or crushed cookies for “ghost hair” or texture.
5. Freeze again.
Place back on the tray and freeze until set, about 20 minutes.
Serve straight from the freezer or let them soften for a few minutes before biting in.
Need more no-bake inspiration? Check out our 10-Minute Chocolate Mousse or these Frozen Greek Yogurt Bars.
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your Ghostly Banana Pops come out just right? Here are my top tips:
- Use ripe but firm bananas to avoid soggy pops or banana “slumps.”
- Freeze bananas before dipping. This helps the coating harden instantly and stay smooth.
- Work quickly when decorating. Once the coating sets, the candy eyes won’t stick.
- Use natural chips made with minimal ingredients for a healthier version.
- Insert sticks slowly to prevent splitting.
For a twist, try them dipped in Gluten-Free Chocolate Truffle Coating or sprinkle with Crushed Gluten-Free Cookies.
Creative Variations
Make these banana pops your own with fun tweaks and allergy friendly options:
Gluten-Free + Dairy Free Ghost Pops
Use dairy free white chocolate or coconut yogurt chips. Pair with mini dark chocolate chips or vegan candy eyes.
Spooky Streusel Topping
Roll freshly dipped pops in a quick blend of gluten-free crushed cookies + cinnamon for a haunted streusel effect.
Colorful Ghosts
Mix in a drop of plant-based food coloring (like beet or spirulina) for ghost pops with personality.
Monster Banana Pops
Swap white chocolate for green tinted yogurt and decorate with multiple eyes, sprinkles, or a jagged “mouth” drawn with melted chocolate.
Love Halloween recipes? These Monster Smoothie Bowls are creepy and healthy all at once.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
Ghostly Banana Pops are ideal for make ahead magic.
- Storage: Keep frozen in an airtight container or zip bag for up to 7 days. Add parchment between layers to avoid sticking.
- Serving: Let thaw for 2–3 minutes before serving to avoid banana “brain freeze.”
- Transporting: Use a cooler with ice packs to keep pops firm for school parties or Halloween events.
Planning a snack table? Pair these with Gluten-Free Apple Crisp or our Gluten-Free Lemon Bars for a well-rounded dessert spread.
FAQs about Ghostly Banana Pops
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Ghostly Banana Pops keep well in the freezer for up to a week. Just store in a sealed container.
2. Are these dairy-free?
They can be! Use dairy-free white chips or yogurt chips, and they’re fully plant-based.
3. Can I use milk or dark chocolate instead?
Absolutely. They’ll look more like bats or monsters than ghosts, but they’ll still be delicious.
4. What’s the best way to keep them from turning brown?
Freezing them right after peeling and dipping is key. You can also brush bananas with a tiny bit of lemon juice before freezing to slow browning.
Conclusion
Ghostly Banana Pops bring joy, simplicity, and just the right amount of spook to your kitchen. They’re fun to make, healthier than candy bars, and endlessly adaptable for any eater.
If you’re craving more quick, gluten free fall recipes, dive into our Gluten-Free Dessert Collection or these Mini Vegan Apple Muffins.
Happy haunting and happy snacking.