Banana Ghosts with Healthy Chocolate Dip (Dairy-Free Vegan Halloween Treat) Recipe

If you’re looking for a fun, spooky treat that’s actually good for you, you’re going to adore this Banana Ghosts with Healthy Chocolate Dip (Dairy-Free Vegan Halloween Treat) Recipe. I first whipped this up a few Halloweens ago, and since then it’s become my go-to for parties and family gatherings. It’s playful, easy to make, and everyone—kids and adults alike—asks for seconds. Plus, it’s dairy-free and vegan, so pretty much everyone can enjoy it!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Healthy & Allergy-Friendly: Totally dairy-free and vegan, so everyone can dig in guilt-free.
  • Festively Fun Presentation: It’s a Halloween party centerpiece with those adorable banana ghosts and tombstone accents.
  • Simple to Make: No fancy equipment, just a few thoughtful steps for impressive results.
  • Customizable: I’ll share some easy swaps and ideas so you can make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a creepy-cute treat that’s full of flavor and texture—creamy banana ghosts dipped in velvety chocolate with a fun coconut “graveyard” backdrop. When you shop, try to find organic or natural food colorings for the best results and the healthiest option.

  • Healthy Chocolate Frosting Mix: This forms the base for the dip—rich, smooth, and healthier than standard chocolate dips.
  • Almond Milk: Just a splash to loosen the frosting into a dip consistency. You can substitute with any plant-based milk.
  • Shredded Sweetened Coconut: Adds a spooky grass effect once colored. Sweetened makes it more festive and attractive!
  • Food Coloring (Green and Blue): Artificial or natural, depending on your preference—this colors the coconut grass.
  • Fruit Leather Strips: Cut into tombstones, these bring character and whimsy. You can swap with crackers or cookies if you want a crunchier tombstone.
  • White Decorator Icing: Used for piping the eerie “RIP” onto the tombstones—adds a lovely personal touch.
  • Bananas: The stars here! Make sure they’re firm but ripe for easy slicing and shaping.
  • Chocolate Chips: For the ghostly faces—mini chips work best for tiny eyes and mouths.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Banana Ghosts with Healthy Chocolate Dip (Dairy-Free Vegan Halloween Treat) Recipe is how adaptable it is. I like to switch things up depending on who’s coming over or what I have on hand. Feel free to tweak to fit your vibe and dietary needs!

  • Use Different Dips: Sometimes I swap the chocolate dip for a peanut or almond butter dip to change things up—both are crowd-pleasers and keep it vegan and dairy-free.
  • Tombstone Alternatives: Instead of fruit leather, try cookies or homemade crackers for a crunch. Just pipe the “RIP” icing before serving.
  • Fruit Variations: I’ve played with using pears or apple slices instead of bananas for a different texture and flavor.
  • Food Coloring Swap: If you prefer no artificial colors, you can use spirulina powder or matcha mixed with a little turmeric to get green shades naturally.

How to Make Banana Ghosts with Healthy Chocolate Dip (Dairy-Free Vegan Halloween Treat) Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Healthy Chocolate Dip

The star dip here is a healthy chocolate sweet potato frosting turned into a creamy dip by adding almond milk. When I first made this, I loved how smooth and rich it was without any dairy—it’s naturally sweet with just the right chocolate fix. Stir in 3-4 tablespoons of almond milk gradually until you reach a dippable consistency. Place it in a nice serving bowl, ready for your banana ghosts to dive in.

Step 2: Prepare the Spooky Green Coconut “Graveyard”

Mix together your choice of food coloring in a small ramekin—whether you go natural or artificial, the coloring combo of green plus a touch of blue (or yellow, depending on your mix) gives the perfect eerie tone. Toss the shredded sweetened coconut in a bowl, pour the colored mixture over, and stir until every little flake is ghostly green. This colorful coconut will add awesome texture and mood to your Halloween graveyard.

Step 3: Make Your Tombstones

Cut fruit leather strips in half to create tombstones that aren’t too tall or wide. With your white decorator icing and a fine writing tip, pipe “RIP” onto each tombstone—this is where you can get creative or add your own spooky messages. I like to prepare 3 or 4 tombstones depending on the size of the dip bowl; it looks just right.

Step 4: Assemble the Graveyard Scene

Place the bowl of your chocolate dip on a serving plate and mark where you want to put your tombstones. Sprinkle some of that green coconut at the tombstone spots, then gently insert each tombstone. This gives a perfect spooky base for your banana ghosts to hover around.

Step 5: Slice and Decorate Your Banana Ghosts

Slice bananas into halves and uneven pieces so the ghosts have different heights—it keeps the presentation dynamic and fun. Arrange them coming out all directions from the dip bowl. Then, press chocolate chips gently into the bananas for eyes and mouths. I like using a mix of mini and regular chip sizes for varied facial expressions. Use a teaspoon and tweezers to tuck green coconut “grass” between the bananas to complete your graveyard look.

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Pro Tips for Making Banana Ghosts with Healthy Chocolate Dip (Dairy-Free Vegan Halloween Treat) Recipe

  • Use Firmer Bananas: To avoid mushy ghosts, pick bananas that are ripe but still firm—this helps them keep their shape better when sliced.
  • Keep Dip in an Airtight Bowl: If you prepare ahead, storing the dip in a sealed container prevents it from drying out or getting gritty.
  • Use Tweezers for Decorating: When placing chocolate chips and coconut details, tweezers make the decorating process much neater and less messy.
  • Avoid Banana Browning: Slice bananas just before serving to prevent browning, or briefly dip them in lemon water to keep the ghosts nice and white.

How to Serve Banana Ghosts with Healthy Chocolate Dip (Dairy-Free Vegan Halloween Treat) Recipe

Banana Ghosts with Healthy Chocolate Dip (Dairy-Free Vegan Halloween Treat) Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra shredded coconut mixed with colored sugar or edible glitter around the serving platter to make it sparkle under the Halloween lights. Fresh mint leaves can add a fresh pop of green, too, if you want an unexpected twist that contrasts with the spooky vibe.

Side Dishes

This treat pairs perfectly with other chilled finger foods like pumpkin hummus and veggie sticks, or a warm apple cider to keep the cozy Halloween atmosphere flowing. For bigger parties, I like to line it up next to vegan pumpkin muffins or spiced roasted nuts.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I arranged the ghosts on a tiered wooden platter with small string lights twinkling underneath to give a glowing graveyard effect. Another time, I placed ghost bananas in a hollow pumpkin bowl with the chocolate dip inside—such a fun surprise when guests lifted the “pumpkin lid.” Don’t be afraid to get playful with presentation; it amplifies the fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can cover the chocolate dip and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend pre-slicing bananas far in advance because they tend to turn quickly, but whole bananas can be refrigerated unpeeled to keep fresh longer.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the chocolate dip successfully—just thaw in the fridge and stir well before serving. However, bananas don’t freeze well for this recipe because their texture becomes mushy, so I’d skip freezing the assembled banana ghosts.

Reheating

The chocolate dip doesn’t need reheating since it’s served cold, but if you prefer it slightly warmed, a quick microwave zap (10-15 seconds) will do—stir after heating to keep it smooth. Just keep in mind that reheating repeatedly can affect texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Banana Ghosts with Healthy Chocolate Dip (Dairy-Free Vegan Halloween Treat) Recipe nut-free?

    Yes! Simply swap the almond milk for oat or rice milk, and use a nut-free recipe for the chocolate frosting dip. Many store-bought vegan chocolate spreads or homemade avocado-based dips can work great without nuts.

  2. How do I keep the banana ghosts from browning?

    Slicing the bananas just before serving is the easiest way. Alternatively, briefly dipping the slices in lemon juice or a lemon-water mix slows browning without affecting taste much.

  3. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a Halloween party?

    You can prep the chocolate dip and coconut grass up to a day in advance, but I recommend assembling the banana ghosts shortly before guests arrive to keep them fresh and visually appealing.

  4. Are there alternatives to using fruit leather for tombstones?

    Absolutely! You can use crackers, cookies, or even thin pieces of firm dried fruit. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to stand upright and hold the decorator icing.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Ghosts with Healthy Chocolate Dip (Dairy-Free Vegan Halloween Treat) Recipe brings the fun and flavor you want from a Halloween snack without the heavy or artificial vibes. It’s one of those recipes that’s a total crowd-pleaser and always sparks joy in my kitchen. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and add your personal twists—trust me, your family and friends will be begging for this ghostly treat every October (or honestly, any time of year, because who says ghosts have to be seasonal?).

Print
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Banana Ghosts with Healthy Chocolate Dip (Dairy-Free Vegan Halloween Treat) Recipe

Banana Ghosts with Healthy Chocolate Dip (Dairy-Free Vegan Halloween Treat) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 112 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 40 mins
  • Cook Time: 0 mins
  • Total Time: 40 mins
  • Yield: Serves 8-10 as a party snack
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Create a fun and spooky Halloween treat with these Banana Ghosts and a Healthy Dairy-Free, Vegan Chocolate Dip. This playful recipe features creamy banana ‘ghosts’ decorated with chocolate chip faces, surrounded by a luscious sweet potato chocolate dip and coconut ‘grass’ tinted with natural or artificial green food coloring. It’s a perfect healthy dessert for Halloween gatherings that kids and adults will love.


Ingredients

Healthy Chocolate Dip

  • 1 recipe of Healthy Chocolate Frosting (sweet potato based)
  • 3-4 Tbsp almond milk (to thin frosting into dip)

Decoration & Assembly

  • 4 bananas (or more, depending on serving platter size)
  • 2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
  • Food coloring: either artificial green or DIY natural (4 tsp green + 2 tsp blue for natural, or 24 drops green + 8 drops yellow for artificial)
  • 2 strips of fruit leather (or 4 oblong crackers or cookies) for tombstones
  • White decorator icing with writing tip (for “RIP” on tombstones)
  • Handful of chocolate chips (a mix of mini and regular sized for eyes and mouths)


Instructions

  1. Prepare Chocolate Dip: Make a batch of the healthy sweet potato chocolate frosting as per the original recipe. Once done, stir in 3 to 4 tablespoons of almond milk to achieve a dip-like consistency, resulting in approximately 3 cups of dip. Transfer the dip into a serving bowl.
  2. Color the Coconut: In a small ramekin, mix your choice of food coloring. For natural DIY colors, combine 4 tsp green and 2 tsp blue; for artificial, use 24 drops green and 8 drops yellow. Add the food coloring mixture to the shredded coconut in a mixing bowl and stir thoroughly to evenly tint the coconut green.
  3. Make Tombstones: Cut each fruit leather strip in half to form tombstone shapes. Using white decorator icing and a writing tip, pipe “RIP” on each tombstone. Set aside.
  4. Assemble Tombstones and Coconut “Grass”: Decide where to place 3 or 4 tombstones around the serving bowl. Mark these spots by lightly pressing the bottom of a tombstone on the surface of the chocolate dip, then sprinkle the green shredded coconut on these marks to create patches of ‘grass.’ Insert the tombstones upright into the dip at these locations.
  5. Prepare Banana Ghosts: Slice the bananas into varying sizes—some even halves and some uneven pieces—to create ghosts at different heights and add visual interest.
  6. Arrange Ghosts: Place the bowl of chocolate dip on a serving plate. Arrange banana slices around the bowl, positioning them to appear as if they are flying out in all directions.
  7. Add Chocolate Chip Faces: Gently press chocolate chips onto each banana slice to form ghostly eyes and mouths. Use mini chips for eyes and larger ones for mouths to create expressive faces.
  8. Final Touches: Using a teaspoon and clean tweezers, place scattered green coconut “grass” between the banana ghosts to complete the graveyard theme.
  9. Serve: Present your spooky, healthy banana ghost graveyard dip for a fun and festive Halloween treat.

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of almond milk added to the frosting to get your preferred dip consistency.
  • For a natural food coloring alternative, beet juice or spirulina powder can be used to tint coconut if green or blue are unavailable.
  • The banana ghosts work best when assembled just before serving to prevent browning; consider dipping bananas in lemon juice if prepping ahead.
  • Fruit leather can be substituted with oblong crackers or cookies if preferred for tombstones.
  • This recipe is dairy-free, vegan, and perfect for allergy-conscious gatherings.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of total recipe
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 45mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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