When I want a chocolatey treat, I generally opt for this healthy Chocolate Banana Smoothie because it hits all the notes of a chocolate milkshake (rich, creamy, chocolatey, satisfying), but without all of the excess sugar and dairy in a milkshake.
Plus, it’s rich in nutrients and high in fiber. A win all around!
This healthy smoothie blends the natural sweetness of banana with the rich, deep flavor of cocoa for a treat that feels indulgent but is actually great for your health. Bananas provide potassium and fiber, while cocoa offers antioxidants without the added sugar found in chocolate.
I also add natural peanut butter for a boost of protein and healthy fats, making this smoothie a well-rounded, energizing option. You could also use almond butter or omit the nut butter completely if that’s better for you.
Chocolate Banana Smoothie Ingredients:
Tip: Frozen bananas make for amazing creamy smoothies. Always peel your bananas before freezing, which is a great way to never throw away a banana again.
- 1 large frozen ripe banana: Freezing the banana beforehand gives the smoothie a thick, frosty texture. Always peel your bananas before freezing!
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: You can start with one tablespoon and add more according to your taste preferences. For an extra health kick, substitute cocoa powder with cacao powder. Cacao powder (raw chocolate powder) is also great here. You can also replace this with any chocolate protein powder of choice if desired.
- 2 tablespoons creamy natural peanut butter: Almond butter works great, too!
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Just a touch to enhance all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk: Feel free to use any milk of your choice. Adjust the quantity to achieve your desired smoothie consistency.
- Optional sweeteners: A teaspoon or two of honey or maple syrup can be added for sweetness, but it’s completely optional.
Directions:
- Blend the Ingredients: In a high-powered blender, combine the frozen banana, cocoa powder, peanut butter, vanilla extract, and almond milk. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes or until the mixture is smooth.
- Adjust Consistency and Taste: If the smoothie is too thick, add a bit more almond milk or water to thin it out. After blending, taste your smoothie and decide if you’d like it a bit sweeter; if so, add honey or maple syrup to taste and blend again briefly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately. This recipe makes one serving, but it’s easy to double up if you’re sharing or want extra for later.
Smoothie Tips:
- For Extra Nutrition: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder or 1-2 teaspoons of flax seeds or chia seeds. These additional smoothie boosts blend well and boost the nutritional content without compromising taste.
- Storage: If you make too much, store the leftover smoothie in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to a day. Give it a good stir or shake before drinking.
This Chocolate Banana Smoothie is proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or tasteless. It’s all about using nutrient-dense ingredients that also delight the palate.
More Healthy Smoothies:
Try this recipe or any of my healthy smoothie recipes out, and let them change the way you think about quick and healthy meals!
Description
Indulge in a healthy Chocolate Banana Smoothie, rich in cocoa, creamy peanut butter, and sweet banana blend, for a delicious, nutritious treat. Feel free to swap the peanut butter for almond butter or leave it out altogether. The ratios of ingredients are flexible, adjust everything to your taste.
- 1 large (or 2 small) frozen ripe banana (always peel bananas before freezing)
- 1–2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder (or cacao powder or chocolate protein powder, starting with 1 tablespoon and adding more to taste)
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter (or almond butter, or omit if desired)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup of unsweetened almond milk (or your preferred milk or water), plus extra if needed to adjust consistency
- Optional: 1-2 teaspoons ground flaxseeds or chia seeds
- Optional: 1-2 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness if needed, adjust to your liking
- Optional: 1 serving of your favorite protein powder if you want to turn this into a protein drink. Add 1/2 cup more milk or water if you add protein powder
- Add the milk to the blender, then add the rest of the ingredients, starting with 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder and adding more as needed, depending on how chocolatey you want your smoothie. Blend on high for 60-90 seconds or until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Check the consistency; if the smoothie is too thick, add a little more milk or water until it reaches your desired thickness. Taste and add honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter smoothie.
- Serve immediately. This recipe makes one smoothie; scale the ingredients if you’re preparing for more people. Enjoy!
Notes
Optional: You can add 1-2 teaspoons of flax seeds or chia seeds to this smoothie for extra fiber and nutrients, but it’s not necessary if you don’t have any on hand.
