Chocolate Banana Smoothie

This healthy chocolate banana smoothie is a breeze to make! It’s only 4 ingredients and tastes rich, creamy, and decadent. Naturally gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and refined-sugar-free.

Why you’ll love it:

This chocolate banana smoothie is pure bliss! Frozen bananas give it an ultra-creamy texture and dark cacao powder makes it super chocolatey and decadent. It’s only four ingredients and it has no refined sugar or processed ingredients!

It’s a “treat” you can feel good about! I love this banana chocolate smoothie, can you tell?!

Chocolate Smoothie Ingredients:

As promised, this chocolate smoothie recipe only needs four ingredients:

Frozen bananas – Be sure to use FROZEN bananas! This is what makes the smoothie thick and creamy. Always use ripe, yellow bananas for smoothies. Green ones taste chalky and slightly bitter. I keep frozen bananas in my freezer at all times. Simply cut a banana into thick slices and freeze, at least overnight, in a zip top bag.

Cocoa powder – For a dark and intense chocolate flavor, use Dutch process cocoa powder. It has a smooth flavor compared to natural cocoa. You can find it right next to the regular cocoa powder. Hershey’s labels it dark cocoa powder.

Almond milk – My favorite liquid base for smoothies! It’s low in calories and creamy with a mild flavor. I recommend unsweetened to avoid excess sugar but any version works.

Medjool Date – For added sweetness! Dates contain zero added sugar. They have a caramel-like flavor that I personally love, but if you don’t like them, swap with maple syrup instead.

How to make a chocolate banana smoothie:

It’s super easy! Just place all the ingredients in the pitcher of your high-speed blender.

If you don’t have a high-speed blender, I highly recommend investing in one. You don’t have to buy a top-of-the-line blender for a million dollars to get a good quality one.

Work within your budget! I highly recommend Ninja brand if you can’t afford a Vitamix. Sometimes, if you buy an older model, you can get a great deal.

Blend until thick, creamy, and ultra smooth. If the smoothie’s too thick, add a splash more almond milk and blend for a few more seconds to incorporate. I like my smoothies thick!

Pour into two small glasses or one large glass and enjoy! I top my chocolate smoothies with whipped cream and a few cacao nibs. Coconut whipped cream would be delish too!

Smoothie Making Tips:

• Freeze bananas ahead of time. If you make smoothies a lot, I recommend freezing several. They’re great for smoothie bowls, chocolate smoothies, and smoothies without frozen fruit. Cut them into chunks first, throw them in a zip top bag, and freeze. Use within 6 months.
• Start with less liquid. I add less liquid to begin with, because the blender can blitz the ingredients better that way. The result is a super smooth blend. If the smoothie is too thick for you, add a splash more liquid at the end.
• If you don’t like dates, swap them out. Dates have a caramel-like flavor to them. If you’re not a raving fan like myself, maple syrup and honey both work great too.

Variations:

• Milk – Any kind of milk works here! Whole, cashew, soy, rice, or oat milk are good options. Just choose a milk you like the flavor of and you’re all set.
• Sweetener – I love to use dates for their nutritional profile, but they do have a distinct flavor. You can use other sweeteners if you like. Try honey, maple syrup, or stevia if you can’t have added sugar.
• Nut butter – A scoop of nut butter adds protein and a rich, nutty flavor! Try peanut, almond, or cashew butter.
• Oats – Add 1/3 cup of rolled oats for texture and whole grains!

Topping Ideas:

Toppings aren’t just for smoothie bowls! I love to top my smoothies too. Here are a few ideas for a chocolate smoothie:

• Cacao nibs
• Mini chocolate chips
• Crushed nuts
• Granola
• Coconut chips
• Chocolate shavings
• Whipped cream

FAQs:

More Smoothie Recipes:

• 1000 Calorie Chocolate Smoothie
• Peanut Butter Powder Smoothie
• Mixed Berry Smoothie (3 Variations)
• Strawberry Banana Smoothie