Chunky Monkey Smoothie
This chunky monkey smoothie is rich, creamy, and healthy! Kickstart your day with this chocolate peanut butter smoothie full of plant-based protein, fiber, and antioxidants.
Why you’ll love it:
This chunky monkey smoothie is so creamy and delicious! It has 12 grams of plant-based protein from the peanut butter, but you could easily transform it into a chunky monkey protein shake with a scoop of chocolate protein powder.
It’s ultra chocolatey with notes of peanut butter and bananas! It’s hard to go wrong with those flavors. Frozen bananas give it a silky smooth and creamy texture.
It’s easy to customize and super filling. This smoothie actually keeps me full until lunch! It’s a must-try!
Key Ingredients:
You only need 4 ingredients to make a chocolate monkey smoothie!
Milk – Feel free to use any kind of milk – plant-based or regular. I used whole milk this time, because I love the creaminess it imparts. You could easily use almond or cashew milk too! Just be sure to use a plant-based milk you like the flavor of.
Frozen bananas – This is the key to it’s super creamy texture! Just slice a banana into chunks, place them in a freezer bag, and freeze overnight. If they stick together, carefully use a knife to cut them apart. Or you can freeze bananas whole and cut them frozen. There are TOO many ways to freeze bananas!
Peanut butter – Chocolate and PB are truly a match made in heaven. I used creamy Peter Pan peanut butter. If you can’t have peanut butter, you can swap it for almond butter.
Cocoa powder – I use Dutch processed or dark cocoa powder because it’s super intense and chocolatey!
How to Make a Chunky Monkey Smoothie:
I highly recommend a high-speed blender with a powerful motor. It will give you the smoothest blend! And it works great for smoothie bowls too! I’ve had a Ninja for 10+ years and it’s still working great.
Combine ingredients: In the pitcher of a high-speed blender, combine the milk, peanut butter, frozen bananas, and cocoa powder.
Blend: Blend until thick, creamy, and smooth. I prefer my smoothies on the thicker side. If you prefer it a bit thinner, add a splash more milk and blend for a couple seconds to incorporate.
Serve: Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately! I like to top mine with cacao nibs and mini chocolate chips.
Recipe Tips:
- Freeze bananas ahead of time. Whenever my bananas look ripe, I freeze two or three! This way I’m never wasting bananas and I’m prepared for all kinds of smoothies.
- Adjust the consistency as desired. I always blend my smoothies thick so they get creamy and smooth, then I add liquid at the end if needed. To me a smoothie tastes best when it’s thick but drinkable. Thin smoothies melt too fast.
- If possible, use a high-speed blender. High-speed blenders have powerful motors and super sharp blades to give you a super creamy blend! If you’re on a budget, older models tend to be more affordable.
Variations:
This chunky monkey drink is super easy to customize! Try one of these simple variations:
- Protein: Add a scoop of chocolate protein powder for a boost of extra protein! Or you could add a scoop of Greek yogurt instead.
- Milk: Any kind of milk works great!
- Ice: If you prefer the texture ice gives, that’s fine too! Add a scoop of ice. You may need a splash more liquid to achieve the right consistency.
- Nut butter: If you can’t have peanuts, swap the peanut butter with your favorite nut butter instead.
- Oats: Oats add a slight oatey flavor and texture. Add 1/4 cup of rolled oats. They’re a good source of whole grains, complex carbohydrates, and antioxidants.
Topping Ideas:
Toppings are always a good idea! I love to add toppings and eat this monkey smoothie with a spoon.
- Walnuts, pecans, or almonds (or any crunchy nut!)
- Cacao nibs
- Sliced bananas
- Chocolate syrup
- Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips
- Shredded coconut
Storage:
Smoothies are best enjoyed fresh and cold!
I don’t recommend storing this smoothie as the frozen bananas defrost and lose their delightful texture.
FAQs:
Nope, the frozen bananas make it thick, creamy and smooth! If you like the texture better with ice, you can defenitely add some. Add 3/4 cup of ice and increase the liquid by 1/4 cup. Blend until smooth.
If you don’t have frozen bananas, you can use a fresh banana and add ice as a thickener. You may need to adjust the liquid as needed. If the smoothie’s too thick, add a splash more liquid. If it’s too thin, add more ice.
Chocolate Smoothie Recipes
Chunky Monkey Smoothie
Equipment
- high-speed blender
Ingredients
- ¾ cup milk of choice plant-based or dairy
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon dark cocoa powder
- 1½ cups frozen banana chunks (about 1 1/2 frozen bananas)
Instructions
- In the pitcher of a high-speed blender, combine the milk, peanut butter, frozen bananas, and cocoa powder.
- Blend until thick, creamy, and smooth. Adjust the consistency as desired. I like my smoothies on the thick side. If you like it thinner, add a splash more milk and blend for a few seconds to incorporate.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately!
