What truly sets the Choco-Banana Blast apart is its velvety smooth texture paired with the decadent combination of banana and chocolate. The banana brings natural sweetness and creaminess, while the cocoa powder delivers a rich chocolate flavor that feels indulgent without the guilt. Adding peanut butter gives a savory, nutty undertone, making each sip a harmonious blend of flavors. It’s a delightful smoothie that satisfies both your chocolate cravings and your need for a nourishing snack.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional for creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional, for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional for added fiber and omega-3s)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by peeling and slicing your bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your smoothie will be, so it’s best to use bananas that are slightly overripe. This will help reduce the need for additional sweeteners like honey.
- Blend the Base: In a high-powered blender, add the bananas, cocoa powder, almond milk, Greek yogurt, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. If you want the smoothie to be a bit thicker, the Greek yogurt will provide creaminess. If you’re opting for a dairy-free version, feel free to skip the yogurt or replace it with a non-dairy alternative.
- Sweeten and Enrich: Add honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter flavor. For those who enjoy a richer chocolate taste, toss in a handful of dark chocolate chips. This will melt slightly into the smoothie, adding decadent pockets of flavor.
- Blend Smooth: Add in the ice cubes and blend everything together on high speed for about 1 minute or until the smoothie reaches your desired consistency. The ice helps chill the drink while giving it a thicker, frostier texture. If you prefer a more liquid consistency, you can reduce the amount of ice or skip it altogether.
- Boost with Nutrients: If you’d like to add some nutritional value, throw in a tablespoon of chia seeds. These are loaded with fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, making the smoothie even healthier. The chia seeds will also help thicken the smoothie slightly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Pour the Choco-Banana Blast into two tall glasses. You can garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or some extra banana slices on top. Serve immediately to enjoy the refreshing, chocolatey goodness!