Chocolate Banana Smoothie – The Almond Eater

June 13, 2024

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This ultra-creamy Chocolate Banana Smoothie is quick and easy to make with wholesome ingredients, like frozen bananas and cocoa powder. It’s a simple breakfast or snack that tastes like dessert!

chocolate banana smoothie in a glass with a straw and cocoa powder sprinkled on top

I’ve been making this Chocolate Banana Smoothie recipe for breakfast more and more because (1) it’s quick and easy to make with wholesome ingredients, (2) it tastes like dessert, and (3) there’s no better way to start my day than with something rich and chocolatey!

Like my chocolate zucchini smoothie and chocolate blueberry smoothie, this easy breakfast blends simple ingredients together, like cocoa powder, bananas, and milk, to give you a drink that’s not only sweet and decadent but also good for you. You’d never know it, though, thanks to the chocolatey goodness in every sip.

What’s better are the endless ways to put your own spin on this banana chocolate smoothie. Add protein powder, peanut butter, yogurt, and so much more. You can even top it with some homemade granola to take it over the top. Anything goes!

Recipe features

Just like my chocolate banana mug cake and chocolate banana bites, this smoothie is easy to make and combines the goodness of chocolate and bananas.
It’s a 6-ingredient, fuss-free breakfast that tastes like dessert!
Each sip is creamy, smooth, decadent, and refreshing. Take it with you on the go or serve it with breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

Banana – Frozen bananas are key for a smooth and creamy smoothie. Peel the banana, place it in an airtight container, and freeze overnight before making the smoothie.

Cocoa powder – A must for a rich and chocolatey smoothie. For a double chocolate smoothie, add a handful of chocolate chips or a scoop of my healthy homemade Nutella.

Milk – Any milk will do here, like regular cow’s milk, almond milk, or coconut milk.

Maple syrup – A small drizzle of maple syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness. You can substitute this with a pitted date if you’d like.

Ice cubes – Blended ice cubes give the smoothie a slushy consistency that’s super refreshing.

Instructions

Step 1: Place in a blender. Add all of the smoothie ingredients to a high-speed blender.

all smoothie ingredients added to a blender

Step 2: Blend. Blend the smoothie until it’s creamy and smooth.

all smoothie ingredients blended together in a blender

Step 3: Serve. Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy!

overview of a chocolate banana smoothie in a glass with a straw and cocoa powder sprinkled on top

Tips and FAQs

You can make this smoothie with a fresh banana if you forgot to freeze it, but I’d recommend adding at least another 2 to 3 ice cubes.
Double or triple this recipe if you’re serving a crowd or meal-prepping for the week! It’s a great way to use up your ripe and spotty bananas.
High-powered blenders are the way to go when blending smoothies because their powerful motors liquefy the bananas and ice in seconds. Regular blenders also work, but you’ll need to blend the smoothie for slightly longer.

Tip

For a thicker consistency, make this smoothie with ¼ cup of plain or vanilla yogurt or add half of an extra frozen banana.

Variations

Protein smoothie – For a protein chocolate banana smoothie, blend in 1 scoop of your favorite plain, chocolate, or peanut butter-flavored protein powder.
Add warm spices – Blend in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warmer and cozier flavor.
For healthy fats – A couple of scoops of peanut butter or almond butter in the chocolate smoothie will add a nice, nutty flavor as well as healthy fats. Or, add half of an avocado, like in my chocolate smoothie recipe!
Coffee smoothie – Add a splash of cold brew or leftover room temperature coffee, or 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to give this smoothie a caffeine boost.
Vegan smoothie – Make this with your favorite non-dairy milk, as well as vegan protein powder and dairy-free yogurt.

Serving suggestions

While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the banana chocolate smoothie as-is, it’s even more fun to serve it with toppings. Top the glass with chocolate shavings, cacao nibs, a peanut butter drizzle, chopped nuts, hemp seeds, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or chocolate granola.

Enjoy the smoothie on its own or make it a part of your breakfast or brunch. I like to pair it with a breakfast sandwich or breakfast quesadilla during busy mornings, or with a scoop of this breakfast casserole or a cottage cheese bowl when I have time to sit down and eat.

Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?

Sure. To make it ahead of time, blend the smoothie as normal and pour it into ice cube trays. Freeze until solid, then transfer the cubes to an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. When it’s time to eat, blend as many cubes as you need with a splash of milk, then enjoy!

Storage

Refrigerator: The smoothie is best enjoyed as soon as it’s blended because that’s when it’s the creamiest and most refreshing. If you do end up with leftovers, they can be stored in a sealed jar or container in the fridge for 1 or 2 days.

Freezer: Freeze the smoothie in ice cube trays until solid, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. To serve, blend as many smoothie cubes as you need with a splash of milk.

close-up of a chocolate banana smoothie in a glass with a straw and cocoa powder sprinkled on top

More chocolate smoothie recipes

If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!