Name: Creamy Chocolate Banana Smoothie Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 fresh or frozen banana, peeled and sliced; 1 cup 2% milk or non-dairy milk of choice; 1 1/2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp cinnamon; 1 shot of espresso (optional)

This Chocolate Banana Smoothie recipe offers indulgence and nourishment in one irresistibly creamy concoction.

With a handful of wholesome ingredients and a trusty blender, you can have this good-for-you sweet treat ready in minutes!

Suppose you crave frozen desserts like chocolate-covered bananas and banana splits but aren’t thrilled about consuming all of that sugar.

In that case, this delicious chocolate banana smoothie recipe is your refined-sugar-free solution.

Packed with a double punch of goodness, this chocolate banana smoothie satisfies your sweet tooth and provides many health benefits.

Bananas, for instance, deliver a generous dose of potassium and fiber, while unsweetened cocoa powder is a source of antioxidants.

So whether you need a grab-and-go morning energy boost or a quick afternoon pick-me-up, you can’t go wrong with a chocolate and banana smoothie!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are four reasons why this easy recipe is a keeper:

Made with whole, refined-sugar-free ingredients. This smoothie is as good for your taste buds as it is for your body. The vanilla and cinnamon enhance the sweetness of bananas, so there’s no need for added sugar. Drink up!
Versatile serving options. You can enjoy this for breakfast, a satisfying snack, or an after-dinner sweet treat.
Customizable. You can easily transform this recipe into a customized banana chocolate smoothie masterpiece that suits your palate perfectly.
Quick and convenient. You’ll love just how easy it is to whip up with a handful of simple ingredients and the assistance of a good blender or food processor.

Ingredient Notes

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this healthy chocolate banana smoothie:

Here is a brief overview of the ingredients:

Banana – You can use fresh bananas in this smoothie, but frozen bananas are better if you prefer chilled, frothy smoothies. Frozen fruit is also easier to puree into a smooth consistency.
Milk – You can use any dairy or non-day milk. But know that smoothies made with high-fat milk like whole milk and canned coconut milk result in a richer, creamier mouthfeel. Almond, cashew, and oat milk are also good options.
Cocoa powder – Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder or Dutch-processed cocoa powder for extra decadent, smooth chocolate flavor.
Vanilla extract – It enhances the overall flavor and adds a subtle, sweet aroma. For the best smoothies, always use high-quality pure vanilla extract.
Cinnamon – A dash of cinnamon brings subtle warmth and spice to complement the sweetness of the banana and chocolate.
Espresso – Espresso is an optional but recommended add-in if you aren’t sensitive to caffeine or making this for kids. It elevates the chocolate flavor and adds enough caffeine to jumpstart your morning. Keep in mind that adding espresso will thaw the frozen bananas, resulting in a more liquidy consistency. You can also use a scoop of instant espresso powder here.

How to Make a Chocolate Banana Smoothie

After gathering the ingredients, this chocolate banana smoothie recipe is as simple as a push of a button.

Here’s how it’s done:

Gather the ingredients: Place the fresh or frozen banana, milk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and espresso (if using) in a food processor or blender.
Puree the ingredients: Give everything a few quick pulses, then increase the speed and blend until smooth and creamy.

Recipe Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make the best chocolate banana smoothie:

Select ripe bananas. Use ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and creaminess. Overripe bananas are too soft and sweet and better suited for banana bread.
Consider freezing the banana. To make your smoothie extra thick and frosty, you can freeze the bananas the night before. This eliminates the need for ice and prevents dilution.
Use ice cubes sparingly. If you want a frozen smoothie but don’t have frozen bananas, blend in a few ice cubes, but be cautious not to add too much and dilute the flavors.
Pre-portion ingredients. For convenience, pre-portion banana slices in zip lock bags so you can quickly grab them from the freezer and blend a banana chocolate smoothie whenever you like.

Variations

Here are a few ways you can customize this recipe:

Optional sweeteners – After blending, taste the smoothie and adjust the sweetness if you need to with natural sweetening agents like honey, maple syrup, or dates. Remember that ripe bananas already contribute natural sweetness.

Nutritional boost – To make this chocolate banana smoothie recipe more filling and satisfying, blend in a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder, chia seeds, or flaxseeds. You can also toss in a handful of spinach or kale for added nutrition.

Healthy toppings – Sprinkle shredded coconut, toasted coconut flakes, cacao nibs, dark chocolate chips, or finely chopped nuts over the top for a delightful contrasting crunch. Or, top it with almond, cashew, or peanut butter for an extra layer of creamy richness.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: Transfer the leftover smoothie to an airtight container, seal it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Give it a good stir before consuming.

Freezing: Pour the blended smoothie mixture into ice cube trays and place in the freezer until solid. Then, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe container for 2-3 months.

When ready to enjoy, blend the frozen smoothie cubes with a bit of water or milk until smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few related questions about making smoothies:

Why did my smoothie come out watery?

A watery smoothie typically results from too much milk or not enough thickening ingredients like frozen bananas. Adjust the proportions of these components to achieve your desired consistency.

What other fruits are good in chocolate banana smoothies?

Fruits that pair well with chocolate and bananas in smoothies include strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and cherries. Additionally, fruits like mango and pineapple can add a refreshing, tropical twist to the blend.

If I add leafy greens to this, can I taste them?

Unless you add too much, the flavor of greens like spinach and kale is mild and masked by the rich chocolate and banana flavors.

While you might not notice the greens in terms of taste, they will contribute to the smoothie’s nutritional value and create a vibrant green color.

More Smoothie Recipes

Here are a few easy smoothie recipes for you to try:

Creamy Chocolate Banana Smoothie Recipe

Yield: 2 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

This healthy smoothie has a creamy texture and tastes just like a chocolate milkshake! You can make it for a quick breakfast or a satisfying snack.

Ingredients

1 1/2 fresh or frozen banana, peeled and sliced
1 cup 2% milk or non-dairy milk of choice
1 1/2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 shot of espresso (optional)

Instructions

Place bananas, milk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and espresso (if using) into a food processor or blender.
Give it a few pulses, and then puree until smooth.

Nutrition Information

Yield 2 Serving Size 1/2 of recipe
Amount Per Serving Calories 194Total Fat 5gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 20mgSodium 118mgCarbohydrates 28gFiber 2gSugar 20gProtein 9g

Nutrition facts provided on this website are an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a qualified health care provider for personalized diet advice and make sure that each of the ingredients is allowed in your diet.