Chocolate Smoothie Bowl (Vegan, Gluten free)
Looking for a healthy breakfast or snack that tastes like ice cream?! You’ve got to try this chocolate smoothie bowl. It’s my go-to afternoon snack when I’m craving something sweet, and it’s my kids’ favorite warm weather breakfast (did I mention it feels like you’re eating ice cream?!). With a rich chocolate flavor; a luscious, creamy texture; and a big boost of protein, it’s a nutritious meal that’s both easy and fun.
Thank you to Almond Breeze for partnering with me on this post! While I was compensated for this post, all opinions and recipes are mine alone.
Ingredients:
- Unsweetened almond milk gives the smoothie creaminess without any dairy or sugar, but you can use any milk you drink.
- Frozen bananas are key, as they give the smoothie a rich, spoonable texture without the need for ice. I always keep a stash of frozen bananas in my freezer (at the end of the week peel any bananas you didn’t use and pop them into a zip-top freezer bag). You can use them in smoothies, healthy no-churn ice creams and in baked goods like banana bread.
- Peanut butter gives the smoothie more flavor plus a boost of protein and healthy fats (I prefer to use a natural butter). However, you can swap it out for other nut butters, such as almond butter, or omit it altogether.
- Raw cacao powder is made with un-roasted cocoa beans and has a richer flavor (and more antioxidants) than regular cocoa powder. However, you can use cocoa powder if that’s what you have.
- Cinnamon provides warmth and a pinch of salt balances all the flavors.
- Optional Add-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients to taste, such as protein powder, flax seeds or chia seeds!
How to make a chocolate smoothie bowl
- Pour the almond milk into a Vitamix or food processor then add frozen bananas (broken into thirds), peanut butter (or any nut butter you like), cacao powder, cinnamon and a pinch of salt.
- Blend (stirring with a tamper if using a Vitamix, or stopping and scraping often if using a food processor), until smooth.
Serving suggestions
While you can serve the chocolate smoothie all on its own (or turn it into a shake, see below), I love to serve it in bowls and eat it with a spoon (again, it’s like ice cream, people!). For added texture and nutrition, sprinkle the smoothie bowl with a few toppings.
Smoothie bowl toppings
Here are some of our favorite toppings (let your family add their own!):
- granola
- chopped almonds (or other nuts)
- chia and/or hemp seeds
- toasted coconut
- fresh fruit
- cacao nibs
Chocolate Protein Shake
If a chocolate protein shake is more your jam, simply add more almond milk to thin out the smoothie. You can also add a scoop of protein powder, if you prefer.
FAQs
I prefer unsweetened vanilla almond milk, which is naturally sweet but has no added sugar, but you can use any milk you drink.
The secret to a thick smoothie is to use frozen bananas instead of ice. Frozen bananas create a thick, rich texture and won’t water down the smoothie.
Fresh fruit, granola, seeds (such as chia and/or hemp) and toasted nuts are all fantastic on top of smoothie bowls. You can also try cacao nibs and toasted coconut.
Tips for this recipe:
- You’ll need a high-speed blender (such as a Vitamix) or a food processor to make this thick smoothie bowl. However, if you have a regular blender, simply add more almond milk to thin it out and serve it as a smoothie or shake!
*This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links to products I use and love (from which I earn income, at no cost to you). Thank you for supporting From Scratch Fast!
Other smoothies to try:
Healthy breakfast recipes you might like:
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Chocolate Protein Smoothie Bowl
Equipment
- High Speed Blender or Food Processor
Ingredients
Smoothie bowls
- 2 frozen bananas (peeled), broken into halves or thirds
- ½ - ¾ cup Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla Almondmilk
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons cacao powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch sea salt
Toppings (optional)
- Fresh berries and/or sliced bananas
- Hemp and/or chia seeds
- Chopped peanuts or other nuts
- Cacao nibs
- Coconut flakes
- Granola
Instructions
- In a food processor or Vitamix blender, add the frozen bananas, ½ cup of the Almond Breeze Unsweetened Vanilla Almondmilk, peanut butter, cacao powder, cinnamon and a pinch of sea salt. Blend, stopping and scraping occasionally if using a food processor or stirring with the tamper if using a Vitamix, until thick and creamy. If the smoothie is too thick, add a few more splashes of almondmilk as needed.
- Transfer the smoothie to bowls and garnish with the toppings of your choice. Grab and spoon, and enjoy!!
Notes
- You’ll need a high speed blender (such as a Vitamix) or a food processor to make this thick smoothie bowl. However, if you have a regular blender, simply add more almondmilk to thin it out and serve it as a smoothie or shake!
- I always keep a stash of frozen bananas in my freezer (at the end of the week peel any bananas you didn’t use and pop them into a zip-top freezer bag). You can use them in smoothies, healthy no-churn ice creams and in baked goods like banana bread.
- I love the flavor of peanut butter in this smoothie, which also provides a boost of protein and healthy fats (I prefer to use a natural butter). However, you can swap it out for other nut butters (such as almond butter) or omit it altogether.
- Raw cacao powder is made with un-roasted cocoa beans and has a richer flavor (and more antioxidants) than regular cocoa powder. However, you can use regular cocoa powder if that’s what you have.
- If a chocolate protein shake is more your jam, simply add more almondmilk to thin out the smoothie. You can also add a scoop of protein powder, if you prefer.
