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    Home > Recipe Index > Breakfasts > Chocolate Smoothie Bowl (Vegan, Gluten free)

    Chocolate Smoothie Bowl (Vegan, Gluten free)

    Published: Jul 22, 2021 · Modified: May 25, 2022 by Nicki Sizemore · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Two frames, one showing the chocolate smoothie in a blender and one showing a chocolate smoothie bowl with various toppings.
    Two frames, one showing the chocolate smoothie in a blender and one showing a chocolate smoothie bowl with various toppings.
    Two frames, one showing the chocolate smoothie in a blender and one showing a chocolate smoothie bowl with various toppings.

    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.

    Kids hands wrapped around a chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie bowl.

    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:

    All of the ingredients for the chocolate smoothie bowl arranged on a marble surface and labeled.
    • 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.
    Process shot showing the ingredients for the chocolate smoothie in a blender.
    • Blend (stirring with a tamper if using a Vitamix, or stopping and scraping often if using a food processor), until smooth.
    A hand pulling a spoonful of the thick chocolate peanut butter smoothie out of the blender container.

    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

    Smoothie bowl topping ideas arranged in bowls on a marble surface.

    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
    Close up of a chocolate peanut butter smoothie bowl.

    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

    What liquid should I put in my smoothie bowl?

    I prefer unsweetened vanilla almond milk, which is naturally sweet but has no added sugar, but you can use any milk you drink.

    How do you make a smoothie thicker?

    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. 

    What do you put on top of a smoothie bowl?

    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. 

    Close up of a chocolate smoothie bowl topped with fruit, granola, coconut, hemp seeds and cacao nibs.

    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 or supporting From Scratch Fast!

    Other smoothies to try:

    • Low Sugar Green Smoothie
    • Superfood Smoothie Bowl
    • Blueberry & Spinach Smoothie

    Healthy breakfast recipes you might like:

    • High Protein Strawberry Oat Blender Waffles
    • Banana Oat Breakfast Cookies
    • Healthy Breakfast Strata

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    I'd love to answer any of your questions and see what you're cooking!! Don't forget to rate this recipe and leave a comment below. Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube & Pinterest, and be sure to tag @fromscratchfast so that I can share your creations!

    Get the recipe!

    Kids hands wrapped around a chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie bowl.
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    Chocolate Protein Smoothie Bowl

    With a rich chocolate flavor, a luscious, creamy texture, and a big boost of protein, this chocolate smoothie bowl is a nutritious meal or snack that’s both easy and fun. You can serve it as a regular smoothie OR as a bowl with your favorite toppings. Take note that you’ll need 2 frozen bananas for this recipe. I peel any unused or overripe bananas at the end of the week and freeze them in a zip-top freezer bag so that I always have a stash on hand. Breaking the frozen bananas into halves or thirds makes them easier to process in the blender or food processor. The cinnamon adds depth of flavor and sweet warmth, but you won’t really taste it. Don’t omit the salt—it not only provides electrolytes but also enhances all the other flavors.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Total Time5 mins
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: chocolate banana smoothie, chocolate protein smoothie, chocolate smoothie bowl
    Servings: 1 -2 people
    Author: Nicki Sizemore

    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

    Smoothie Bowl Tips:
    • 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. 

    More Breakfasts

    • Easy Gluten Free Baked Donuts Recipe (No Yeast!)
    • Gluten Free Zucchini Bread (Naturally Sweetened, Dairy Free)
    • Easy Homemade Strawberry Sauce (and how to serve it!)
    • Broccoli Cheddar Quiche (Gluten Free!)

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    Meet Nicki

    Headshot of Nicki Sizemore.

    Welcome! I’m Nicki Sizemore, a trained chef, recipe developer and cookbook author. My mission is to help you make wholesome & delicious food from scratch without spending hours in the kitchen. All of my recipes are naturally gluten-free.

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