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.
Servings: 1 -2 people
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.
Loved this recipe? Check out @nickisizemore for more!