Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large ripe banana, frozen and sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup milk of choice (dairy, almond, oat, or soy milk)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or vanilla Greek yogurt)
- 1-2 tablespoons peanut butter or almond butter (optional but recommended)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 ice cubes (only if using fresh banana instead of frozen)
- Pinch of salt (enhances chocolate flavor)
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Frozen Banana: If you haven’t already, peel your ripe banana, slice it into coins, and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet for at least 2 hours or overnight. Transfer frozen banana slices to a freezer bag for easy storage. Having pre-frozen banana ready makes this smoothie truly a 5-minute recipe.
- Layer Ingredients in Blender: Add ingredients to your blender in this specific order for optimal blending: milk first (this protects your blender blade and creates a vortex), then yogurt and peanut butter, followed by cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and honey if using. Add frozen banana slices on top, and finally ice cubes if using fresh banana.
- Blend on Low, Then High: Start your blender on low speed for about 10-15 seconds to break down the larger pieces and incorporate the cocoa powder (which can fly up and stick to the sides if you start on high). Then increase to high speed and blend for 45-60 seconds until completely smooth, creamy, and no banana chunks remain. The smoothie should have a thick, velvety texture similar to soft-serve ice cream.
- Check Consistency and Taste: Stop the blender and check the thickness. If it’s too thick to blend properly or drink through a straw, add 2-3 tablespoons more milk and blend for another 15 seconds. If it’s too thin, add a few more ice cubes or another ½ frozen banana. Give it a taste test—if you want it sweeter, add honey or maple syrup and blend briefly.
- Scrape Down Sides: Use a rubber spatula to scrape down any cocoa powder or banana that’s clinging to the sides of the blender. Give it one final 10-second pulse to incorporate everything evenly.
- Serve Immediately: Pour into a tall glass or insulated tumbler. For a fun presentation, drizzle the inside of the glass with a little extra peanut butter or chocolate sauce before adding the smoothie. Top with optional garnishes like a banana slice, cocoa nibs, chocolate shavings, or a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
Notes
- Banana Ripeness Matters: Use bananas with lots of brown spots for maximum sweetness and the best flavor. Unripe, greenish bananas will make your smoothie starchy and less sweet.
- Cocoa Powder Quality: Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor. Cheap cocoa can taste bitter or chalky.
- Protein Boost: For a high-protein chocolate smoothie, add a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder and increase milk by ¼ cup. This creates an excellent post-workout recovery drink.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based milk, coconut yogurt or silken tofu instead of Greek yogurt, and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Thickening Trick: If you want an ultra-thick smoothie bowl consistency, use less milk (start with ¾ cup) and eat with a spoon topped with granola, fresh fruit, and coconut flakes.
- Make It Mocha: Add ¼ cup cold brew coffee or 1 shot of espresso for a chocolate mocha smoothie that provides both breakfast and caffeine in one glass.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Smoothie, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large smoothie
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 155mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 8mg