Ingredients
- 2 medium bananas, fresh or frozen (frozen recommended for thickness)
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (natural or regular)
- 2-3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup milk of choice (dairy, almond, oat, or soy)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (optional, for extra protein and creaminess)
- 1 cup ice cubes (reduce or omit if using frozen banana)
- 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (optional, taste first!)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but recommended)
- 1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder (optional, for extra protein)
- Pinch of salt (optional, enhances all flavors)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Peel your bananas and break them into chunks. If you have time, freeze banana chunks for at least 2 hours or overnight for the thickest, creamiest texture. Measure your peanut butter and cocoa powder accurately – these are the flavor foundations! If your peanut butter has separated with oil on top, stir it well before measuring.
Step 2: Layer Ingredients in Blender
Add ingredients to your blender in this optimal order for easiest blending: liquid (milk) first at the bottom, followed by peanut butter (this helps it blend evenly without sticking to blades), cocoa powder, Greek yogurt if using, vanilla extract, then banana chunks, and finally ice on top. This layering prevents air pockets and ensures everything blends smoothly.
Step 3: Blend Until Silky Smooth
Secure the blender lid tightly. Start blending on low speed for 5-10 seconds to break down the ingredients, then gradually increase to high speed. Blend for 45-60 seconds until completely smooth, creamy, and uniform in color. You should see a gorgeous rich chocolate smoothie with no visible chunks or powder streaks. Stop once and scrape down the sides if needed – peanut butter can stick to blender sides. If the blender is struggling, stop and add a splash more milk.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust to Perfection
Stop the blender and taste your smoothie using a clean spoon. This is crucial! Is the chocolate flavor strong enough? Add more cocoa powder. Want more peanut butter taste? Add another tablespoon. Need sweetness? Add honey or dates. Too thick? Add more milk. Blend briefly after any additions. Remember: you can always add more but can’t take it away!
Step 5: Serve Immediately and Enjoy
Pour into tall glasses and serve right away while the smoothie is at its peak – ice-cold, perfectly thick, and beautifully blended. For a gorgeous presentation, drizzle peanut butter on the inside of the glass before pouring, top with a swirl of peanut butter, chocolate shavings, cacao nibs, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder. Add a straw and enjoy your healthy dessert!
Notes
- Peanut Butter Consistency: If using natural peanut butter that’s very thick and hard to blend, microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften, or use room temperature peanut butter rather than cold from the fridge.
- Cocoa vs Cacao: Regular cocoa powder is milder and slightly sweeter-tasting. Cacao powder is more intensely chocolatey and slightly bitter. Both work wonderfully – choose based on your preference.
- Thickness Control: For a thick, spoonable smoothie bowl, use minimal liquid (½-¾ cup) and all frozen banana. For a drinkable smoothie, use the full cup of milk or more.
- Sweetness Level: Ripe bananas with brown spots provide the most natural sweetness. Taste before adding any sweetener – you probably won’t need it!
- Make It Vegan: Use plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy), dairy-free yogurt or skip yogurt, and use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.
- Allergy-Friendly: For nut-free, substitute sunflower seed butter or tahini. For added creaminess without nuts, use avocado.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 smoothie (12-14 oz)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 125mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 5mg