Chocolate Banana Smoothie

If you are in the mood for something sweet then try out the Chocolate Banana Smoothie Recipe now! Despite being packed with healthy elements, sweet bananas, antioxidant cocoa and other goodies, this recipe make a perfect end of the meal or a luxurious treat.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana (peeled)
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup Almond milk (or any non-dairy milk that you prefer)
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter (optional, helps in the creaminess and rich proteins)
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Ice cubes (optional, but will be used if needs a thicker smoothie)

How to Make Chocolate Banana Smoothie

• Prepare the Ingredients: Take off the peel of banana and keep all the other ingredients on the side. To prepare, in cup scoop out the amount of almond milk, cocoa powder.
• Add to Blender: Put the banana, cocoa, milk, peanut butter if you are using it, honey or maple syrup if you’d like and vanilla extract in the blender.
• Blend Until Smooth: Begin pulsing on low and increase to high repeatedly. Rotate for about 1-2 minutes sweeter until the smoothie is completely smooth and creamy usually. Substitute with ice cubes if wish to have a thicker and colder consistency.
• Serve and Enjoy: Scrape the smoothie mix into a glass and then decorate it with cocoa powder or a few drops of chocolate chips before enjoying it.

Nutritional Breakdown

• Calories: ~200-250 kcal
• Protein: ~3-4g
• Fat: ~6-8g (from cocoa or nut butter)
• Carbohydrates: ~35g
• Fiber: ~4g (from banana)
• Sugar: ~15-20g (naturally occurring sugars from banana and cocoa)
• Potassium: ~450mg
• Magnesium: ~50mg (from cocoa)
• Iron: ~2mg (from cocoa).

Creative Variations

1. Chocolate Milk Fruit Smoothie

Ingredients:

• ¼ Cup chocolate syrup (you may use regular or low fat)
• 1/2 banana (peeled)
• 1/2 cup of frozen berries of strawberries, blueberries or raspberries.
• 1 tablespoon of fresh mango pieces (optional, for the tropical taste)
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter (optional, to enhance taste and texture)
• Ice cubes (optional because the mixture can be made with a thicker consistency)

Preparation:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Take the skin of the banana and prepare your frozen berries and mango pieces. If you’re using peanut butter, pour it in the blender and then add the chocolate milk and ice (if you prefer).
2. Add to Blender: Put the chocolate milk, banana, frozen berries, mango, peanut butter if you are using it and the ice cubes into the blender.
3. Blend Until Smooth: Begin at low speed, while gradually increasing to high when you start blending a mixture. Mix for 1 to 2 min or until you get a fine, creamy and smooth texture of the smoothie.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Pour the smoothie into a glass and serve garnishing it with the left over berries or add chocolate syrup on top of the smoothie if you want. Have a nice and healthy drink with Choco-fruit smoothie!

2. Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1 banana (peeled)
• 1 cup of milk: almond milk or dairy milk or whichever type of milk you prefer to use
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
• Ice cubes (optional since the use makes the smoothie less thick)
• 1 scoop protein powder (optional, for desired protein intake)

Preparation:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Remove the skin of the banana, prepare all the other constituents. You will also have to measure the cocoa powder, peanut butter and the milk.
2. Add to Blender: Throw the banana, cocoa powder, peanut butter, milk and any other scoop (preferably protein powder and sweetener) into the blender.
3. Blend Until Smooth: : Power on and begin to mix at slow speed and crank up to high speed. Process for 1-2 minutes until you gets a glass smooth, glossy, creamy finish. If you feel that the liquid should be thicker you should add more ice cubes into the mix.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Pour a smoothie into a glass and, if desired, add peanut butter on top or sprinkle cocoa on top of it, and the smoothie is done.

3. Mint Chocolate Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any non-dairy milk that you prefer)
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 banana (peeled, for creaminess and sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
• 1/4 cup spinach (optional, for added nutrients)
• Ice cubes (optional, for a thicker smoothie)
• 1 scoop protein powder (optional, for a protein boost)

Preparation:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Peel the banana and measure out the cocoa powder, peppermint extract, and almond milk. If using, prepare the spinach and protein powder.
2. Add to Blender: Add the banana, almond milk, cocoa powder, peppermint extract, honey (if using), spinach, and protein powder to the blender. Add ice cubes if you want a thicker, colder texture.
3. Blend Until Smooth: Blend all ingredients on low speed first, then gradually increase to high. If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more almond milk to reach your desired consistency.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Pour the smoothie into a glass and garnish with a mint leaf or a sprinkle of cocoa powder if desired. Sip and enjoy your refreshing, minty chocolate treat!

FAQs

Conclusion

This Smoothie is one of the tastiest and healthiest snacks that combine the goodness of chocolate and bananas. Besides it is satisfying that can serve to fend off certain occurrences of chocolate desires while also containing potassium, fiber, and favorable antioxidants.