Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

This smoothie is a classic for a reason – it’s rich, creamy, and satisfying, making it a great breakfast, snack, or even a healthy dessert.

Yields: 1 serving Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 large ripe banana, frozen: Freezing the banana is key for a thick, creamy, and cold smoothie without needing too much ice.
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: For that rich chocolate flavor. Adjust to your preference.
• 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter: Creamy or crunchy, your choice! Natural peanut butter is best as it contains only peanuts and sometimes salt, avoiding added sugars and oils.
• 1 cup milk: You can use any milk you prefer:
  • Dairy milk: Whole, 2%, or skim
  • Plant-based milk: Almond milk (unsweetened for fewer calories), soy milk, oat milk, or cashew milk all work wonderfully.
• 1/2 cup ice cubes (optional, but recommended for extra thickness and chill): If your banana is very frozen, you might need less ice.
• 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup, honey, or a pitted Medjool date (optional, for added sweetness): Adjust sweetness to your preference and the ripeness of your banana.
• Pinch of salt (optional, but enhances the flavors): Just a tiny pinch can make a difference.

Optional Garnishes (as seen in the image and beyond):

• Sliced fresh banana
• Chocolate shavings or chopped chocolate
• A drizzle of peanut butter
• A sprinkle of mini chocolate chips
• A dusting of cocoa powder
• A dollop of whipped cream (if you’re feeling indulgent!)

Equipment:

• High-speed blender

Instructions:

1. Prepare your banana: Peel your ripe banana, break it into a few pieces, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for at least 2-4 hours, or preferably overnight, until solid.
2. Combine ingredients: In your blender, add the frozen banana pieces first. This helps with blending.
3. Add remaining ingredients: Add the cocoa powder, peanut butter, milk, and optional ice cubes, sweetener, and pinch of salt to the blender.
4. Blend until smooth: Secure the lid and blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more milk (1-2 tablespoons at a time) and blend again until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a few more ice cubes or a small piece of frozen banana and blend again.
5. Taste and adjust: Taste your smoothie. If it’s not sweet enough for your liking, add a little more maple syrup, honey, or another piece of date and blend again.
6. Pour and serve: Pour the smoothie into a tall glass.
7. Garnish (optional): Add your desired garnishes like sliced banana, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of peanut butter.
8. Enjoy immediately! Smoothies are best enjoyed fresh.

Tips for the Best Smoothie:

• Frozen Banana is Key: Don’t skip freezing the banana! It’s what gives the smoothie its thick, milkshake-like texture and keeps it cold.
• Adjust Thickness: If you like a thicker smoothie, use less milk or more ice/frozen banana. For a thinner smoothie, add more milk.
• Sweetness Control: The ripeness of your banana will affect the sweetness. Start without added sweetener and add it only if needed.
• Boost the Nutrition:
  • Protein: Add a scoop of chocolate or plain protein powder for an extra protein boost.
  • Fiber: A tablespoon of chia seeds or flax seeds can add healthy fats and fiber (they will also thicken the smoothie).
  • Greens: A handful of spinach or kale can be blended in; the chocolate and peanut butter flavors will mask the taste, and it adds extra nutrients!
• Chocolate Intensity: For a deeper chocolate flavor, you can use dark cocoa powder or even add a few pieces of dark chocolate to the blender.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie!