Chocolate Walnut Smoothie

Chocolate Walnut Smoothie / Cocoa Shake

This smoothie is a delicious and indulgent treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast, a snack, or even a dessert. The combination of chocolate and walnuts provides a satisfying flavor and texture.

Yields: 1 serving (can be doubled for two) Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• For the Smoothie:

  • 1 ripe banana, preferably frozen (this adds creaminess and natural sweetness, and helps chill the smoothie)
  • 1/4 cup walnuts (you can use raw or lightly toasted for more flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed for a darker, mellower chocolate flavor, or natural for a more intense chocolatey kick)
  • 1 cup milk (dairy milk such as whole milk, 2% milk, or non-dairy alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or cashew milk)
  • 1-2 tablespoons sweetener (honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or a few dates; adjust to your sweetness preference)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but enhances the flavors)
  • Pinch of salt (optional, a tiny bit can really bring out the chocolate flavor)
  • 4-6 ice cubes (if not using a frozen banana, or if you prefer a thicker, colder smoothie)

• For Garnish (Optional but recommended):

  • Chopped walnuts
  • Chocolate shavings or grated chocolate
  • A sprinkle of cocoa powder

Equipment:

• Blender (high-speed blender is ideal for a smooth consistency)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Drinking glass

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Banana (if not already frozen): If you’re not using a frozen banana, peel a ripe banana, break it into a few pieces, and freeze it for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight. This step is highly recommended for a thicker, colder smoothie. If you don’t have time to freeze, you can use a fresh banana and add more ice.

2. Add Ingredients to Blender: Into your blender, add the following ingredients in this order (this helps with blending):

   • Milk
   • Frozen banana pieces (or fresh banana)
   • Walnuts
   • Cocoa powder
   • Sweetener (start with 1 tablespoon and add more later if needed)
   • Vanilla extract (if using)
   • Pinch of salt (if using)
   • Ice cubes (if using)

3. Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid on your blender. Start blending on a low speed and gradually increase to high. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no visible chunks of banana or walnuts. You may need to stop the blender occasionally to scrape down the sides with a spatula, especially if the mixture is very thick. If the smoothie is too thick to blend, add a splash more milk (1-2 tablespoons at a time) until it reaches your desired consistency.

4. Taste and Adjust: Pour a small amount into a spoon and taste. Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more honey, maple syrup, or dates. If you prefer a stronger chocolate flavor, you can add another 1/2 teaspoon of cocoa powder. If it’s not cold enough, add a few more ice cubes and blend again briefly.

5. Pour and Garnish: Pour the finished chocolate walnut smoothie into a tall drinking glass.

6. Garnish (Optional): For an extra touch of indulgence and visual appeal, sprinkle some chopped walnuts and chocolate shavings or grated chocolate on top. A light dusting of cocoa powder also works well.

7. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Walnut Smoothie immediately for the best taste and texture.

Tips for Success:

• Frozen Banana is Key: Seriously, a frozen banana makes a huge difference in the creaminess and coldness of the smoothie without diluting the flavor.
• Adjust Sweetness: Start with less sweetener and add more to taste. The ripeness of your banana will also affect the sweetness.
• Nut Butter Variation: For an even richer and nuttier flavor, you can add 1 tablespoon of walnut butter or almond butter.
• Protein Boost: Add 1 scoop of your favorite chocolate or plain protein powder for an added protein boost, especially if you’re having it as a meal replacement.
• Fiber Boost: For extra fiber, consider adding 1 tablespoon of chia seeds or flax seeds. They will also help thicken the smoothie.
• Espresso Kick: For a mocha-flavored smoothie, add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder or 1 shot of cooled espresso.
• Thick vs. Thin: Adjust the amount of milk and ice to achieve your preferred thickness. Less liquid and more ice/frozen banana will result in a thicker, almost ice cream-like consistency.
• Walnut Preparation: While raw walnuts are fine, lightly toasting them in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding them to the blender can enhance their nutty flavor. Let them cool before blending.

Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Walnut Smoothie!