This delicious chocolate banana smoothie recipe contains only wholesome ingredients like frozen bananas, cacao powder, coconut yogurt, plant-based milk, and my favorite, SunButter. It's infused with natural vitamins and minerals, making it the perfect drink to start your day, a midday pick-me-up snack, or a post-workout shake to refuel your body. It's rich, nutritious, and contains only the natural sweetness of bananas.
When a jar of Sunbutter is in your pantry, healthy vegan recipe ideas are endless. I have quite a few on the blog, from sweet creations, like my Dark Chocolate Caramel Sunbutter Cups or 3-ingredient Sunbutter Vegan Fudge, to hearty dishes, like my Creamy Gnocchi With Mushrooms or Sunflower Seed Risotto-a must-try.
As someone who loves quick, richly flavored smoothie recipes, it was time to make another chocolate drink as decadent as my Chocolate Cherry Smoothie, but this time infused with delicious sunflower butter from SunButter- my favorite brand. It's an easy breakfast, packed with nutrition, and perfect for busy weekday mornings. But it's also indulgent enough to enjoy as a treat or naturally sweetened mid-day snack to keep you going.
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Ingredients To Make This Vegan Banana Smoothie:
You only need a few simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Let's have a look.
- Frozen bananas: Use frozen ripe bananas to add natural sweetness to this chocolate smoothie. Depending on size, you only need about two or three. I always store a few in the freezer so I never run out. I often use them for making vegan desserts or a healthy, quick breakfast like this creamy chocolate banana smoothie or my Acai bowl.
- Cacao powder: It adds a rich chocolate flavor that pairs so well with creamy bananas. Plus, it's loaded with antioxidants!
- Coconut yogurt: Adds a creamy texture and a touch of tang that balances the sweetness. Choose one without any added sugar.
- Sunbutter No Sugar Added Sunflower Seed Butter: This sunflower seed butter adds a rich creaminess to the base of this smoothie. It's also free from any added sugars, a great option for those with nut allergies, and is a rich source of vitamins and minerals to boost your nutrition. And let's not forget, it's deliciously tasty and such a versatile ingredient. A must-have in my pantry!
- Plant-based milk of choice: Oat, soy, or coconut milk works great if you want to keep it nut-free. Otherwise, any nut milk can work as well.
- Vanilla extract: It enhances the chocolate flavors and balances any bitterness from unsweetened cacao powder.
- Cacao nibs: I'm using them to garnish this smoothie together with extra SunButter and coconut yogurt, creating a beautiful marble-looking effect. I love using the coconut-sweetened ones from Wilderness Poets for the perfect naturally sweetened crunch!
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to Make A Chocolate Banana Smoothie:
Making this healthy breakfast drink is ridiculously easy, and everything is ready in 5 minutes.
- Gather and Blend: Combine all the smoothie ingredients in a blender until smooth and creamy.
- Garnish and Toppings: Drizzle some extra Sunbutter around the inside of the glass in a decorative swirl. Pour the smoothie halfway into a glass. Add a layer of coconut yogurt, then top with the remaining smoothie for a beautiful layered effect. Sprinkle cacao nibs over the top for a crunchy, chocolatey finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: This healthy chocolate banana smoothie is a perfect breakfast, snack, or post-workout treat!
Top Tips:
Here are a few of my tips for making this smoothie as delicious as possible and adjusting it to your taste.
- Extra Protein: To boost the protein content, add a scoop of your favorite vegan chocolate protein powder (use code "KATIES" for 15% off) or a tablespoon of chia or flax seeds.
- For a Sweeter Experience: Use frozen overripe bananas. They add a touch of extra natural sweetness if that's what you prefer. Still not satisfied? Add a drizzle of maple syrup, especially if you enjoy it as a treat.
- Smoothie Consistency: For a thicker texture, reduce the amount of milk or add a tad more if you prefer it to be less thick.
Substitutions:
Don't have something on hand? Here are a few substitutions that work.
- Cacao Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder can also work instead of raw cacao powder. You can use it interchangeably here, like in my Vegan Chocolate Loaf Cake.
- Swap The Seed Butter: If you are not allergic to nuts, you can opt to use your favorite nut butter instead of Sunbutter. An almond or cashew butter won't overpower the tasty chocolate flavors. Use a natural creamy peanut butter like in my Peanut Butter Chocolate Date Bark if you're going for a peanut butter banana chocolate smoothie experience.
Variations:
I encourage you to first make this chocolate banana smoothie as per my recipe and then play around with making it your own. There are a few variations that I think you might like.
- Smoothie Bowls: Make chocolate banana smoothie bowls and garnish with not only cacao nibs, but also extra banana slices, chia seeds, and any other extra nuts, seeds, or fruits of choice.
- Chocolate Banana Blueberry Smoothie: Add a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries for an extra nutrient boost.
- Fresh Bananas: I highly recommend frozen bananas for an ice cream-like effect. But fresh bananas can also work and are a great option during colder winter months.
- Add Ice Cubes: For an extra chill effect, especially on a hot summer day, add some ice cubes to the drink. If desired, adjust the thickness by adding more or less plant-based milk, as ice cubes can water it down a bit.
Equipment Needed:
There are only a few things you need to make this vegan banana smoothie.
- Tall Glasses: Choose a tall glass for serving to show off the beautiful marbled layers of this chocolate banana smoothie.
- High-Powered Blender: A high-speed blender works best to achieve a creamy texture and pulverize any frozen fruits.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: For precise measurements.
Storage:
Store any leftover smoothie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a good shake or stir before drinking. You can also freeze any leftovers in ice cube trays. Simply blend them up with an extra splash of plant milk for a quick breakfast next time.
FAQ
Yes, a chocolate banana smoothie can be healthy. Bananas provide potassium and fiber, while unsweetened cocoa adds antioxidants. Using plant-based milk keeps it light, and healthy fats like Sunbutter can enhance flavor and texture, and make the smoothie more filling. With the right ingredients, it's a nutritious and delicious treat!
Similar Smoothie Recipes You Might Like:
Looking for other healthy smoothie recipes like this? Try these:
This Healthy Chocolate Banana Smoothie is not only delicious but also nutrient-packed. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast, a healthy dessert, or just a refreshing and energizing snack, this smoothie ticks all the boxes. Enjoy!
If you try this 5-minute Vegan Chocolate Banana Smoothie, I'd really love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. I'd also really appreciate a recipe card rating! Make sure to share it on social media and tag @theallnaturalvegan to be featured! Thank you for supporting The All Natural Vegan!
Healthy Chocolate Banana Smoothie (Creamy & Delicious)
Equipment
Ingredients
Smoothie:
- 2-3 ripe frozen bananas depending on size
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup coconut yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Sunbutter No Sugar Added Sunflower Seed Butter
- 1 cup plant-based milk of choice I like unsweetened soy for added protein
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
To Serve:
- ¼ cup coconut yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Sunbutter No Sugar Added Sunflower Seed Butter
- 1 teaspoon cacao nibs
Instructions
Blend the Smoothie:
- In a blender, combine the frozen bananas, cacao powder, ¼ cup coconut yogurt, 1 tablespoon Sunbutter, plant-based milk, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust the thickness by adding more plant-based milk if desired.
Serve:
- Drizzle the Sunbutter around the inside of the glass.
- Pour the smoothie into a glass, filling halfway up.
- Top the hallway-filled glass with coconut yogurt and fill it up with the remaining smoothie.
Add Toppings:
- Top the smoothie with a sprinkle of cacao nibs for a crunchy, chocolatey finish.
Enjoy:
- Sip and enjoy this delicious, creamy, and healthy chocolate banana smoothie as a perfect breakfast or post-workout treat!
More Delicious Sunbutter Recipes:
Make sure to check out some of the other delicious Sunbutter recipes on my website!
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