Learn how to make a creamy, refreshing chocolate banana smoothie: perfect for a light breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up snack! It tastes like chocolate and almond butter more than banana, and the banana gives it a smooth consistency.

This is an easy and healthy way to enjoy chocolate. There is no added sugar and there are no dairy products in this recipe! And it contains only 232 calories per serving.

Chocolate, almond butter, and banana are a great combination. I use these in brownies, “nice” cream, cookies, and waffles. You can enjoy this smoothie for breakfast with cereal or pancakes, or for a nice lunch dessert when you want something a little sweet. It is a terrific cool drink on a hot summer day since it’s made with ice.

chocolate banana smoothie view from the top — chocolate banana smoothie

Nutrition Notes

I prefer vanilla soy milk for this recipe. Feel free to use any plant-based milk you like. The soy milk provides 3 – 4 grams of protein, and the almond butter includes 1 more gram. If you use a plain-flavor milk alternative, you can add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra deliciousness.

This recipe isn’t super high in protein but does have 6 grams. Substituting with almond milk or coconut milk would result in a lower amount of protein as these may just have a gram or so per 8 oz. cup – unless you get the almond milk with pea protein added.

The plant-based milk will also provide about 150 – 225 mg. of calcium per serving, depending upon which type you choose. It is usually fortified with vitamin D also. This helps increase calcium absorption, and it is not found in too many foods.

You could also use a plant-based yogurt alternative.

Other Ingredient Ideas

The dates make this chocolate banana smoothie sweeter. If you don’t have them, you can use a teaspoon of maple syrup, agave nectar, a little stevia, or even just skip them. The sweetness of the banana may be all you need!

2 dates soaking in warm water with 3 ripe bananas in backgroun — dates soaking in water

I like to use smooth, natural almond butter. Be sure to stir it well first if the layers have separated. I have also tried peanut butter in this, and it is just as good.

Choose a ripe banana. If it’s frozen, take it out of the freezer first so you can peel it and cut it into chunks. Defrosting it a little at room temperature or in the microwave will help it blend smoothly. It is also fine to use a fresh banana.

If you don’t have any bananas, I suggest using canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling). Pumpkin, chocolate, and almond butter are also a great combination. You could even switch the cinnamon to pumpkin pie seasoning.

Preparation Tips for this Banana Smoothie

I use ice chips instead of full ice cubes so it is easier to mix. I don’t have any blenders that can handle whole ice cubes well (and I have a smoothie maker too). If you are working with a frozen banana, defrost it a bit before blending.

Mix with your blender for 20 – 30 seconds until it is smooth. Then I like to drink it right out of the blender container: it’s easy and one less glass to wash!

chocolate banana smoothie ingredients in blender — ingredients in blender

This makes a 10 – 12 oz. smoothie, depending upon the size of the banana.

More Recipes You May Enjoy

The Best Chocolate Banana Smoothie

Melissa Altman-Traub

Try this creamy vegan smoothie for the delicious combination of banana, chocolate, and cinnamon. Great with breakfast or for a snack. Dairy-free and made with no added sugar!

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 0

Soaking dates 10

Total Time 15

Course Breakfast, Drinks, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 232 kcal

Equipment

Stick blender or traditional blender

Ingredients

2 dates
1 banana cut into chunks
½ cup vanilla plant-based milk
1 teaspoon creamy almond butter
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
½ cup ice chips

Instructions

Soak the dates in warm water for 10 minutes. Then chop them into a few pieces each.
Place the chopped dates and all other ingredients into the blender container. Blend for 20 – 30 seconds until smooth.

Notes

Nutrition information is from VeryWell Fit.

Vanilla soy milk was used for the nutrition estimate.

Nutrition

Calories: 232kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 6gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 61mgPotassium: 735mgFiber: 6gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 542IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Keyword After-school snack, Breakfast, Chocolate, Smoothie, Snack, Vegan

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