This Chocolate Banana Smoothie is one of my favorite ways to satisfy my sweet tooth while still keeping things wholesome and nourishing. With just a few simple ingredients, it blends into a creamy, chocolatey drink that tastes like dessert — but it’s loaded with natural sweetness, fiber, and protein. Whether I’m fueling up in the morning or winding down with a treat, this smoothie always hits the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how indulgent this smoothie tastes without needing added sugar or complicated ingredients. The banana brings natural sweetness and creaminess, while the cocoa powder gives it that rich chocolate flavor I crave. It’s quick, filling, and incredibly versatile — I can bulk it up for a meal, lighten it for a snack, or even freeze it into popsicles for later.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Ripe banana (preferably frozen for a thick texture)
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Unsweetened cocoa powder
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Milk of choice (almond, oat, dairy, etc.)
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Greek yogurt or plain yogurt
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Peanut butter or almond butter (optional, for richness)
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Honey or maple syrup (optional, depending on sweetness)
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Ice cubes (optional, for extra chill)
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Chia seeds or flaxseed (optional, for fiber)
Directions
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I add the banana, cocoa powder, milk, yogurt, and any optional add-ins to a blender.
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I blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides if needed.
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I taste and adjust the sweetness or consistency by adding more milk or a touch of honey.
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I pour it into a glass and enjoy immediately — thick, creamy, and satisfying.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 1 to 2 servings and takes just 5 minutes to prepare. It’s ideal for a quick breakfast, post-workout snack, or healthy dessert alternative.
Variations
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I add a scoop of protein powder to make it a meal replacement.
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I throw in a handful of spinach — it blends in without changing the flavor.
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I use frozen cauliflower for added creaminess and nutrients.
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I swap yogurt for silken tofu for a dairy-free protein boost.
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I drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate on top when I want a treat-worthy finish.
storage/reheating
I enjoy this smoothie fresh for the best texture and flavor. If I need to store it, I pour it into a jar and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. It may separate slightly, so I shake or stir before drinking. I don’t reheat this smoothie — it’s meant to be cold and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a fresh banana instead of frozen?
Yes, I use fresh if that’s what I have, but frozen makes the smoothie thicker and colder. If using fresh, I add ice cubes to chill it.
Is this smoothie good for weight loss?
It can be. It’s naturally sweetened, high in fiber, and satisfying — I just adjust the portion size and ingredients based on my goals.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. I use plant-based milk and dairy-free yogurt or skip the yogurt altogether and use more banana for creaminess.
How do I make it extra thick?
I use a frozen banana, reduce the milk a bit, and blend with ice or frozen Greek yogurt cubes. It turns out thick like a milkshake.
Can I prep this in advance?
I sometimes prep smoothie packs with frozen banana, cocoa powder, and other dry ingredients in freezer bags. Then I just dump them into the blender with milk and yogurt when I’m ready.
Conclusion
Chocolate Banana Smoothie is the perfect mix of indulgence and nourishment — creamy, rich, and easy to make with pantry staples. It’s a go-to recipe I turn to when I want something sweet and satisfying without the guilt. Whether I’m sipping it post-workout, for breakfast, or just as a healthier chocolate fix, it never lets me down.
PrintChocolate Banana Smoothie
The Chocolate Banana Smoothie is a delicious, creamy blend of ripe banana, cocoa or cacao powder, milk of your choice, yogurt, and optional add‑ins like nut butter, chia or flax seeds. It tastes like a dessert but delivers nourishing, wholesome ingredients — perfect for breakfast, a post‑workout snack, or a healthy treat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1‑2 servings
- Category: Drink / Smoothie
- Method: Blender
- Cuisine: Global / Health‑Friendly
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana (preferably frozen for extra creaminess)
- 1–2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (or cacao powder for deeper flavour)
- 1 cup milk of choice (almond, oat, dairy, etc.)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or plain yogurt (or dairy‑free alternative)
- 1 Tbsp peanut butter or almond butter (optional, for richness)
- 1‑2 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, depending on sweetness)
- ½ cup ice cubes (optional, for extra chill)
- 1 Tbsp chia seeds or 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed (optional, for added fibre)
Instructions
- Add the banana (frozen or fresh), cocoa powder, milk, yogurt, and any optional add‑ins (nut butter, sweetener, seeds) into a blender.
- Blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides if necessary.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness or consistency: if too thick, add a splash more milk; if you want it thicker, add more frozen banana or ice.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately for best texture.
Notes
- Using a frozen banana helps make the smoothie thicker and colder without relying only on ice. ([turn0search0])
- Cocoa or cacao powder adds rich chocolate flavour without the high sugar content of chocolate syrups; some recipes highlight that bananas + cocoa pairs make a “milk‑shake feel” while staying relatively healthy. ([turn0search3])
- You can add greens like spinach for extra nutrients without altering the chocolate‑banana flavour too much. ([turn0search0])
- Bananas are rich in potassium and fibre, making them a good base for smoothies. ([turn0search1])
- Keep an eye on total sugar: even naturally sweet smoothies can add up, so if you’re watching intake, skip or reduce added sweeteners.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (~12‑16 oz)
- Calories: ≈ 220
- Sugar: ≈ 14 g
- Sodium: ≈ 90 mg
- Fat: ≈ 6 g
- Saturated Fat: ≈ 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ≈ 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ≈ 34 g
- Fiber: ≈ 4 g
- Protein: ≈ 8 g
- Cholesterol: ≈ 10 mg
