Creamy Chocolate almond smoothie
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Made from simple ingredients, this chocolate almond smoothie tastes just like a chocolate milkshake! It is the perfect combination of bananas, nutrient-rich almonds, and dates with a touch of cocoa, resulting in a nutrient-packed beverage that’s as indulgent as it is nutritious.
You know how sometimes kids don’t want to eat breakfast in the morning? They will insist that they are not hungry. That’s when this recipe for a chocolate almond smoothie comes in handy.
Who can say no to chocolate, right? Especially kids.
You don’t have to tell them that other than chocolate, it has almonds, dates, and bananas as well :-). I used a hot cocoa mix in this recipe, but you can also use unsweetened cocoa. If you use cocoa, you could go easy on the quantity (about 1 tablespoon should suffice) because unsweetened cocoa can be a tad bitter.
How to make a chocolate almond smoothie?
Made with simple pantry ingredients, this chocolate almond smoothie is packed with flavor and nutrition. Let me share more details about the ingredients with swaps to help you craft the perfect blend.
Ingredient notes/swaps
- Bananas (fresh or frozen) –You can achieve a creamy consistency by using frozen bananas. Chop ripe bananas and freeze the slices for 6-8 hours before blending.
- Seedless dates – Adds natural sweetness as well as protein to the smoothie. You can also use other sweeteners like sugar, honey, and maple syrup.
- Hot cocoa mix – you can substitute it with unsweetened cocoa or chopped dark chocolate as well. Make sure to increase the amount of sweeteners used.
- Whole milk or milk of choice – You can substitute regular milk with non-dairy options like almond or oat milk, and Greek yogurt can be used as well.
- Almonds – you can use raw almonds or almond butter.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below.
Recommended Tools
The blender I recommend
This high-speed blender is not only great for smoothies but also makes fine purees and spice powders.
How to prep ahead
To make this chocolate almond butter smoothie recipe, chop the bananas, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze them. Remove from the freezer before blending – no need to thaw.
FAQs
Yes, you can. Make sure to use unsalted roasted almonds.
Use plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk, and swap out the hot cocoa mix with cocoa powder.
Use less liquid to begin with and add it as needed to get the desired consistency. Other options to thicken a smoothie include adding 1-2 tablespoons of almond butter, 1/2 of an avocado, or chopped frozen banana slices.
Tips and Tricks
- Use a high-powered blender like Blendtec or Vitamix for best results. You may have to run the smoothie cycle twice to get a chunk-free smoothie.
- If using a regular blender, make sure to soak the dates in milk overnight or at least 20-30 minutes to soften it.
- Don’t toss those overripe bananas. Peel and chop them and put them in the freezer. Use it in this smoothie without thawing. Frozen bananas, when added to a smoothie, help make it thick and creamy.
This chocolate almond smoothie is a perfect blend of flavor and nutrition. You can enjoy it for breakfast, a snack, or even a post-workout treat.
So grab your blender, whip up a batch, and savor the goodness of this decadent yet healthy delight.
Creamy Chocolate almond smoothie
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 6-7 pitted dates
- 1 medium-sized banana, chopped fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons hot cocoa mix
- ¼ cup almonds
Instructions
- Add milk (or liquid of your choice) in to the blender.
- Add the remaining ingredients – dates, bananas, hot cocoa mix and almonds.
- .Blend until smooth.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate it for later.
Disclaimer: Approximate nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and can vary depending on the exact ingredients/brands used. If you have health issues, please work with a registered dietician or nutritionist.
Nutrition
Variations
There are a lot of ways you can add variations to this smoothie, depending on what you have in your pantry. For instance,
- To make it vegan, use almond milk and cocoa powder instead of the hot cocoa mix.
- Chocolate almond smoothie bowl – reduce the quantity of milk by 50%, and then serve the smoothie in a bowl, along with sliced almonds, bananas, and 1/4 cup of oats.
- Use sugar instead of dates -You could always use sugar, but I prefer using dates, maple syrup, or honey to sweeten my smoothie.
- Don’t like bananas? Swap it up with 1/2 an avocado.
- Substitute hot cocoa with unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder – It makes it a tad bitter, so go easy and start with a teaspoon. You may need to increase the amount of sweetener as well.
- Optional mix-ins
- Add a tablespoon of flax seeds, hemp seeds, or chia seeds for added fiber and protein before blending.
- Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract really brings in the flavor.
- Nut butter – add a tablespoon of almond butter or any nut butter you choose for a dose of protein and healthy fats.
Serving suggestions
Serve this chocolate almond smoothie in a mason jar or a tall glass topped with chopped bananas, finely chopped almonds, or chocolate shavings.
Leftover ideas
Pour the leftover smoothie into popsicle molds and freeze. Makes for a delicious frozen treat during summer.
How to store
Refrigerator: Smoothies taste best when freshly made. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to two days. Stir well before serving.
Freezer: You can freeze this chocolate almond smoothie in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Other easy smoothie recipes worth checking out
Need more smoothie ideas? Check out my top picks for some delicious smoothies that your whole family will love –
Enjoy a milkshake-like experience without the guilt with our Chocolate Banana Smoothie recipe! Learn how to whip it up in just 5 minutes!
Experience the best of both worlds with our creamy Coffee Smoothie – the perfect blend of your morning coffee and banana, all in a nutritious smoothie!
Looking for a tasty, healthy treat? Whip up our dry fruit smoothie, offering a milkshake-like taste with fewer calories!
Craving a guilt-free indulgence? Try this peanut butter banana smoothie recipe! It’s creamy, nutritious, and delicious without any added sugar.
Keep your body fueled with this nutrient-packed papaya mango smoothie! Ideal for breakfast, post-workout, or a healthy snack for your kids!
Are you looking to mix up your smoothie routine? Check out this list of 10+ delicious smoothie recipes for when you need fresh ideas to keep your smoothie-drinking routine interesting.
This post was originally published on 12/29/2017 and was completely updated with pictures and new text on 9/22/2023.
