Chocolate Banana Smoothie
Why this recipe works
- Ready in minutes: Everything is blended at once, making this a fast drink with very little preparation or cleanup.
- Milkshake-like body: Ripe banana, cold whole milk and peanut butter create a smooth, thick texture without needing cream.
- Balanced sweetness: Unsweetened cocoa keeps the chocolate flavour deep, while banana and maple syrup add just enough sweetness.
Get the most out of this recipe
Ingredient notes
- Use a ripe banana: A very ripe banana gives the smoothie better sweetness, a fuller texture and a more rounded flavour.
- Choose the milk by texture: Whole milk makes the smoothie richer and creamier; almond drink gives a lighter, dairy-free result.
- Taste before serving: Blend first, then adjust the sweetness if needed, as banana ripeness can change the final flavour.
Texture tips
- For a thicker smoothie: Keep the milk well chilled and blend with ice for a colder, more milkshake-like finish.
- For a smoother blend: If cocoa powder or peanut butter sticks to the blender, pause, scrape down the sides and blend again until glossy.
- If it is too thick: Add a little more milk and blend briefly until the texture is easy to drink.
Make-ahead tips
- Best served immediately: The texture is at its smoothest and coldest straight from the blender.
- If storing briefly: Refrigerate in a sealed container and shake or re-blend before drinking, as it will separate and thicken.
- Prep ahead instead: Keep the milk chilled and have the dry ingredients ready, then blend just before serving for the best texture.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel the banana and break it into a few chunks. Add it to a blender with the whole milk and ice cubes.
- Add the cocoa powder, smooth peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract and a pinch of fine sea salt. Blend until completely smooth and glossy, about 30 to 60 seconds.
- Taste and blend again briefly if you want it colder or smoother. Pour into a glass and serve straight away.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For the thickest, most milkshake-like texture, use a very ripe banana and keep the whole milk well chilled.
- If the cocoa powder clings to the sides of the blender, stop and scrape down, then blend again until fully incorporated.
Substitutions
- Replace Whole milk with Almond drink for a dairy-free version.
- Replace Maple syrup with Honey for a slightly richer sweetness.
- Replace Smooth peanut butter with Cashew nuts for a milder, less peanut-forward flavour.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 1 days
- Best served immediately. If you must store it, refrigerate in a sealed container and re-blend (or shake very well) before drinking, as it will separate and thicken.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 1 glasses
- Total time: 8min (8min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
-
Allergens:
Milk Peanuts
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