Ah, the simple joys of a smoothie—like a hug in a glass, right? This high-protein chocolate peanut butter blend is just what you need after a long day, like when you’re stuck in traffic and all you can think about is that perfect first sip. It’s a delicious contradiction, isn’t it? Healthy yet indulgent, creamy yet packed with punch.
Steps
- Place the milk, banana, peanut butter, and cocoa powder into a high-speed blender. Blend the ingredients together until they are well combined.
- If you prefer a thicker smoothie, add ice to the mixture and blend again until the ice is fully integrated.
- Pour the smoothie into two glasses. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy, chocolatey treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut milk, whole milk, or oat milk)
- 1 large banana, frozen and chopped
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (either crunchy or creamy, with no added sugar)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- Ice (optional, up to 1 cup for a thicker smoothie)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 20g | Sodium: 488mg | Potassium: 846mg | Fiber: 10g | Vitamin A: 88IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 340mg | Iron: 2mg | NET CARBS: 34g
FAQ
- Do I need to use a frozen banana?
- Using frozen bananas helps create a thicker and creamier smoothie. However, you can use fresh or refrigerated bananas, though the texture might be slightly thinner.
- Is this smoothie suitable for vegans?
- Yes, as long as you use a non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk, this smoothie is vegan-friendly.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Absolutely, this recipe does not contain any gluten-based ingredients, making it safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
- How can I store the smoothie?
- You can keep the smoothie in the fridge, covered, for up to three days. Just remember to give it a good stir before drinking. For longer storage, freeze the smoothie in ice cube trays and blend the frozen portions when you’re ready to enjoy it.
- Can I adjust the sweetness of the smoothie?
- The smoothie is naturally sweetened with bananas. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup, honey, or another liquid sweetener of your choice.
Tips
- Start Blending Slowly: Begin blending your smoothie at a low speed to ensure a smooth and creamy texture. Gradually increase the speed, and finish blending at a low speed for the best results.
- Use Frozen Bananas for Thickness: Opt for frozen bananas instead of fresh ones to achieve a thicker and creamier smoothie. This also helps enhance the milkshake-like consistency.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: While the smoothie is naturally sweetened with bananas, you can add extra sweetness if desired. Consider incorporating 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup, honey, or your preferred liquid sweetener.
- Experiment with Nut Butters: Feel free to swap out peanut butter for other nut butters like almond or cashew butter. For a nut-free alternative, try using sunflower seed butter.
Equipment
- High-speed blender
- Ice cube trays (if you plan to freeze portions of the smoothie)
