Creamy, luscious, and packed with healthy fats, this chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie is great as a healthy breakfast or a snack. With just 5 ingredients it's so easy to whip up and tastes like a chocolate milkshake! Here's how to make one.
This chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie tastes like a milkshake it's my toddler's favorite. I make extra so that I can have a glass too. Chocolate and peanut butter go so well together that it's no wonder this chunky monkey smoothie is an all-time kids favorite.
All you need is five ingredients that you probably have in your kitchen to make this shake. Peanut butter, cocoa powder, milk, banana, and some vanilla extract and you're good to go. Just blend everything together and you have this healthy breakfast smoothie in minutes.
What makes this smoothie creamy and chilled is the frozen bananas. So don't skip them. That's not to say you cannot use fresh bananas. Just add some ice cubes to make it chilled.
Jump to:
- ingredients and notes
- How to make chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie
- Tips to make the best chocolate peanut butter smoothie
- How to freeze bananas for smoothies:
- Optional add-ins for the smoothie
- How to meal prep smoothies
- Can I make chocolate peanut butter smoothie without banana?
- More smoothie recipes
- Recipe
ingredients and notes
- Banana- Make sure you use a ripe frozen banana. It adds creaminess, thickens, sweetens, and chills the smoothie.
- Milk- I like to use full-fat milk for my kids and low-fat milk or unsweetened vanilla almond milk for me. For dairy-free options, use almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk.
- Peanut butter - creamy peanut butter is best. Other types of nut butter like almond or cashew butter work too.
- Cocoa powder- make sure it's unsweetened. Cacao powder is also great if you have it on hand.
- Vanilla extract- a bit of vanilla extract enhances the flavor.
- Sweetener- honey or maple syrup can be used. But I find that I don't need any sweetener at all since bananas provide plenty of sweetness. Use maple syrup for a vegan version.
How to make chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie
*Scroll below for the printable recipe card and ingredient measurements.
It's so easy to whip up this creamiest, most delicious smoothie in a matter of minutes with this smoothie recipe. Here's how:
STEP ONE: Into the blender add milk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, peanut butter and frozen banana- in that order.
STEP TWO: Blend the smoothie. Start at a low speed and go higher until you get a creamy texture.
STEP THREE: Serve immediately. This smoothie or any smoothie for that matter is best served immediately.
Tips to make the best chocolate peanut butter smoothie
Here are some tips and tricks that'll make you believe you're having a slightly melted ice cream or a dessert.
- Use frozen, ripe fruit
- adding frozen ripe bananas is a game changer in smoothies. If you only have fresh bananas add a handful of ice to the blender. Ice will dilute the smoothie so you may need to add some sweetener to taste.
- Start slow
- If you have a high-powered blender you can add everything in one go and blend until creamy. But with a regular blender, you'd need to add the liquid ingredients first and the frozen ingredients last. Start blending on low power and increase it as you blend.
- Adjust the liquid
- Depending on what you add, like add-ins or substitutions, you might need to adjust the liquid used. Adding enough liquid makes it easier to blend.
- Sweeten to taste
- Taste as you go. I find bananas provide plenty of sweetness but if you add ice or other extra ingredients you may need to add a touch of sweetness to boost the flavor.
How to freeze bananas for smoothies:
When bananas are overripe or when I have extra after a grocery run, I make sure to freeze some for smoothies.
- Peel the banana and slice them.
- Place them on a baking sheet and freeze.
- Transfer the frozen slices into a freezer bag or a container.
Optional add-ins for the smoothie
Fancy a step-up from the regular smoothie? These add-ins will boost the nutritional value of these smoothies or make a complete meal.
- Oats - adds fiber and thickness. Great for breakfast.
- Hemp seeds - rich in protein, fiber, and essential fatty acids. Excellent source of plant omega-3s. I like to add one or two teaspoons for smoothies. Or sprinkle on top of smoothie bowls.
- Chia seeds - packs up essential fatty acids and make your smoothie extra thick.
- Flax seeds - another powerhouse of seed with many nutritional benefits. Adds a nutty flavor to the smoothie.
- Protein powder/Collagen powder - Add a scoop of unflavored powder to amp up the protein content of the smoothie. Great for post-workout.
- Spinach - a handful of spinach is all you need and you wouldn't even notice the taste.
How to meal prep smoothies
Having the smoothies prepped ahead is so convenient on busy mornings or when you're crunched for time.
Add the bananas, cocoa powder, and peanut butter into an airtight container or a freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Or store it for a week in the fridge.
When you're ready to make the smoothie, dump the contents of the bag into the blender and add the liquid ingredients; milk and vanilla extract. If the contents are frozen, you might need more liquid and a touch of maple syrup or honey to increase the flavor and sweetness.
Can I make chocolate peanut butter smoothie without banana?
Yes, you can. Here are a few options for you to choose from.
- Greek yogurt - this is a great option and will pack up protein too. Use ½ cup vanilla flavored greek yogurt or an unflavored variety. Add ice cubes to make it chilled and your favorite sweetener to taste.
- Frozen avocado - Just like frozen bananas this will make your smoothie so creamy. You will need to add a sweetener to taste.
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Recipe
Chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 1 banana sliced frozen
- 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- maple syrup or honey
Instructions
- Into the blender add milk, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, peanut butter and frozen banana at last.
- Blend the smoothie. Start at a low speed and go higher until you get a creamy texture.
- Serve immediately. This smoothie or any smoothie for that matter is best served immediately.
Notes
- Oats, Hemp seeds, Chia seeds, Flax seeds, Protein powder, Collagen powder, or Spinach
- Add banana, cocoa powder, and peanut butter in an airtight container or bag and store in the freezer up to 3 months. Store in the fridge for 1 week.
- When ready to use, dump the contents of the bag in the blender and add liquid ingredients and blend until creamy.
Rowan says
Delicious. Really does taste like a milkshake! Added a bit of spinach and you can't even taste it.
Farwin says
I'm glad you enjoyed Rowan!
Dawn says
If you use creamy peanut butter instead of powder, would it be the same amount?
Farwin says
Hi Dawn, I've used creamy peanut butter in the recipe.