Dive into the luscious combination of cocoa-infused goodness and creamy peanut butter in this protein-rich Chocolate Smoothie Bowl. Topped with crunchy granola, ripe bananas, chia seeds and a hint of honey, it's a wholesome treat that satisfies your cravings while providing essential nutrients to power through your day.
This Chocolate Smoothie Bowl features a protein-packed blend that's both thick and effortlessly whipped up. With a combination of creamy peanut butter and a high-quality protein powder, it achieves a smooth consistency that's easy to spoon and enjoy. Just a few simple steps and you'll have a deliciously thick smoothie bowl ready to be topped with your favorite toppings.
Looking for effortless yet delectable breakfast options to jumpstart your morning, then try my Peanut Butter Acai Bowl, Triple Chocolate Muffins, and Almond Cherry Scones.
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Why You'll Love This Protein Smoothie Bowl
- Naturally sweetened- Sweetened with fruit instead of sugar, offering a healthier option without compromising on taste.
- Indulgent flavor- Tastes like a peanut butter cup, combining the rich flavors of chocolate and creamy peanut butter for a decadent treat.
- Customizable- Easily tailored to your preferences with a variety of toppings like granola, fresh fruit, or nuts, allowing you to create your perfect bowl every time.
- Quick and easy- Whip up this delicious treat in minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or anytime you need a nutritious pick-me-up.
Are Smoothie Bowls Actually Healthy?
They sure are! It's important to balance your smoothie bowl with a variety of macronutrients, such as adding protein sources like Greek yogurt or protein powder, and healthy fats like nut butters. Be mindful of portion sizes and avoid excessive sugar or unhealthy toppings to keep them nutritious.
Ingredient Notes
Below are ingredient notes. For the complete list and quantities, please refer to the recipe card located at the bottom of the page.
- Bananas- Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and creaminess. Frozen bananas can help thicken the smoothie and create a chilled, ice cream-like texture.
- Peanut butter- Opt for natural peanut butter without added sugar or oils for a rich nutty flavor. Look for varieties made with just peanuts and salt.
- Protein- Consider adding protein powder to boost the protein content and make the smoothie bowl more filling. Use your favorite brand!
- Cinnamon- Add ground cinnamon for warmth and depth of flavor. Cinnamon pairs well with chocolate and enhances the overall taste of the smoothie.
- Liquid- Use a liquid base like oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk or dairy milk to achieve the desired consistency.
- Sweeteners (optional)- If additional sweetness is desired, you can add natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup or Medjool dates sparingly.
- Toppings- Enhance the flavor and texture of your smoothie bowl with toppings like sliced bananas, granola, cacao nibs, fresh berries, or a drizzle of honey.
- Extras- Consider incorporating superfood extras like chia seeds, flaxseeds or hemp hearts for added nutrition and texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cocoa Powder- If you prefer to skip the protein powder, you can enhance the chocolate flavor by adding extra cacao powder. Experiment with carob powder for a caffeine-free alternative with a similar taste to chocolate.
- Protein- Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or silken tofu for added creaminess and protein.
- Caffeine boost- Cold brew coffee or brewed chai tea for a flavorful twist.
- Toppings- Get creative and try other toppings such as sliced almonds or sunflower seeds for added crunch. Sliced strawberries, shredded coconut or graham crackers are great options as well.
Step By Step Instructions
Create a delicious and healthy smoothie bowl by following the steps below.
STEP 1: Peel and slice bananas. Start by peeling the bananas and slicing them into chunks. For a thicker smoothie bowl, you can freeze the banana chunks beforehand (which is what I do).
STEP 2: Blend. In a blender, combine frozen banana chunks, peanut butter, protein powder, cinnamon, cacao powder and oat milk. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more liquid if needed to reach your desired consistency.
STEP 3: Taste and adjust. Once blended, taste the smoothie mixture and adjust the flavor as needed. Add more peanut butter for a stronger nutty taste, cacao powder for a richer chocolate flavor, or a splash of sweetener if desired.
STEP 4: Pour. Transfer the blended smoothie mixture into a chilled bowl, using a spatula to scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure you get every last bit.
STEP 5: Add toppings. Top with fresh sliced bananas, granola, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, shaved chocolate and a drizzle of peanut butter.
STEP 6: Enjoy. Grab a spoon and dig in!
Expert Tips
- Frozen ingredients- For a thicker and creamier texture, use frozen banana slices and/or peanut butter. This not only adds creaminess but also helps chill the smoothie bowl without diluting the flavor.
- Layer ingredients- Layering your ingredients in the blender can help ensure everything blends evenly. Start with the liquid, followed by soft ingredients like peanut butter, then harder ingredients like frozen fruit on top.
- Chill your bowls. Freezing your bowls beforehand can keep your smoothie colder and for longer, which is great for hot days. It also adds a nice frosty touch to your presentation.
- Texture variation- Experiment with different textures by adding a combination of crunchy and creamy toppings. For example, try adding granola or chopped nuts for crunch and sliced bananas and peanut butter for creaminess.
- Serve immediately- Enjoy your smoothie bowl right away for the best taste and texture. Smoothie bowls can melt quickly, so serve and enjoy promptly after blending.
FAQ
A smoothie bowl is a thicker version of a traditional smoothie that's served in a bowl and eaten with a spoon. It's typically made with a base of blended fruits and/or vegetables, along with various toppings like granola, nuts, seeds or fresh fruit.
To make a smoothie bowl thicker, use less liquid or add thickening ingredients like frozen fruit, yogurt, avocado or nut butter. You can also add ingredients like chia seeds or oats, which will absorb the liquid and create a thicker consistency.
While smoothie bowls are best enjoyed fresh, you can prep some ingredients in advance, like chopping fruit or making granola. However, it's generally recommended to assemble and enjoy your smoothie bowl shortly after blending to prevent it from melting or becoming too watery.
Yes, you can use a regular blender to make a smoothie bowl. However, you may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender occasionally to ensure all the ingredients are fully blended. A high-speed blender may provide a smoother consistency, but a regular blender can still get the job done.
Yes, smoothie bowls can make a nutritious and satisfying breakfast option. They provide a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, which can help fuel your morning activities.
Variations
Here are some variations and flavor combinations you can try for your chocolate smoothie bowl.
- Chunky monkey- Blend frozen bananas with peanut butter and cocoa powder as the base. Top with sliced bananas, chopped walnuts and a drizzle of honey for a class Chunky Monkey flavor.
- PB&J- Swirl in a spoonful of your favorite berry jam or jelly for a nostalgic PB&J twist. Top with fresh berries and sprinkle of granola for added texture and sweetness.
- Chocolate berry bliss- Blend cocoa powder, frozen mixed berries, banana, and almond milk for a rich chocolate-berry base. Top with fresh berries, sliced almonds, and a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings.
- Chocolate Almond Joy- Blend cocoa powder, frozen banana, almond butter, and coconut milk until creamy. Top with toasted coconut flakes, chopped almonds, and a few chocolate chips.
Storing and Freezing
This Chocolate Smoothie Bowl is best when enjoyed immediately after blending. But I've included a few options below if you want to freeze any leftovers.
To freeze your smoothie bowl, pour it into an airtight freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Alternatively, you can pour the smoothie into ice cube trays to create individual portions for meal prepping. Once frozen, transfer the smoothie cubes to a freezer bag for easy storage.
Thawing. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen smoothie bowl, transfer it to a refrigerator to thaw overnight. You can also thaw at room temperature for quicker results.
Texture changes. Keep in mind that freezing and thawing may affect the texture and it may become slightly watery or separate upon thawing. Simply give it a good stir or blend it again to restore its consistency.
Helpful Tools and Equipment
- High-speed blender- A powerful blender is essential for achieving a smooth and creamy consistency. Look for a blender with strong blades and multiple speed settings to efficiently blend frozen fruits and other ingredients.
- Serving bowls- Choose bowls that are wide and shallow to easily accommodate the thick consistency of smoothie bowls.
- Rubber spatula or spoonula- Helpful for scraping down the sides of the blender and transferring the blended mixture into serving bowls.
- Ice cube trays or silicone molds- Freeze the smoothie mixture in ice cube trays or silicone molds for convenient portioning and easy blending in the future.
More Peanut Butter Recipes To Try
Give These Breakfast Recipes A Try Too!
- Brown Sugar Pancakes
- Cinnamon Crunch Banana Bread
- Custard French Toast
- Brioche French Toast Bake
- Fresh Strawberry Danish
After trying out this recipe, I'd love to hear your feedback. Please consider leaving a star review on the recipe card below. Don't forget to tag me on Instagram and follow me on Pinterest for more mouthwatering recipes. Your support is greatly appreciated!
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients
Chocolate Smoothie
- 2 Ripe bananas sliced, frozen
- 2 tablespoon Peanut Butter
- 1 tablespoon Cacao powder
- 1 scoop Chocolate protein powder
- ¼ teaspoon Cinnamon
- ¼ cup Oat milk adjust to desired consistency
Toppings
- Banana sliced
- Peanut butter granola found at Trader Joe's
- Chia seeds
- Pumpkin seeds toasted
- Peanut butter to drizzle on top
- Shaved dark chocolate
- Honey
Instructions
- Start by peeling the bananas and slicing them into chunks. For a thicker smoothie bowl, you can freeze the banana chunks beforehand (which is what I do).
- In a blender, combine frozen banana chunks, peanut butter, protein powder, cacao powder, cinnamon and oat milk. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more liquid if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Once blended, taste the smoothie mixture and adjust the flavor as needed. Add more peanut butter for a stronger nutty taste, cacao powder for a richer chocolate flavor, or a splash of sweetener if desired.
- Transfer the blended smoothie mixture into a chilled bowl, using a spatula to scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure you get every last bit.
- Top your smoothie bowl with fresh sliced bananas, granola, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, shaved chocolate and a drizzle of peanut butter.
- Grab a spoon and dig in!
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