A Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie is creamy and rich, perfect on its own or paired with crunchy homemade granola bars. These bars add a satisfying texture contrast to your smoothie expe
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Trust me; this will make the process smoother. You’ll need a blender, measuring cups, and a spatula for scraping down the sides.
Step 2: Add the Base
Begin by adding the unsweetened cashew milk to your blender. This serves as the liquid foundation. You can opt to start with almond or oat milk or even coconut water for a unique twist.
Step 3: Banana Time
Next, toss in your frozen banana. If you neglected to freeze your bananas, try this: Peel them and cut them into chunks before freezing. It will take a few hours, but they’ll blend far better frozen.
Step 4: The Peanut Butter
Now, it’s time to add the smooth natural peanut butter. Really, you could slather it on toast, but we’re blending it up for this recipe!
Step 5: Count the Cacao
Pour in one to two tablespoons of raw cacao powder. If you’re uncertain, start with one tablespoon and taste after blending to gauge whether you need more.
Step 6: Infuse the Essence
Next, add your teaspoon of pure vanilla essence. This will lend a lovely depth of flavor to the smoothie.
Step 7: A Pinch of Salt
Toss in a pinch of sea salt. It seems small but make no mistake, it goes a long way in amplifying all the flavors.
Step 8: Sweeten it Up
Finally, add in your tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to sweeten it up just right. You want your smoothie to be delightful, so taste as you mix!
Step 9: Blend Until Smooth
Secure the lid on your blender and process until fully blended. Aim for a creamy, smooth consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, throw in some ice to achieve the consistency you crave.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Pour your creation into a tall glass or a bowl—whatever floats your boat. You can even top it with sliced bananas or a sprinkle of cacao for extra flair. Sip slowly and enjoy every luscious moment.
Notes
Use Frozen Bananas: They create a creamier texture without the need for ice.
Experiment with Milks: Don’t hesitate to try different nut milks or even yogurt for added protein.
Try Different Nut Butters: Almond or cashew butters can also give you a unique twist.
Add a Protein Boost: Throw in a scoop of protein powder or Greek yogurt for an added dietary punch.
Blend in Extras: For more nutrition, consider adding a handful of spinach or some chia seeds. You won’t taste them, but your body will thank you!