Cocoa Banana Smoothie

The Perfect Blend of Chocolate and Comfort

I love chocolate milkshakes, don't you? The Cocoa Banana Smoothie checks all the boxes. Sometimes all you need is something cold, creamy, and chocolatey to brighten your day. And if that something happens to be simple to make, packed with natural ingredients, and pairs well with a hearty sandwich, you’ve got yourself a winner.

This smoothie is the milkshake’s slightly healthier, equally indulgent cousin. It brings together rich cocoa, the natural sweetness of bananas, and a touch of spice, making it the ideal drink to accompany a burger, steak sandwich. Or you can even just enjoy it on a quiet afternoon with a good book.

It’s effortless, it’s comforting, and best of all, it’s customizable to suit all tastes. Whether you're reaching for a classic dairy milk or opting for a plant-based alternative, this smoothie will work beautifully with whatever you happen to have on hand.

 Why You’ll Love This Smoothie

There’s a reason smoothies are a staple in so many households. They’re quick to make, require minimal ingredients, and can be adapted depending on your individual cravings. But what sets this Cocoa Banana Smoothie apart from the usual fruit blends?

1. It’s Naturally Sweet – No need for added sugar! Frozen bananas provide all the creaminess and sweetness you need.  

2. It’s Chocolatey – Unsweetened cocoa powder delivers a deep, rich chocolate flavor without the overpowering sweetness of syrupy chocolate drinks.  

3. It’s Versatile – You can tweak the recipe by adding different spices or swapping the milk to suit your dietary needs.  

4. It’s Perfect with Savory Foods – Unlike overly sweet milkshakes, this smoothie is balanced enough to pair beautifully with hearty sandwiches, burgers, and fries.

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 Recipe: Cocoa Banana Smoothie

Total Time: 5 minutes  

Prep Time: 5 minutes  

Servings: 2 (8 oz. glasses)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk of choice - forms the base and keeps everything smooth
• 1 ½ cups frozen banana slices - adds natural sweetness and creaminess 
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder - provides rich chocolate flavor 
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon - adds warmth and enhances the chocolate taste

Instructions:

1. Pour the milk into a blender.  

2. Add the frozen banana slices, cocoa powder, and cinnamon.  

3. Blend until smooth and creamy.  

4. Pour into two glasses and enjoy immediately!

Serving Tip: For an extra special touch, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or cocoa powder on top. You can also add whipped cream to make it an even more indulgent experience.

Ingredient Options and Substitutions 

Milk Choices: Dairy or Dairy Free?

If you're a fan of traditional smoothies, whole milk or 2% milk will give you the creamiest texture. However, if you're looking for dairy free options, there are plenty to choose from.

• Almond Milk: Light and nutty; vanillaflavored almond milk works especially well here.  
• Oat Milk: Slightly thicker and naturally sweet—adds an extra creaminess.  
• Soy Milk: Mild in flavor but blends smoothly.  
• Hemp or Flax Milk: If you’re feeling adventurous, both of these work well for a nutty, earthy undertone.

Frozen Bananas = The Magic Ingredient 

Bananas are nature’s answer to ice cream—once frozen, they blend into an amazingly smooth, creamy base without the need for actual ice cream or added sugars. They also provide potassium, fiber, and a touch of natural sweetness, making this smoothie both delicious and nutritious. 

Substitutions: If bananas aren’t your thing, frozen mango or avocado can work for a similar texture, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder:
Bold Chocolate Flavor

Using unsweetened cocoa powder ensures that this smoothie doesn’t become overly sugary. It keeps the deep, rich chocolate taste intact while allowing the natural sweetness of bananas to shine.

Want it sweeter? Add a teaspoon of honey, maple syrup, a few pitted dates, or a splash of vanilla extract.

 Cinnamon: The Secret Ingredient

A tiny dash of cinnamon takes this smoothie from good to amazing. It brings warmth, depth, and a subtle spice that enhances the chocolate flavor.

Variations: If cinnamon isn’t your thing, try vanilla extract, almond extract, or even a pinch of nutmeg for a fun twist.

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Ways to Customize Your Smoothie

Want to switch things up a bit? Try one of these variations that are just as delicious:  

• Protein Boost: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to turn this into a post workout shake.  
• Nutty Delight: Blend in a tablespoon of almond butter or peanut butter for added richness.  
• Extra Creamy: Swap regular milk for Greek yogurt to create a thicker, more indulgent drink.  
• Frozen Treat: Pour the mixture into a popsicle mold and freeze for chocolate banana smoothie pops! 

Perfect Pairings: What Goes Best
with Cocoa Banana Smoothie?

This smoothie is a fantastic sidekick for sandwiches and burgers. Here are some delicious pairings to try:

• Steak Sandwich – The rich, savory beef pairs wonderfully with the deep chocolate flavor.  
• Cheeseburgers – Think diner style meal with a chocolate shake… but healthier!  
• Peanut Butter Sandwich – Chocolate + peanut butter = classic combo.  
• Breakfast Wraps – This smoothie works great with eggs, bacon, and toast in the morning.

 Storage Tips:

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers for later.

• Short Term: Refrigerate for up to 24 hours in a sealed container.  
• Long Term: Freeze in ice cube trays and blend again later for a quick-frozen treat.  

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Why This Smoothie Wins

This Cocoa Banana Smoothie proves that indulgence and simplicity can go hand in hand. It’s rich, creamy, naturally sweet, and ridiculously easy to whip up—ideal for breakfast, dessert, or even a snack alongside your favorite sandwich.

Plus, with so many ways to customize it, you’ll never get bored of making it again and again. So, grab your Vitamix or your blender, throw in some frozen bananas, and get sipping!

Here's another version of the cocoa banana smoothie that's slightly more decadent from the website Went Bananas. (Link will open in a new window).

A quick word. This page may contain affiliate links. 

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