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Introduction
The combination of chocolate and peanut butter has been a beloved flavor pairing for over a century, dating back to the early 1900s when H.B. Reese created his famous peanut butter cups. This smoothie takes that classic duo and transforms it into a healthier, drinkable form. Inspired by the need for nutritious yet satisfying options in our fast-paced world, this recipe was developed to prove that 'healthy' and 'delicious' can coexist harmoniously. It's become a staple among fitness enthusiasts and busy professionals alike, offering a quick way to indulge in favorite flavors while nourishing the body.
Ingredients
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 large ripe banana, peeled and frozen
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons creamy natural peanut butter
• 1 scoop (approximately 30g) chocolate protein powder
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1/2 cup ice cubes
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for added nutrition)
Step 1:
Add almond milk, frozen banana, cocoa powder, peanut butter, protein powder, honey (if using), ice cubes, salt, and chia seeds (if using) to a high-powered blender.
Step 2:
Blend on high speed for 30-60 seconds until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula if necessary.
Step 3:
Taste and adjust sweetness if desired by adding more honey or maple syrup and blending briefly.
Step 4:
Pour into a large glass and serve immediately.
Q: Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?
A: While best consumed immediately, you can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and shake well before drinking.
Q: How can I increase the protein content?
A: Add an extra scoop of protein powder or include Greek yogurt for a protein boost.
Q: Is this smoothie suitable for a keto diet?
A: As is, this smoothie is not keto-friendly due to its carbohydrate content. For a keto version, omit the banana and honey, and use a keto-friendly sweetener instead.
• Use a high-quality, dark cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
• Choose a natural peanut butter with no added sugars or oils for the best health benefits.
• For a thicker smoothie, add more ice or use less almond milk.
• This recipe contains peanuts and may contain milk (depending on the protein powder used). It's suitable for vegetarians and can be made vegan by using plant-based protein powder and maple syrup instead of honey.
• For a lower-calorie version, omit the honey/maple syrup and use PB2 powdered peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter.
Pour into a large glass and enjoy immediately. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle with a small amount of melted peanut butter or sprinkle with cocoa powder.
Best consumed immediately. If necessary, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir well before consuming.
For a quicker prep, keep frozen banana chunks ready in the freezer. You can also pre-measure dry ingredients the night before.
- Use frozen banana for a creamier, thicker texture without diluting the flavor.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more ice for a thicker smoothie or more almond milk for a thinner one.
- Layer ingredients in the blender with liquids at the bottom for more efficient blending.
For a nutty twist, replace peanut butter with almond butter. To make it vegan, use plant-based protein powder and maple syrup instead of honey.
Pair with a slice of whole grain toast with sliced banana for a complete breakfast.
Suitable for all seasons, especially refreshing in summer.
Contains peanuts. May contain milk depending on the protein powder used. Free from gluten, soy, and eggs. Always check individual ingredient labels for allergens.
