Description
This recipe creates a rich, creamy banana boat smoothie with a dark chocolate espresso swirl. It’s a healthier homemade alternative to a traditional smoothie king recipe, perfect for breakfast or a high-protein snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium frozen ripe banana slices (7 ounces)
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter (60 grams)
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (240 milliliters)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (30 milliliters)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 milliliters)
- 1.75 ounces dark chocolate (50 grams), 70% cocoa or higher, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons brewed espresso (30 milliliters), or strong dark roast coffee
- Pinch sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon extra maple syrup, for chocolate swirl (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chocolate Espresso Swirl: Place chopped chocolate, espresso, and sea salt in a heatproof bowl. Set over simmering water (bain-marie) and stir until completely melted and smooth (3-4 minutes). Stir in extra maple syrup, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Blend Smoothie Base: Combine frozen banana slices, peanut butter, plant-based milk, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and vanilla extract in a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as necessary. Add extra milk, one tablespoon at a time, if the mixture is too thick to blend.
- Create Internal Swirl: Pour half of the prepared chocolate espresso swirl into the blender. Pulse 2-3 times briefly to create ribbons and streaks without fully incorporating. Avoid over-blending to preserve the swirling effect.
- Garnish and Serve: Divide the swirled smoothie evenly into two glasses. Drizzle remaining chocolate swirl over the top and dust lightly with cocoa powder. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a high-protein version, add one scoop of protein powder to the blender. The chocolate swirl can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator; gently reheat to make it pourable before serving. To prevent the chocolate from hardening instantly when added to the smoothie, ensure it has cooled slightly (about 5 minutes) to a thick but pourable consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: General
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Smoothie, Banana, Chocolate, Espresso, High-protein, Dairy-free, Vegan, Breakfast, Snack