Do you ever wake up and feel the irresistible urge for a refreshing, caffeinated beverage that's a bit bougier than your usual cup of joe? If yes, this chocolate coffee smoothie recipe is it.
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It's a heavenly combination of rich cocoa, robust coffee, and creamy banana that's perfect for those mornings when you need your coffee extra sweet and extra cold. And if you're a fan of our Tiger Tea Recipe or our Honey Cardamom Latte, you're definitely going to love this chocolate coffee smoothie twist!
The beauty of this smoothie lies in its simple ingredients. It starts with a frozen banana, which not only thickens the smoothie but also adds a touch of natural sweetness. Next, we have unsweetened cocoa powder, which delivers a decadent chocolate flavor.
Whole milk works just fine for this recipe, but you can always swap it with oat milk, coconut milk, or almond milk - whatever floats your boat. And of course, we can't forget the star of the show: instant coffee. Instant coffee dissolves easily in both hot and cold liquids, which makes it a super convenient choice for making iced or frozen coffee drinks. You don't need to brew it or wait for it to cool down before using it in a recipe.
However, the quality of instant coffee can vary pretty significantly. If you want the best flavor, it's worth seeking out a high-quality brand like Mount Hagen. Also, while instant coffee is extra convenient, some coffee aficionados might argue that it doesn't quite capture the depth and complexity of flavor of freshly brewed coffee. If you're not an instant coffee fan- stick with cold brew for this recipe.
Ingredients
Our key players in this easy recipe are frozen bananas, which keep this smoothie creamy and sweet, and instant coffee that gives the smoothie its necessary kick. The unsweetened cocoa powder brings a natural chocolatey goodness that pairs perfectly with the coffee. Milk keeps everything drinkable, while honey or maple syrup can be added for a touch more sweetness.
- Frozen Bananas
- Almond Milk
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- Instant Coffee
- Honey or Maple Syrup
- Ice Cubes
While you might think of coffee as a beverage to sip slowly from a mug, it's also a great way to bring a kick of caffeine to your smoothies. This coffee smoothie recipe tastes just like a blended mocha from your favorite coffee shop, but for a fraction of the cost (and you can make it whenever).
Chocolate Coffee Smoothie Instructions
- Alright, my friend, let's get that high speed blender ready and make ourselves a delicious smoothie recipe. First things first, toss those frozen bananas into the blender. They're going to give our smoothie an irresistible creamy texture. Next, pour in your milk of choice.
- Now it's time for the key players. Add your unsweetened cocoa powder and instant coffee. Depending on how strong you like your coffee, feel free to adjust the amount. If you're craving a little extra sweetness (I usually am), add a touch of honey or maple syrup. Finally, toss in a handful of ice cubes.
- Hit that blend button and watch your little mocha smoothie transform. It's not every day that your morning cup of coffee turns into a refreshing, indulgent little treat! Taste and adjust the sweetness or coffee strength to your liking.
Don't toss your overripe bananas! Peel and slice them, then freeze the slices in a single layer on a tray. Once frozen, store them in a freezer-safe bag. They're perfect for cooling down smoothies and provide a much creamier texture than fresh bananas.
Substitutions & Variations
- Milk Varieties - You can use any type of milk that suits your taste or dietary preferences. Coconut milk will give a tropical twist, while oat milk will add a hint of natural sweetness.
- Protein Boost - Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder or a handful of nuts/seeds for an extra protein kick.
- Spice it Up - Cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can be added for a warming spice flavor.
- Superfood Add-ins - For an extra health kick, add a teaspoon of chia seeds, flax seeds, or a small handful of spinach. The flavor won't change much, but you'll be getting an extra dose of nutrients! If you're looking for a natural sugar boost, toss in a couple medjool dates!
FAQ
This healthy coffee smoothie is more than just a tasty treat. It's a nutritious, caffeinated boost that's perfect for busy mornings or any time you need a pick-me-up. if you're looking for more latte inspiration, check out our Homemade Latte Recipe Round-Up with over 75 delicious latte recipes, or dive into my Best Latte Flavor Combinations guide for the low-down an all the best latte flavors!
If you whip up this chocolate coffee smoothie recipe, we’d love to hear about it! Share your tips, tricks, or any delicious variations you tried in the comments below. And don’t forget to leave a review to help other readers enjoy this smoothie as much as you did!
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Recipe
Chocolate Coffee Smoothie
Print RecipeIngredients
- 2 bananas frozen
- 1 cup milk or non-dairy milk of choice
- 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup adjust to taste
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a blender.
- Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness, coffee, or cocoa levels as needed.
- Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Notes
- Coffee Strength - Adjust the amount of instant coffee to your liking. For a stronger coffee flavor, use 2 teaspoons.
- Milk Options - You can use any milk of your choice. Almond, oat, and coconut milk all work well.
- Sweetness - Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed. If your bananas are very ripe, you might not need any additional sweetener.
Nutrition
kitchenverve.com occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes on our site. This information is provided as a courtesy from online calculators and should be used only as an estimate. Although we attempt to provide the most accurate nutritional information possible, these figures will vary based on your chosen ingredients and cooking methods.
Stephanie
Rich & sweet!
I was really impressed with the rich flavors that came through with the cocoa & coffee together. I was unsure if honey would go with the chocolate/coffee/banana theme, but it was perfect to naturally sweeten the drink. I loved it and will definitely make it again.
Sarah Greene
I love you Steph, I'm glad you liked it <3