Description
This Mocha Cold Brew Cashew Smoothie is the perfect way to start your morning because it’s coffee and breakfast in one! It’s filled with frozen bananas and soaked cashews for creaminess, dates for sweetness, cold brew coffee, cocoa powder, vanilla, and a little sea salt! Insanely delicious and customizable!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked for 4 hours or overnight (see notes)
- 2 medium bananas, previously sliced and frozen
- 1 1/2 cups cold brew coffee* (or strong chilled coffee)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cashew milk (or other milk)
- 2 Medjool dates, pitted (or more, to taste)**
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened natural cocoa powder* (or cacao powder)
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 scoop collagen powder (not vegan)
- 1–2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1–2 tablespoons hemp seeds
- 1 scoop vegan protein powder
Instructions
- Prep Ahead: Soak the raw cashews in water for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Drain and rinse the soaked cashews well. Freeze the sliced bananas until solid. Prepare or chill your cold brew coffee.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the drained soaked cashews, frozen banana slices, cold brew coffee, cashew milk, pitted dates, cocoa powder, maple syrup (if using), vanilla extract, and pinch of sea salt into a high-speed blender. Add any optional add-ins (collagen, chia, hemp) now, if desired.
- Blend: Secure the lid and blend on high speed until completely smooth and creamy. This may take 45 seconds to a minute or more, depending on your blender. Use a tamper if needed, or stop to scrape down the sides.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste and add more maple syrup or another date if you prefer more sweetness. If the smoothie is too thick, add a splash more cashew milk or cold brew; if too thin, add a few ice cubes or more frozen banana. Blend again briefly. Pour into glasses and enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Soaking Cashews: Soaking cashews makes them softer and results in a much creamier smoothie. Quick Soak Method: If short on time, cover cashews with boiling water and let them soak for 15-30 minutes, then drain and rinse.
- Frozen Banana: Using frozen bananas is key for a thick, cold, creamy texture without needing ice.
- Cold Brew Coffee: Use store-bought or homemade cold brew. Strong chilled brewed coffee can be substituted. Adjust the amount if you prefer less coffee flavor.
- Cocoa/Cacao: Use unsweetened cocoa powder or raw cacao powder.
- Dates: Medjool dates are soft and blend easily. If using drier dates (like Deglet Noor), soak them in hot water for 5-10 minutes, then drain before blending. Adjust the number of dates for sweetness.
- Milk: Any dairy or non-dairy milk can be substituted for cashew milk.
- Storage: Smoothies are best consumed immediately after blending.