Description
This Banana Cacao Coconut Smoothie is as close as you can get to a healthy milkshake! It’s dairy-free, gluten-free, paleo, vegan, and tastes like such a treat! The inside of the glass gets drizzled with a raw chocolate sauce, and the smoothie features frozen banana, coconut, dates, cacao, and almond butter.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Raw Chocolate Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons cacao powder* (or unsweetened cocoa powder)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Smoothie:
- 2 bananas, previously sliced and frozen
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut, plus extra for topping
- 2 Medjool dates, pitted
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder* (or unsweetened cocoa powder)
- 1 tablespoon almond butter (or other nut/seed butter)
- 1 – 1 1/4 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk* (or other milk), divided
- Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
- Granola (use paleo/GF/vegan as needed)
Instructions
- Make the Raw Chocolate Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cacao powder, and pinch of salt until completely smooth. Set aside. (Note: Sauce will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks; gently warm to liquefy if needed).
- Make the Smoothie:
- Add the frozen banana chunks, shredded coconut, pitted dates, cacao powder, almond butter, 1 cup of the almond milk, and a pinch of salt to a high-speed blender.
- Secure the lid and blend until smooth and creamy.
- If the smoothie seems too thick to blend properly, add the additional 1/4 cup of almond milk (or more, a tablespoon at a time) and blend again until your desired consistency is reached.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Drizzle some of the raw chocolate sauce on the inside walls of your serving glass(es).
- Pour the smoothie into the prepared glass.
- Top with extra chocolate sauce drizzle, shredded coconut, and granola (if desired).
- Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Cacao vs. Cocoa: Cacao powder is less processed than cocoa powder but can be used interchangeably here. Use unsweetened for paleo/lower sugar.
- Coconut Oil: Ensure coconut oil for the sauce is just melted, not hot.
- Frozen Banana: Using frozen bananas is key for a thick, creamy, cold smoothie texture without needing ice.
- 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 quantity for sweetness.
- Milk: Any unsweetened dairy-free milk (almond, oat, cashew, soy) or dairy milk can be used. Vanilla adds extra flavor.
- Nut Butter: Substitute other nut butters (cashew) or seed butters (sunflower) if preferred or for allergies.
- Storage: Smoothies are best enjoyed immediately. Leftover chocolate sauce can be stored as noted above.