Healthy Chocolate Frosty Recipe (Dairy-Free!)

Cool down with this incredible Healthy Chocolate Frosty! It’s a healthier, dairy-free take on the classic fast-food treat, delivering all that creamy, chocolatey goodness using simple, wholesome ingredients like frozen bananas, almond milk, cocoa powder, and maple syrup. I absolutely adore this recipe because it satisfies my frosty cravings in a guilt-free way, and it’s unbelievably easy to whip up in just 5 minutes (plus freezing time!). This Healthy Chocolate Frosty is the perfect refreshing treat for a warm spring or summer day – just what we need as the weather heats up here in late April!

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Chocolate Frosty

• Healthier Indulgence: A much healthier alternative to traditional frosties, made with fruit, non-dairy milk, and natural sweetener.
• Dairy-Free & Vegan: Perfectly fits these dietary needs using almond milk and maple syrup.
• Creamy & Delicious: Frozen bananas and frozen almond milk cubes create an incredibly thick and creamy texture.
• Super Quick & Easy: Blends together in just minutes once your ingredients are frozen.
• Satisfies Cravings: A perfect way to curb chocolate and ice cream cravings guilt-free.

Ingredients for Healthier Chocolate Frosty

Here’s what you’ll need to blend up this refreshing treat. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Main Ingredients

• Vanilla unsweetened almond milk, divided (Dairy Alternative) (I used Earth’s Own mentioned in original)
• Large frozen bananas (Fruit)
• Maple syrup (Sweetener)
• Cocoa or cacao powder (Flavoring)
• Vanilla extract (optional) (Flavoring)

Optional Topping

• Frozen coconut whip (Dairy Alternative Topping)

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Variations

I love the simple chocolate-banana flavor of this Healthy Chocolate Frosty, but feel free to customize:

• Add Peanut Butter: Blend in 1-2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter or almond butter for a nutty twist.
• Make it Mocha: Add 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder along with the cocoa powder.
• Different Milk: Use oat milk, soy milk, cashew milk, or even dairy milk if not strictly dairy-free.
• Add Protein: Include a scoop of your favorite chocolate or vanilla protein powder (plant-based if needed).
• Add Spinach: Toss in a handful of baby spinach – you won’t taste it, but it adds extra nutrients!
• Different Sweetener: Use pitted dates or agave nectar instead of maple syrup (adjust quantity to taste).

How to Make a Healthier Chocolate Frosty

Making this Healthy Chocolate Frosty is incredibly simple once you’ve prepped your frozen ingredients:

Freeze Components (Prep Step)

1. This needs to be done ahead! I pour 1 cup of the vanilla unsweetened almond milk into an ice cube tray and freeze it until solid.
2. I also make sure I have 2 large frozen bananas (peeled and broken into chunks before freezing works best).

Blend

1. Once my almond milk cubes and bananas are frozen solid, I’m ready to blend!
2. I place the frozen almond milk ice cubes into my blender.
3. I add the remaining 1 ¼ cups of liquid almond milk, the frozen banana chunks, maple syrup, cocoa (or cacao) powder, and the optional vanilla extract.
4. I blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and has reached a thick, creamy, frosty-like consistency. I might need to stop and scrape down the sides or use the blender’s tamper if using very frozen ingredients.

Serve

1. Portion into cups
2. Top (optional) and serve!

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Healthy Frosty

Here are my secrets for making the perfect Healthy Chocolate Frosty:

• Freeze Ingredients SOLID: For the thickest, creamiest frosty texture, ensure both the almond milk ice cubes and the banana chunks are frozen completely solid.
• Use RIPE Bananas: Freeze bananas when they are very ripe (lots of brown spots!) for maximum natural sweetness.
• Powerful Blender Helps: A high-speed blender works best to break down the frozen ingredients into a smooth, creamy consistency without needing too much extra liquid.
• Adjust Liquid: Start with the specified amount of liquid almond milk. If your blender is struggling, add another tablespoon or two, but add it sparingly to keep the frosty thick.
• Sweeten to Taste: Adjust the amount of maple syrup based on the ripeness of your bananas and your personal preference.

How to Serve

This Healthier Chocolate Frosty is best served immediately after blending! Enjoy it:

• In Tall Glasses: Serve in chilled glasses with a spoon or a wide straw.
• As a Healthy Dessert: A perfect guilt-free way to satisfy a sweet craving.
• Afternoon Treat: A refreshing and energizing pick-me-up.
• With Toppings: Top with a spoonful of frozen coconut whip (as suggested), dairy-free chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Like most frozen blended treats, this Healthy Chocolate Frosty is best enjoyed immediately for the optimal frosty texture. Storing leftovers isn’t ideal as it will melt and refreeze solidly.

Prep Tip: Keep frozen banana chunks and frozen almond milk cubes ready in your freezer! That way, you can whip up this frosty in just minutes whenever the craving strikes. You can also freeze leftover frosty mixture in popsicle molds!

FAQs about Healthier Chocolate Frosty

• Can I use regular dairy milk?
  • Yes, if you’re not strictly dairy-free, regular cow’s milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess) can be used instead of almond milk. Freeze 1 cup into cubes as directed.
• What’s the difference between cocoa and cacao powder?
  • Cacao powder is less processed than cocoa powder, retaining more nutrients and having a slightly more bitter, intense chocolate flavor. Regular unsweetened cocoa powder works perfectly well too!
• My frosty isn’t thick enough. What can I do?
  • Ensure you used frozen banana and frozen almond milk cubes. You can try adding a few more frozen banana chunks or a couple more regular ice cubes and blending again until thickened.

Enjoy this incredibly easy, creamy, chocolatey, and Healthier Chocolate Frosty! It’s a perfect guilt-free treat.

Healthier Chocolate Frosty (Dairy-Free)

• Author: Caoimhe Byrne
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x
• Category: Dessert, Snack, Drinks, Smoothie, Dairy-Free, Vegan
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This healthier version of a summer classic is such a refreshing treat on a hot summer day! Made with frozen bananas, almond milk, cocoa powder, and maple syrup for a delicious dairy-free frosty.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 1/4 cups vanilla unsweetened almond milk, divided
• 2 large bananas, peeled, sliced, and frozen
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or to taste)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Frozen coconut whip or regular whipped cream, for topping (optional)

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Instructions

• Freeze Almond Milk & Bananas (Prep Ahead): Pour 1 cup of the vanilla unsweetened almond milk into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid (at least 4 hours or overnight). Ensure your bananas are peeled, sliced, and frozen solid as well.
• Combine Ingredients: Once the almond milk cubes and bananas are frozen, place the almond milk ice cubes, the remaining 1 1/4 cups liquid almond milk, frozen banana slices, maple syrup, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract into a blender.
• Blend: Secure the lid and blend on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides if necessary.
• Serve: Pour the frosty mixture evenly into 2 tall glasses. Top with a spoonful of frozen coconut whip (or regular whipped cream), if desired. Enjoy immediately!

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Notes

• Freezing is Key: Using both frozen almond milk cubes and frozen bananas is essential for achieving the thick, frosty texture without watering down the flavor with regular ice.
• Almond Milk: Vanilla unsweetened almond milk adds flavor. You can use plain unsweetened almond milk or another plant-based/dairy milk, adjusting vanilla/sweetener to taste.
• Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup based on the ripeness of your bananas and your preference. Agave nectar or dates can also be used.
• Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder.
• Consistency: If the frosty is too thick, add a splash more liquid almond milk. If too thin, add a few more almond milk ice cubes or frozen banana pieces.
• Storage: This frosty is best enjoyed immediately. Leftovers can be frozen in popsicle molds for a later treat.