Made with just 5 ingredients, this quick and healthy chocolate smoothie is a delicious way to start the day. Loaded with an organic, raw cacao superfood blend, hemp hearts and almond butter, this banana sweetened beverage is absolutely packed with superfood goodness. The perfect way to start your day!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.
This post is sponsored by Cacao Bliss. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
If you're someone who loves dessert for breakfast (and who doesn't, really?) this tasty chocolate-flavored breakfast smoothie is perfect for you. While it may taste like a creamy chocolate milkshake, this vegan breakfast smoothie is brimming with protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients.
Requiring just 5 minutes to throw together, this lightening fast breakfast recipe is a busy mom's dream! My kids absolutely adore it, and I can feel good knowing that I've set them up for success with a glass full of healthy, whole foods.
Even though it tastes sinful, there is exactly ZERO added sugar in my chocolate smoothie. All I can say is, that's literally BANANAS! Frozen chunks of bananas naturally sweeten this yummy breakfast or post-workout snack, all while providing a delightfully creamy consistency.
Oh, and all that yummy chocolate flavor you taste? That's from Cacao Bliss, which is loaded with 10 different superfoods including cacao, which has more antioxidants than other known superfoods like goji berries or pomegranates. Dark chocolate is also known to release endorphins, meaning this breakfast smoothie is sure to set your whole family off on the right foot for the day. Blissful, indeed!
Recommended Ingredients
This simple breakfast smoothie recipe requires just a handful of ingredients that are easy to find for the ultimate healthy morning boost.
Here's everything you need:
Ingredient Notes
- Cacao Bliss - This incredible superfood powder is a mix of 10 healthy ingredients, including cacao, turmeric, black pepper, and MCT oil. I love getting so many different health benefits from just one scoop! Read more about it below.
- Hemp Hearts - Packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and up to 50% more protein than chia or flax seeds, these nutty wonders are a favorite of mine.
- Almond Butter - My nut butter of choice is almost always almond butter, but you can feel free to sub in your favorite nut or seed butter here.
- Non-Dairy Milk - I generally reach for soy milk for breakfast smoothies, but feel free to swap in your favorite non-dairy milk here. Coconut milk or cashew milk would be great alternatives.
- Banana - Be sure to freeze your banana pieces prior to blending. This will give your chocolate smoothie a consistency that rivals even the creamiest milkshake!
What is Cacao Bliss?
A healthy alternative to chocolate bars, Cacao Bliss is a deliciously satisfying nutritional supplement that I have come to adore. With 10 powerful superfoods in one package, this organic, gluten-free, and soy-free powder has become a staple in my household. It's such an easy way to get my chocolate fix, all without any added sugar or strange ingredients! At just 35 calories per serving, it's a perfectly healthy indulgence.
Aside from being addictively delicious, Cacao Bliss is a nutritional powerhouse! Here is a breakdown of the ingredients (and their health benefits!) in this amazing product:
- Raw Cacao - supports your body's natural ability to maintain healthy blood sugar levels already in normal range, keep you satiated and promote optimal carbohydrate metabolism.*
- Turmeric - fights temporary inflammation related to physical exercise, improves digestion, dissolves stubborn fat and soothes occasional anxiety and stress.*
- Black Pepper - to maximize your results by increasing the "bioavailability" of the Turmeric by up to 2,000%.*
- MCT Powder - to help you feel satiated longer, making it easier for your body to release stubborn fat deposits.*
- Cinnamon - improves your body's ability to digest glucose, and reduce your desire for sugary treats.*
- Monk Fruit - helps satisfy your sweet tooth as well as sugar, with zero calories and no ill effect on your blood sugar.*
- Coconut Nectar - acts as a prebiotic and feeds the healthy gut bacteria in your lower intestine.*
- Lucuma - adds a hint of caramel-like flavor and has body-repairing properties.*
- Mesquite - a sweet and nutty superfood that doesn't cause blood sugar spikes, and helps boost your immune system.*
- Himalayan Salt - contains over 84 minerals and trace elements, while helping to balance your pH levels.*
If that weren't convincing enough, Cacao Bliss is also incredibly versatile. Stir some into your morning coffee for a homemade healthy mocha, use it for making desserts like cookies or pudding, add it to your morning oats, or use it in my delectable vegan smoothie!
Seriously, just do yourself a favor and buy some. And now is your lucky day!! Use this link to get 15% off your order with the coupon code "DARLING"
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step One - Freeze Bananas
Begin by freezing your banana. To freeze the bananas, peel and chop ripe bananas into 1″ pieces. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. When frozen all the way through, they are ready to use. Transfer any leftover banana pieces to a ziplock bag. Return to the freezer and store for up to three months.
Step Two - Blend
Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until they are completely smooth.
If your chocolate smoothie is too thick, add additional milk, 2 tablespoons at a time, until you have a pourable consistency.
Pro Tip: I find the best way to know if my smoothie is blended well enough is to look for a "cyclone" in the middle of your blender. If it is consistently moving like a twister and the blade isn't spluttering, you're ready to enjoy!
Pour into glasses and enjoy immediately.
Serving and Storing
Serving - For best results, I recommend serving the breakfast smoothie immediately after blending. The longer it sits, the more likely it is to separate and become watery. Feel free to top with extra hemp seeds for some crunch.
Storing - If you have any leftovers, pour them into popsicle molds for fun and healthy frozen treats!
Tips and Tricks
- Make sure your bananas are completely frozen to get that milkshake-like consistency!
- Blend your ingredients until they are completely smooth. If the smoothie is too thick, simply add more milk in 2 tablespoon increments. When there is a cyclone happening in the middle of your blender, you've achieved the right consistency!
- To turn your drink into a smoothie bowl, keep it on the slightly thick side. Pour into a bowl and top with whatever your heart desires. I recommend fresh berries, chocolate covered cacao nibs, and toasted coconut.
Frequently Asked Questions
I like to purchase Cacao Bliss directly from their website. You can also find it on Amazon or at certain retailers like Whole Foods.
Yes! If you want a banana-free option, substitute ½ cup silken tofu or frozen cauliflower florets.
While not all smoothies are created equal, this cacao-powered Chocolate Breakfast Smoothie is delicious AND nutritious. Packed with protein, antioxidants, calcium, potassium and vitamin A, this recipe is a perfect way to start your day or to refuel your body after a workout.
More Vegan Smoothie Recipes
Make sure to check out all my vegan smoothie and smoothie bowl recipes for more inspiration!
Healthy Chocolate Smoothie
Ingredients
- 2 frozen banana, sliced
- ¼ cup Cacao Bliss
- ¼ cup almond butter
- 2 tablespoon hemp hearts
- 2 cup non-dairy milk
- ½-1 cup ice
Instructions
- Begin by freezing your banana. To freeze the bananas, peel and chop ripe bananas into 1″ pieces. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. When frozen all the way through, they are ready to use. Transfer any leftover banana pieces to a ziplock bag. Return to the freezer and store for up to three months.
- Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until they are completely smooth. If your smoothie is too thick, add additional milk, 2 tablespoons at a time, until you have a pourable consistency.
Notes
- Make sure your bananas are completely frozen to get that milkshake-like consistency!
- Blend your ingredients until they are completely smooth. If the smoothie is too thick, simply add more milk in 2 tablespoon increments. When there is a cyclone happening in the middle of your blender, you've achieved the right consistency!
Nutrition
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Hi, I’m Sarah. I’m a 14-year (and counting) vegan, professionally trained photographer, former pastry chef, founder of My Darling Vegan, and author of the
Nina Dalchow says
One of my favorite breakfast smoothies!
I like to add 2 tbsp of oats to keep me full until lunchtime 🙂
Sarah Olson says
Can I substitute the almond milk for oat milk?
Sarah McMinn says
Sure!
John says
That was fantastic. Thank you.
Nichole says
The absolute best recipe I’ve found, and my favorite when I’m craving.... well, anything! Haha. I was a huge chocolate milkshake and ice cream fan, and this taste exactly like that and is so thick and creamy! And the best part is that it’s healthy ingredients! I have this bookmarked and literally send this recipe to everyone. Thanks for the recipe, and I will continue sharing it!
Sarah says
I'm so glad you liked it. Thanks for sharing it!
Jessica says
Could I made this advance and still drink it if its not been in a fridge?
I work 3:30pm till 8:00pm I was looking for a smoothie or protine shake I could have around 6pm but as I work in a swimming pool I don't have a fridge to keep it in! an suggestions?
Thanks 🙂
Sarah says
I typically don't like smoothies that have sat around for very long because the texture changes as the frozen fruit thaws. If you had an insulated travel mug that kept it cold, that may be the best option.
Daniel says
Epic recipe!!!
I swapped the almond butter with coconut butter, ridiculous.
Mymy says
Hi! This recipe is looking very great!! How much time do you keep bananas in the fridge to have frozen bananas that could be blended easily ? 🙂
Sarah says
I slice my bananas and them put them in the freezer. If you slice them thin enough, you should be able to just blend them straight from the freezer.
ashley says
Wow! This is delicious! !!! Just made and will make often, thank you!
Sarah says
Thank you! I'm glad you like it.
Jen says
Could I swap coconut milk for almond milk? I haven't tried dates in a smoothie yet...I was surprised that I don't need to take the pits out but going to try it!
Sarah says
Coconut milk would be fine (I'm assuming you mean the boxed non-dairy milk substitute and not canned). Also you definitely want to pit the dates, you'll see that I say "pitted" in the ingredients. You might break your machine if you don't pit your dates.
Jen says
I am so glad I mentioned the pit because even though it sounds silly, I'm new to this and thought pitted meant having the pit!!! Thank you!!! you saved my blender 😉
Grace says
This is so creamy and delicious! My new favourite smoothie. Thank you!
JasT says
Hi
Did you do the raw food week? I'm 6 weeks postpartum and looking to do something safe and healthy while breastfeeding. Let me know...
Sarah says
I've been waiting for someone to ask me to get me back on track with that! I haven't done it yet. It's been so hard to manage two kids as it is, I just have been eating pretty simply. I will definitely let you know when if happens.
Lyz says
Thanks again Sarah. I add spinach (or any green leafy thing) for an extra boost and have this smoothie at least three times a week! Sometimes I pre-soak raw cashews with the chia and dates for a creamy texture.
Sara says
That sounds like an excellent idea!! I must try it this way! I tried making it the way she has posted and I don't like it
Zach says
Where's the protein? It looks delicious but I'm only seeing fats and carbs. Not one of your ingredients has more protein than fat or carb... You can call it delicious and healthy but perhaps you should change the claim of high protein.
Sarah says
Hey Zach, thanks for asking. The drink has 15 grams of protein which breaks down like this:
almond butter 7
chia seeds 4
cacao powder 3
almond milk 1
You can add an extra tbsp of chia seeds for more protein without much added fat.
It is high in healthy fats and calories, but if seen as a meal, it makes a great and healthy start to the day.
Heather says
So simple to make- the addition of almond butter sounds so good, what a great intro to your "getting ready to go raw" week 🙂
marquis @realrawkitchen says
This was one of my FAVORITE recipes when I first went raw 🙂 it's comforting, it's filling, it's chocolatey .. it's everything you hope for in comfort food except for cooked. It worked fabulously for me as a transition food 🙂
Sarojini says
Mmmmmm- sounds a lot like one of my favourites... I love the idea of the almond butter; will try that one out. Sometimes a find a smoothie doesn't fill me up for long enough, but I think this one would! Good luck with the raw detox when you do start- maybe it will also be easier when the weather warms up; that's what I tell myself, anyway.
Lynn Chen says
All my favorites blended in a glass!
bklg says
eager to make this MCMINN!
KC says
How much Cacao did you use?
Sarah says
2 tbsp, just fixed the post! Thanks.
Linda says
Cacao missing?
Sarah says
oops...fixed! Thanks.