Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium ripe banana, frozen
- 3 large ice cubes (about ⅓ cup)
- 1 large pitted medjool date
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened natural almond butter
- 1 scoop (5 tablespoons) vanilla protein powder (e.g., Ritual Protein)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup coconut or whole milk Greek yogurt
- 1 cup light coconut milk (e.g., Malk)
- 2 tablespoons cacao nibs, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut flakes, plus more for garnish
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Blender: Place the frozen banana, ice cubes, pitted medjool date, unsweetened almond butter, vanilla protein powder, chia seeds, vanilla extract, coconut or whole milk Greek yogurt, and light coconut milk into a high-speed blender.
- Initial Blend: Blend on low speed for 30 seconds to just incorporate the ingredients without over-processing.
- Increase Speed & Blend: Gradually increase the blender speed to medium and blend for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the mixture is thick and smooth, ensuring all components combine evenly.
- Add Texture Ingredients: Add cacao nibs and unsweetened coconut flakes to the blender. Blend on medium speed for an additional 15 seconds, incorporating the add-ins while maintaining some texture.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the smoothie into a glass immediately. Garnish with extra cacao nibs and coconut flakes as desired. Enjoy your healthy dessert smoothie fresh for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Banana can be swapped with frozen cauliflower or avocado for creaminess; add additional sweetener if needed.
- Medjool date can be replaced by maple syrup or honey, or skipped for a less sweet smoothie.
- Almond butter may be substituted with cashew, peanut, or sunflower seed butter.
- Vanilla protein powder can be replaced by any vanilla or chocolate protein, or omitted for a lighter smoothie.
- Chia seeds can be swapped with ground flaxseed or left out entirely.
- Vanilla extract is optional and can be swapped with a pinch of cinnamon or omitted.
- Coconut or Greek yogurt can be replaced with any yogurt type, or increased banana or milk if omitted.
- Light coconut milk can be any milk, though coconut milk adds distinctive flavor.
- Cacao nibs may be replaced with dark chocolate chips or omitted for a smoother texture.
- Coconut flakes can be replaced with shredded coconut or left out as preferred.
- Ice cubes can be skipped if using a fully frozen banana for a thicker smoothie consistency.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
