Home
Recipes
Drinks & Beverages
Smoothies
Chocolate Banana Smoothie Recipe

Chocolate Banana Smoothie Recipe

By What’s Baking

A velvety, indulgent chocolate banana smoothie that balances rich cocoa with natural sweetness, creating a dessert-worthy drink that still delivers nutritional benefits.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
0 mins
Serves:
2 large smoothies
An overhead shot of a chocolate banana smoothie served in a tall clear glass, showcasing its thick, silky texture with a deep chocolate-brown color. A swirl of whipped cream tops the smoothie, dusted with cocoa powder and garnished with a slice of fresh banana and a chocolate curl. The glass sits on a rustic wooden board alongside scattered cacao nibs, a peeled banana, and a small bowl of chocolate shavings. Soft natural light highlights the creamy surface while casting gentle shadows that emphasize the smooth consistency and rich color variations.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 ripe frozen bananas, sliced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250ml milk (dairy or plant-based)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon nut butter (almond or peanut)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Pinch of salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">6 ice cubes (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For garnish (optional): whipped cream, cocoa powder for dusting, banana slices, chocolate shavings</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">High-powered blender</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Measuring spoons</li></ul>
BAKE SMARTER

Kitchen Converter

Quickly switch between common baking units without leaving the recipe.

Convert
⇄
Result—

Volume uses US cups, tablespoons, and teaspoons. Converting weight to volume depends on the ingredient.

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Prepare your bananas in advance by peeling, slicing, and freezing them for at least 2 hours or overnight. Frozen bananas are key to achieving that thick, creamy ice-cream-like consistency without needing to add excessive ice which would dilute the flavors.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add the frozen banana slices to your blender. The frozen fruit will act as both a natural sweetener and the main thickening agent for your smoothie.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the milk, cocoa powder, nut butter, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and salt to the blender. The cocoa powder provides that rich chocolate flavor while the nut butter adds creaminess and healthy fats that will help keep you satisfied. The yogurt contributes protein and a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>If using, add the honey or maple syrup. Taste your smoothie before adding sweetener – if your bananas are very ripe, you may not need additional sweetness as they naturally contain more sugar.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Add ice cubes if you prefer an extra-cold, thicker smoothie. This is optional since the frozen bananas already provide significant thickness.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Blend on high speed for 45-60 seconds until completely smooth and creamy. Stop and scrape down the sides of the blender if necessary. The smoothie should have a uniformly chocolate-brown color with no visible banana pieces.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Pour the smoothie into glasses immediately after blending. The texture is best when fresh, as it will start to separate if left to sit too long. If this happens, simply give it a quick stir or re-blend.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>For a special touch, top with a swirl of whipped cream, a dusting of cocoa powder, fresh banana slices, or chocolate shavings. These garnishes transform a simple smoothie into a more indulgent-looking treat.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Serve immediately with a straw and spoon – the thickness might require both! Enjoy your chocolate banana smoothie while it's fresh and at its optimal texture.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving
🔥 Calories: 285 calories
🥑 Fat: 9 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 3 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 42 g
🍭 Sugar: 25 g
🍗 Protein: 10 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 15 mg
🧂 Sodium: 120 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Can I make this smoothie recipe vegan-friendly?

Yes, easily! Simply use plant-based milk (like almond, oat or coconut), replace Greek yogurt with dairy-free yoghurt alternatives, choose maple syrup instead of honey, and skip the whipped cream topping or use a coconut-based alternative for a completely vegan chocolate banana smoothie.

Why should I freeze bananas for smoothies?

Freezing bananas is crucial for creating that thick, creamy ice-cream-like texture without diluting flavours with excessive ice. It also intensifies sweetness, meaning you'll need less added sugar. For best results, freeze ripe bananas (with brown spots) sliced into chunks.

What can I add to boost the protein content in this chocolate smoothie?

To increase protein, add a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder, a tablespoon of hemp seeds, extra Greek yoghurt, or silken tofu. For plant-based options, consider pea protein or a blend of plant proteins that complement the chocolate-banana flavour profile.

Want to try something else in ...

More recipes you might like

Keep exploring with more recipes from What's Baking.

View all
An overhead shot of a tall, frosted glass filled with a sunshine-colored smoothie, its smooth, velvety texture visible through the clear glass. A blue-striped paper straw stands in the glass, surrounded by fresh orange segments and banana slices arranged artfully on a light wooden serving board. Tiny drops of condensation glisten on the glass surface, capturing the soft natural morning light. In the background, a small bowl of yogurt and honey hint at the ingredients, while a playful arrangement of colorful silicone straws suggests this is a child-friendly treat. The vibrant orange-yellow gradient of the smoothie creates an appealing focal point, with a small mint leaf garnish adding a pop of contrasting color.
Drinks & Beverages
Smoothies

Orange Banana Smoothie Recipe

A vibrant, creamy smoothie bursting with sweet banana and tangy orange flavors that children love while secretly delivering wholesome nutrition.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
0 mins
Serves:
2 smoothies
View recipe
A frosty swirled pale yellow pineapple whip served in clear hurricane glasses against bright natural daylight, showing its soft-serve consistency. Small drips of melting whip create beautiful trails down the sides, topped with fresh pineapple wedges and tiny colorful paper umbrellas. The background features scattered pineapple chunks on a distressed wooden table with visible condensation on the glass surface, highlighting the drink's refreshing coldness. A tiny mint sprig adds a pop of vibrant green against the sunny yellow whip, with a bamboo straw peeking out from the creamy swirl.
Drinks & Beverages
Smoothies

Kid-Friendly Coconut Cream Pineapple Whip Drink Recipe

Velvety smooth frozen pineapple whip with a tropical sweetness and creamy texture that delights taste buds while cooling down hot summer days.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
4 mocktails
View recipe
An overhead shot of a tall, frosted glass filled with a vibrant green smoothie, its texture rich and creamy with small flecks of spinach visible throughout. Golden morning sunlight streams across the scene, highlighting condensation beads on the glass. A wooden paddle straw stands in the drink, surrounded by the recipe's fresh ingredients artfully scattered nearby: chunks of pineapple, slices of kiwi, a halved lime, and fresh spinach leaves. A small bowl of protein powder sits in soft focus in the background. The smoothie's surface is garnished with a pineapple wedge and mint sprig, creating a striking color contrast against the emerald green base.
Drinks & Beverages
Smoothies

Pineapple Kiwi Tropical Green Protein Smoothie Recipe

A vibrant, energizing blend of tropical fruits, leafy greens, and protein that delivers a nutritious punch with refreshing island flavors.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
View recipe
An overhead shot of a tall hurricane glass filled with a brilliant green smoothie, the surface garnished with a pinwheel of fresh pineapple and a sprig of mint catching natural morning light streaming through windows. The smooth, velvety texture shows tiny flecks of spinach and matcha against the creamy base. Condensation beads form on the glass, suggesting refreshing coolness. A bamboo straw stands at attention while a small bowl of chia seeds and sliced kiwi sits nearby, hinting at the nutritious ingredients within. The scene is set on a light wooden surface with tropical foliage in soft focus in the background.
Drinks & Beverages
Smoothies

Matcha Tropical Green Protein Smoothie Recipe

A vibrant emerald-hued smoothie that harmonizes island flavors with protein-packed ingredients for a nutritious yet indulgent tropical escape.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
View recipe
An overhead shot of a tall, flared glass filled with a vibrant purple-pink smoothie, its surface perfectly smooth with a slight swirl pattern. The glass sits on a light marble countertop, surrounded by scattered fresh berries, sliced cucumber, and a small pile of chia seeds. A silver spoon rests alongside, containing a drizzle of honey catching the soft natural morning light streaming through a nearby window. The smoothie shows a beautiful gradient effect from the layering process, with a garnish of fresh mint leaves and a delicate sprinkle of flaxseeds adding texture contrast against the silky surface.
Drinks & Beverages
Smoothies

Silky Skin Smoothie Recipe

A nourishing blend of antioxidant-rich berries, creamy yogurt, and skin-loving seeds that delivers a velvety-smooth texture and bright, refreshing flavor in every sip.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
0 mins
Serves:
2 smoothies
View recipe
An overhead shot of a tall glass filled with a layered purple-to-green gradient smoothie, the rich berry tones transitioning to vibrant green at the top, captured in bright natural light. Small droplets of condensation cling to the glass's exterior, suggesting refreshing coldness. The smoothie is garnished with a sprinkle of chia seeds, sliced strawberries, and mint leaves. Surrounding the glass, ingredients are artfully scattered across a light marble surface - fresh blueberries, sliced bananas, a halved avocado, and a small jar of nut butter - creating visual context for the nutrient-dense beverage. A reusable metal straw tilts at an angle, inviting immediate enjoyment.
Drinks & Beverages
Smoothies

Power-Packed Smoothie Recipe

A vibrant, nutrient-rich smoothie bursting with fresh fruits, protein, and superfoods that delivers sustained energy and satisfying flavor in every sip.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
0 mins
Serves:
2 smoothies
View recipe