Here’s my go-to chocolate smoothie bowl recipe, featuring a creamy blend of frozen bananas, cocoa powder, and your choice of milk, topped with fresh fruits, nuts, and a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings.
This smoothie bowl has become my morning ritual, especially on busy weekdays when I need something quick but filling. I often make extra so the kids can customize their own toppings – it’s like having dessert for breakfast, except it’s actually good for you!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Smoothie Bowl
- Quick breakfast option – Ready in just 5-10 minutes, this smoothie bowl is perfect for busy mornings when you need something nutritious but don’t have much time.
- Protein-packed – With protein powder and nutrient-rich berries, this bowl will keep you feeling full and energized throughout your morning.
- Customizable toppings – You can switch up the toppings each time you make it – try different fruits, nuts, or granola combinations to keep things interesting.
- Healthy chocolate fix – It satisfies chocolate cravings while being packed with antioxidants from raw cacao and berries, making it a guilt-free treat.
What Kind of Berries Should I Use?
The beauty of using frozen mixed berries in your smoothie bowl is that you’ve got plenty of options to work with. While this recipe calls for a mix of blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries, you can adjust the ratio to suit your taste or even swap in blackberries if you have them on hand. Fresh berries can work too, but frozen ones are key to getting that thick, creamy smoothie bowl consistency – plus, they’re usually cheaper and available year-round. Just make sure your frozen berries don’t have any freezer burn or ice crystals, as this can affect the texture and taste of your smoothie bowl. If you’re buying fresh berries to freeze yourself, spread them on a baking sheet and freeze them individually before transferring to a storage bag to prevent them from clumping together.
Options for Substitutions
This smoothie bowl is super adaptable and you can make several easy swaps depending on what you have in your kitchen:
- Almond milk: Any plant-based milk works great here – try oat milk, coconut milk, or soy milk. Regular dairy milk is fine too if you’re not dairy-free.
- Frozen mixed berries: You can use any frozen fruit combo you like. Cherries work really well with chocolate, or try mangoes and banana for a tropical twist. Just keep the fruit frozen to maintain that thick smoothie bowl texture.
- Protein powder: While chocolate protein powder adds nice flavor, you can use vanilla protein powder plus an extra tablespoon of cacao powder. No protein powder? Leave it out and add an extra half banana for thickness.
- Cacao/cocoa powder: Raw cacao and regular cocoa powder can be used interchangeably in this recipe. If you’re out of both, try carob powder as an alternative.
- Toppings: The toppings are totally customizable! Instead of homemade granola, use store-bought or try nuts, seeds, cacao nibs, or sliced fruit. Skip the coconut if you’re not a fan, or replace with hemp seeds.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making
The biggest challenge when making a smoothie bowl is getting that perfect thick, spoonable consistency – using too much liquid is the most common mistake that turns your bowl into a drinkable smoothie instead. Start with less liquid than you think you need (about 1/4 cup) and gradually add more while blending until you reach the right thickness.
Another mistake is not properly layering your ingredients in the blender – always put the liquid ingredients at the bottom near the blades, followed by powders, and frozen items on top to prevent the blades from getting stuck and ensure a smooth blend.
If your smoothie bowl starts melting too quickly (a common frustration), try chilling your serving bowl in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before adding your smoothie mixture, and be sure to keep your toppings light and sprinkle them on just before eating to maintain their crunch. For the creamiest texture, make sure your banana is frozen solid and cut into chunks before blending – room temperature bananas will give you a thinner consistency.
What to Serve With Chocolate Smoothie Bowls?
A chocolate smoothie bowl is basically breakfast and dessert rolled into one, so it’s all about loading up those toppings! I like to put out a variety of fresh fruits like sliced bananas, strawberries, or extra berries to add natural sweetness and different textures. Some crunchy elements like nuts, seeds, or a sprinkle of granola make each spoonful more interesting – try almonds, chia seeds, or even a handful of cacao nibs. For an extra special touch, add a drizzle of almond butter or a small handful of dark chocolate chips, which slowly melt into the cold smoothie base as you eat.
Storage Instructions
Enjoy Fresh: This chocolate smoothie bowl is best enjoyed right after making it! The texture is perfect when fresh – thick, creamy, and cold. If you wait too long, the smoothie will start to melt and lose its nice thick consistency that makes it perfect for eating with a spoon.
Prep Ahead: Want to save some morning time? You can pre-portion your frozen fruits into zip-top bags and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready for breakfast, just grab a bag and blend with the remaining ingredients. This makes morning prep super quick and easy!
Toppings: Keep your toppings separate and add them just before eating. Store extra granola in an airtight container at room temperature, and keep your fresh berries in the fridge. This way, everything stays fresh and crunchy when you’re ready to assemble your bowl.
| Preparation Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 400-450
- Protein: 30-35 g
- Fat: 10-15 g
- Carbohydrates: 60-70 g
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup almond milk (add extra if required)
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries)
- 1/2 frozen ripe banana
- 1 portion chocolate protein powder
- 1 tablespoon raw cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
- Blueberries
- Shredded coconut
- My homemade chocolate buckwheat granola
Step 1: Blend the Ingredients
Place all your chosen ingredients into a high-speed blender.
Blend them together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
If you find the consistency too thick, you can add a little extra milk to achieve your desired texture.
Step 2: Serve and Add Toppings
Once the mixture is smooth, pour it into a large bowl.
Customize your dish by adding any toppings you prefer, such as fresh fruits, nuts, or granola, to enhance flavor and texture.
Enjoy your creamy creation!
