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This thick and creamy healthy chocolate smoothie truly tastes like a rich chocolate milkshake and comes together in minutes with just a handful of kitchen staples. It is my favorite way to satisfy a chocolate craving in the morning or after a tough workout.
I first made this on a hot summer afternoon when nothing sounded better than something cold and chocolatey. Now it is a go-to recipe when I want dessert but also need something nourishing.
Ingredients
- Vanilla yogurt: helps create the creamy base pick a rich and tangy yogurt for best results
- Milk of choice: offers more creaminess and blending power use oat or almond for dairy free
- Unsweetened cocoa powder or chocolate protein powder: brings the deep chocolate flavor pick a high quality cocoa for the best taste
- Pinch of salt: enhances and balances the chocolate flavor just a tiny bit makes a big difference
- Peanut butter optional: adds nuttiness and healthy fat for a richer taste use natural unsweetened if possible
- Sugar or sweetener of choice to taste: lets you adjust the sweetness to your liking try honey maple syrup or your favorite low calorie sweetener
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Blender:
- Place yogurt milk cocoa powder salt peanut butter and sweetener in your blender Make sure the peanut butter is not stuck to the spoon for smooth blending
- Blend Until Smooth:
- Blend everything on high for at least one minute Pause to scrape down the sides if anything sticks Ensure there are no lumps and the texture is velvety
- Thicken for Extra Creaminess:
- For a much thicker and colder consistency freeze your milk in an ice cube tray first Then blend those milk cubes with the other ingredients This step makes it feel like a classic milkshake
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Pour the smoothie into a tall glass For more indulgence garnish with a little whipped cream or chocolate shavings Serve immediately while cold and creamy
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Chocolate protein powder became my favorite add in after my sister and I started using this smoothie as our post run recovery treat We once tried it with a dollop of Greek yogurt for even more creaminess and now it is our secret trick for making it almost ice cream thick
Storage Tips
If you have extra smoothie pour it into a freezer safe container and freeze for up to one month When ready to drink blend it again with a little extra milk to restore its creamy texture This also works great for smoothie freezer packs you can blend straight from frozen
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap vanilla yogurt for Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt for a dairy free version Any type of milk works including soy coconut or oat For a nut free option use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter Those wanting a sweeter smoothie could use banana in place of added sweetener
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Serving Suggestions
This chocolate smoothie makes a quick breakfast with a handful of granola on top For a satisfying snack add a spoonful of chia or flax Do not forget a sprinkle of cacao nibs or mini chocolate chips for a dessert like creation
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I make the smoothie thicker?
For an extra thick texture, freeze your milk in an ice cube tray, then blend it with the other ingredients. Using frozen banana or extra yogurt can also add body.
- → Is this smoothie suitable for dairy-free diets?
Yes! Simply use dairy-free yogurt and plant-based milk such as almond, soy, or oat to keep it dairy free.
- → Can I add protein to this smoothie?
Boost protein by including a scoop of chocolate protein powder, or substitute it for some or all of the cocoa powder.
- → How can I naturally sweeten the smoothie?
Sweeten with honey, maple syrup, agave, or your favorite natural sweetener to taste, depending on your preference.
- → What toppings go well with this smoothie?
Try a dollop of whipped cream, chocolate shavings, sliced banana, or a drizzle of peanut butter for extra indulgence.
- → Is this smoothie good for breakfast?
Absolutely! It’s quick, filling, and packs in protein and calcium, making it a convenient breakfast or post-workout snack.