A creamy, delicious smoothie recipe that tastes like a milkshake. We’re talking a chocolate banana smoothie made with just six ingredients. Vegan, paleo and naturally dairy free smoothie drink. It’s a nutritious snack to satisfy your sweet tooth!

If you looking for a chocolate-free version, try my favorite Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie!

healthy chocolate banana smoothie in glass cup with metal straw on board

Who doesn’t love easy healthy smoothie recipes?! Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, easy lunch, or a workout snack, smoothies are a great way to get in a good amount of nutrition in one meal.

You can take them on the go or make them into smoothie bowls and enjoy it sitting down with all the toppings your heart desires.

For this recipe, we’re making a healthy chocolate banana smoothie without yogurt so it’s naturally dairy-free but still creamy and delicious. It basically tastes like a healthy milkshake.

If you like banana smoothies and love the chocolate banana combination (one of the best flavors, in my opinion), then you will love this delicious drink!

Ingredients You Will Need

medium banana – frozen bananas stored as chunks is the best for smoothies. Use a ripe banana for the best banana flavor. Overripe bananas will give you a sweeter smoothie, but not as much prebiotic fiber.
Medjool date – for carame-ly sweetness that acts as a natural sweetener (no added sugar needed).
cacao powder – for a rich chocolate flavor. Bonus: it’s a good dose of magnesium, too. Feel free to sub unsweetened cocoa powder.
cashew butter – provides a buttery, slightly nutty taste. You can also sub in peanut butter, almond butter or your favorite nut butter combo. Choose sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut free option, just note it has a distinct flavor.
hemp hearts – for additional healthy fats and a little plant protein boost. You can also use flax seeds or chia seeds, but just know the longer the smoothie sits the thicker the consistency – so drink it fast if you don’t want it getting a gel-like consistency to it.
milk of choice – use your favorite mild-flavored milk (i.e. almond milk, cashew milk, soy milk, oat milk, etc.) to keep the chocolate banana flavor present, or opt for coconut milk t if you’d like a stronger flavor combination.

Equipment

A high powered blender is a must for creating a smooth, creamy texture. If you’re making 1-2 servings you can use a NutriBullet. If you’re tripling the recipe for a family size serving, use a larger high powered blender.

Note: If you want to make a smoothie bowl, use less milk (only enough to blend it down) and a food processor for the best texture.

ingredients labeled in bowls for chocolate banana smoothie

Smoothie Making Tips

Here are a few tips we have to make sure you get the best chocolate and banana smoothie:

Use frozen fruit – in this recipe, the only fruit were using are frozen banana slices. So make sure the banana has been frozen overnight for the best consistency.

Be mindful of flavored protein – if using flavored protein powders or plant protein powder, just be aware the flavor of the smoothie will change slightly.

Use a good blender – no one wants chunks in their smoothie, or a chunk to block their straw suction power. A good blender (NutriBullet works great for small servings) will give you the best consistency in your smoothie.

Add just enough liquid – everyone has a different preference on how thick or thin a smoothie should be. If you like a thicker smoothie (as in, you want to eat it with a spoon), start with about half the amount of liquid the recipe calls for. Then you can always add milk if you prefer a thinner smoothie, or enough until you achieve the desired consistency.

No ice – ice cubes waters down smoothies and makes them icy.

overhead view of chocolate banana smoothie ingredients in blender

How to Make A Banana Smoothie

Add all of your ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth! Taste test for thickness before adding more liquid.

If you have to use fresh bananas, you could use less milk or add in ice if you’re in a pinch. But as noted above, I don’t recommend it. Just get in the habit of freezing ripe banana chunks and you’ll always be set for making banana smoothies.

chocolate banana smoothie pouring out of blender into glass cup

Smoothie Boosters

Feel free to boost your smoothie with some of these ingredients below. Just be aware you might need more liquid to compensate….

Greek yogurt, for an extra protein boost, or use Skry
collagen peptides, for pure protein
chocolate protein powder, make it more of a protein shake by using your favorite powder, plant based or whey protein
big handful of spinach, for tasteless greens and vitamin & minerals boost
adaptogen powders, maca powder or reishi will add another depth of flavor to this chocolate banana smoothie

overhead view of healthy chocolate banana smoothie with banana slices on top next to peanut butter, hemp hearts and fresh banana

More Banana Smoothie Recipes