Ingredients
For the Smoothie Bowl Base:
- Ripe Bananas: 2 large, peeled, sliced, and frozen solid
- Unsweetened Cacao or Cocoa Powder: 2 tablespoons
- Milk of Choice: ¼ to ½ cup (Start with ¼ cup. Almond, oat, soy, or dairy milk all work. Use less liquid for a thicker bowl.)
- Peanut Butter or Almond Butter: 1 tablespoon (Optional, but adds creaminess, healthy fats, and a delicious nutty flavor.)
- Pure Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon (Optional, enhances the chocolate flavor.)
- Pinch of Sea Salt: (Optional, but a tiny pinch makes the chocolate taste richer.)
For the Toppings (The Fun Part!):
This is where you can get creative. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Fresh Fruit: Sliced fresh banana, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries
- Crunch Factor: Granola, chopped almonds, walnuts, pecans, cacao nibs, chia seeds, hemp seeds
- Drizzles: A spoonful of peanut butter, almond butter, or melted dark chocolate
- Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes, shredded coconut
Instructions
Step 1: Layer the Blender Correctly
Pour the ¼ cup of milk into the bottom of your blender canister first. Add the vanilla extract, salt, and nut butter if you’re using them. Placing the liquid at the bottom helps the blades to start moving.
Step 2: Add the Solids
Add the cacao or cocoa powder, followed by the 2 frozen sliced bananas.
Step 3: Blend with Patience
Secure the lid on your blender. Start blending on the lowest speed to begin breaking up the banana chunks. You will likely need to stop the blender and use a spatula to scrape down the sides and push the mixture towards the blades. If you have a high-powered blender with a tamper, this is its time to shine! Use the tamper to continuously push the ingredients down into the blades while the blender is running on a medium-low speed.
Step 4: Achieve the Perfect Consistency
Continue blending, stopping to scrape as needed, until the mixture is completely smooth and has reached a thick, frosty, soft-serve ice cream consistency. Be patient and resist the urge to add more liquid unless absolutely necessary. If the blender simply won’t move the mixture, add another tablespoon of milk at a time until it just comes together.
Step 5: Assemble Your Masterpiece
Immediately scoop the thick smoothie mixture from the blender into a serving bowl. Use a spatula to create a smooth surface.
Step 6: Decorate with Toppings
Now for the best part. Arrange your chosen toppings on top of the smoothie bowl. You can create neat lines for a beautiful presentation or just sprinkle them on top. Serve immediately with a spoon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 350-450 kcal