Chocolate Sesame Smoothie
A luxuriously creamy smoothie that tastes like dessert but packs a nutritional punch. Toasted sesame gives it a deep, nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with rich cocoa and a touch of natural sweetness. Ready in under 10 minutes.
For 2 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Toast the sesame seeds for garnish.
In a small dry pan over medium heat, toast 1 tsp sesame seeds until golden and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Shake the pan often and watch closely as they burn fast. Transfer to a plate to cool.
TIPToasted seeds bring out a much deeper nutty flavor than raw ones. - mix · ~1 min
Add all ingredients to the blender.
1.Place the sliced banana, chilled milk, tahini, cocoa powder, honey, vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and ice cubes into the blender jug.2.Secure the lid tightly. - mix · ~1 min
Blend until perfectly smooth and creamy.
Start on low speed, then increase to high. Blend for 45-60 seconds until completely smooth with no visible cocoa lumps or ice chunks. The mixture should be thick, creamy, and pourable.
TIPIf it's too thick, add a splash of milk. Too thin, add another ice cube and blend again. - garnish · ~1 min
Pour into glasses and garnish with toasted sesame seeds.
Divide the smoothie between two glasses. Sprinkle the cooled toasted sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately while cold.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Freeze the banana in advance for an extra-creamy texture without watering down the smoothie.
- 2Use room-temperature tahini and stir it well before measuring to avoid a gritty, separated oil layer.
- 3Toast the sesame seeds just until fragrant and golden, then immediately remove them from the hot pan to prevent burning.
- 4Blend starting on low speed to kick-start the ice break-up, then ramp up to high for a silky finish.
- 5If the smoothie is too thick after blending, add a splash of cold milk and pulse briefly to thin it out.
- 6Garnish with toasted seeds right before serving so they stay crisp instead of turning soggy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Swap honey for maple syrup or agave and use any unsweetened plant-based milk — the tahini and banana keep it just as creamy.
High ProteinHigh-Protein
Add one scoop of unflavored or chocolate plant-based protein powder and increase milk to 1¾ cups to maintain a sippable texture.
Lower SugarLower-Sugar
Omit the honey and use a very ripe banana (speckled skin) for natural sweetness from the fruit alone.
Extra NuttyExtra Nutty
Replace ½ tbsp tahini with almond or peanut butter for a different seed-nut profile while keeping the sesame garnish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Tahini and sesame seeds provide unsaturated fats that support heart health and help absorb fat-soluble vitamins from other ingredients.
Natural Energy from Banana
A whole banana supplies quick-digesting carbohydrates and potassium, making this smoothie a great pre-workout or mid-day pick-me-up.
Antioxidant Boost
Unsweetened cocoa powder is packed with flavonoid antioxidants that may support circulation and reduce oxidative stress.
Bone-Supporting Minerals
Sesame seeds are a good source of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, all of which contribute to bone strength.
Frequently asked questions
Water will make the smoothie thinner and less creamy. For the best texture, stick with any chilled milk — dairy or unsweetened plant-based.
