Dark Chocolate & Almond Butter Smoothie
This rich and creamy Dark Chocolate & Almond Butter Smoothie is a perfect pre-bed treat, designed to help you unwind. Packed with magnesium-rich ingredients, it offers a delicious way to support relaxation and a good night's sleep.
For 1 serving
Ensure your banana is fully frozen. For best results, peel a ripe banana, break it into a few pieces, and freeze it in an airtight bag for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Add the unsweetened almond milk to your high-speed blender first. This helps the blades move freely and prevents ingredients from sticking.
Next, add the frozen banana pieces, almond butter, chia seeds, unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt to the blender.
If desired, add 1 teaspoon of maple syrup for extra sweetness. You can always adjust this later.
Secure the lid on your blender and start blending on a low speed, gradually increasing to high. Use the tamper if your blender has one, to push ingredients down towards the blades.
Blend for 60-90 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy with no visible chunks of banana or chia seeds. If it's too thick, add a splash more almond milk; if too thin, add a few ice cubes or a bit more frozen banana.
Taste the smoothie and adjust sweetness if needed by adding more maple syrup, blending again briefly.
Pour the finished smoothie into a tall glass and enjoy immediately for optimal texture and temperature.
For an extra touch, you can garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a few whole almonds.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use very ripe, spotty bananas for freezing. They are naturally sweeter and provide a richer flavor to the smoothie.
- 2To achieve a thicker, colder smoothie, add 3-4 ice cubes to the blender along with the other ingredients, especially if your banana isn't fully frozen.
- 3For easier blending and to prevent chia seeds from clumping, you can soak the chia seeds in 2 tablespoons of almond milk for 5 minutes before adding them to the blender.
- 4Clean your blender immediately after pouring the smoothie. A quick rinse with warm water and a drop of dish soap, then a short blend, will prevent ingredients from drying and sticking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add 1 scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder (chocolate or vanilla works best) for an extra nutritional kick, making it a more substantial meal replacement.
Nut Free VersionNut-Free Version
Substitute sunflower seed butter for almond butter and oat milk for almond milk to make this smoothie allergy-friendly for those with nut sensitivities.
Mocha TwistMocha Twist
For a subtle coffee flavor, add 1/2 shot of cooled espresso or 1/2 teaspoon of instant coffee powder to the blender. This can be invigorating for a morning smoothie.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Magnesium-Rich
This smoothie is packed with magnesium from cocoa, almond butter, and chia seeds, which supports muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control, blood pressure regulation, and energy production, aiding in relaxation and sleep.
Heart Health
Almonds and chia seeds provide healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, fiber, and antioxidants that contribute to cardiovascular well-being and can help lower cholesterol.
Digestive Support
The high fiber content from banana, chia seeds, and almond butter promotes healthy digestion, aids in maintaining gut regularity, and can contribute to a feeling of fullness.
Frequently asked questions
While best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and nutrient absorption, you can make this smoothie up to 4-6 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving as some separation may occur.
