This post may contain affiliate links. See my affiliate disclosure policy.
Table of contents
Are you ready to blend my chocolate peanut butter smoothie using four simple ingredients to create a wholesome breakfast, quick snack, or pre-workout boost? This creamy flavor-packed smoothie recipe delivers long-lasting energyโand it might just replace your afternoon coffee!
Why I Love this Recipe
Donโt let the decadent flavor fool youโthis chocolate peanut butter smoothie isnโt just a treat, itโll nourish your body and fuel your day. Letโs take a closer look at the awesome health benefitsโฆ
Peanut Butter
Peanuts get a bad rap. Yes: 1% of the United States population has a peanut or tree nut allergy. Yes: peanuts are actually a fungus and not a nut. But hear me out: peanuts also have a whole host of nutrition!
Peanuts contain 7 grams of protein in two tablespoons, along with good amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, niacin and vitamin B6. Add in a scoop or two to your next smoothie and enjoy the boost! It contributes both protein and healthy fat in the chocolate peanut butter smoothie below. The natural oil in a peanut is about as heart healthy as olive oil. Peanut butter can also help regulate blood sugar and may reduce the risk of breast disease.
Raw Cacao Powder
Raw cacao powder is one of those ingredients that feels like a treat but may actually be doing your body a favor. Itโs made by cold-pressing un-roasted cacao beans, which helps it keep more of its natural nutrients compared to cocoa powder. Thanks to its antioxidants (hello, flavonoids!), it may support heart health, help ease inflammation, and even give your brain a little boost.
Itโs also a great source of magnesium, which might help with muscle function, relaxation, and energy productionโperfect for a busy day. Plus, cacao contains theobromine, which could give you a gentle pick-me-up and even brighten your mood a bit.
Adding raw cacao to your smoothie is such a simple way to elevate the flavor and sneak in some extra goodness. Itโs like having dessert for breakfast, but better for you!
Ingredients Youโll Need
Itโs super easy to make a โtastyโ chocolate smoothie, but making it โgood for youโ takes a few simple tweaks that Iโm excited to share with you today:
- Bananas (frozen): A frozen banana adds a cold creamy texture to your smoothie. Ripe bananas have natural sweetness, so you donโt need any refined sugars.
- Peanut butter: Delivers rich, nutty flavor and a boost of protein. Look for natural peanut butter with no added sugar or hydrogenated oils. You can swap with any other nut butter you like such as cashew or almond butter.
- Raw cacao powder: Provides a deep chocolate taste with antioxidant benefits. Look for raw cacao powder in the baking aisle or health food section of most grocery stores. I like picking mine up at Trader Joeโs or Thrive Market to save money.
- Oat milk: A creamy, dairy-free base that ties all the flavors together. Choose unsweetened oat milk to avoid unnecessary added sugars, and check the label for simple, wholesome ingredients. Or, make your own oat milk if you want the cleanest version out there.
- Ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm, subtly spicy flavor that enhances the chocolate and peanut butter combination. Plus, it offers anti-inflammatory properties and a touch of sweetness without adding extra sugar.
Whatโs the healthiest peanut butter?
Look at the ingredient label and make sure itโs just peanuts (no need for extra oils or sweeteners). You can always make your own homemade nut butter in a high-speed blender as well. I donโt recommend using peanut powder, like PB1, since it contains additional sweeteners.
How to Make a Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie
- Place your frozen ripe banana, cacao powder, peanut butter, and oat milk in a blender.
- Combine until smooth and creamy.
- Scrape down the sides of the blender if the peanut butter sticks and add extra oat milk if the smoothie is too thick.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy and garnish with cinnamon if desired.
Recipe Variation
If Iโm blending this healthy chocolate peanut butter smoothie for breakfast, I like to add additional protein by throwing in a serving of homemade protein powder, or a plant-based protein powder of your choice.
Storing Tips
You can store this chocolate smoothie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. If freezing, pour into ice cube trays and transfer to a freezer safe bag once frozen. When ready to enjoy, thaw in fridge overnight and re-blend to get the best consistency.
Common Questions
Is peanut butter bad for you in a smoothie?
Peanut butter can be a nutritious addition to your smoothie! While peanuts are technically a legume and not a nut, theyโre packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and vitamin B6. If youโre not allergic, peanut butter may help with managing blood sugar, supporting heart health, and keeping you feeling full longer. Just opt for natural peanut butter with no added sugars or oils for the healthiest option!
Is chocolate and peanut butter healthy?
Chocolate and peanut butter make a smoothie feel like a treat, but they can also be surprisingly healthy! Raw cacao powder adds antioxidants, and natural peanut butter brings protein and healthy fats. Together, they create a delicious, nutrient-packed blend you can feel good about!
Can you put cacao powder in a smoothie?
Absolutely! Adding raw cacao powder to your smoothie infuses it with rich chocolate flavor and a boost of antioxidants. Typically, 1-2 tablespoons per serving works well. Since โcacaoโ is less sweet than โcocoaโ, consider balancing it with natural sweeteners like ripe bananas or dates. Experimenting with cacao can transform your smoothie into a delicious, nutrient-packed treat!
More Chocolate Smoothie Recipes
If youโve got a craving then I bet Iโve got a chocolate smoothie for you. These are all deliciously healthy and actually taste good. Pick one and get blending!
If you make this chocolate peanut butter smoothie, Iโd love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if youโre interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie
Ingredients
- 2 bananas frozen
- 1 Tbsp peanut butter
- 2 Tbsp cacao powder
- 1 cup oat milk or another plant milk
- โ tsp ground cinnamon optional
- 1 serving homemade protein powder optional
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender.
- Blend until creamy.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.
Equipment
Video
Notes
- Peanut Butter allergy? No problem! Swap in almond butter or sunflower butter instead.
- Oat milk gives this peanut butter and chocolate shake extra creaminess, yet you can swap it with cashew, almond, coconut, or another plant milk.
- Use unsweetened cacao or cocoa powder; either works fine!
- Using homemade protein powder will give you 10 extra grams of protein, turning this smoothie into a complete meal.
- Bananas give this smoothie creaminess + sweetness, yet you can swap it out with avocado + maple syrup, avocado + date or cauliflower + maple syrup.
Tasted like a peanut butter, banana sandwich!
Another filling smoothie, a classic combinassion. Kind of like a dessert
This tastes like a dessert! Amazing flavour and texture and really hit the sweet tooth to prevent any cravings or indulgences later in the day. Love this one!
Could Power Peanut Butter be substituted for nut butter/jar peanut butter?
If so, would the ratio be 1:1? Iโm new to powder peanut butter, but have heard it blends well for smoothies. I have used it to make vegetarian snack for my daughter. Thank you for this recipe, and for any advice!!
For sure you can swap in powdered peanut butter Emily! Awesome question!! While weโve not tried it ourselves yet, itโs our understanding that 2 Tbsps of powdered peanut butter added to your smoothie works out to be 1 Tbsp. regular nut butter. Give it a blend and pop back over to let the community know how it worked out for you. ๐
I donโt like the bitter flavor of cocoa powder, so I use Raw Cacao nibs. And sometimes Iโll just add a couple of Tablespoons full of rolled oats to almond milk or distilled water to make this. I use homemade nut butters to assure I know of their nutritional content. This is a yummy recipe!
So I have a problem keeping nut butters in the house since I tend to eat too much of it so can I add whole nuts instead, or I can roast them first (please tell me how) to the Vitamix or any other suggestions. Thanks.
Delicious treat! Whipped this up as a dessert for my family and everyone loved it. Nice to make a dessert at home from healthy ingredients!
I want to try this. What can I sub the banana with?
Not a fan of banana? Sub avocado and a few dates (for sweetness). ๐
Yum! Thank you!!
Youโre very welcome!
Just made this for lunch, so good and filling! Added a scoop of collagen powder for some extra goodness.
Great idea adding the collagen!
I love this dessert smoothie so much
Isnโt it delicious? Pour it into popsicle molds and freeze itโฆ guilt-free fudgesicle! ๐
Oh my gosh! I canโt believe how delicious this is! I used oat milk. It tastes like a fudgesicle so Iโm seeing how it freezes! Thank you for the indulgence!
I agree, this one is soooo good!!
Okay. So on the weekend I get up at 1 am for work. So I make my smoothies the night before. I had some of this left after I filled my cup. Ooooh. So good!
can you replace milk with water? ( we just ran out of milk..) thanks!
Rebecca, you can def sub water for milk in any smoothie. This one may not be as creamy without milk but it will still taste delicious. ๐
I love everything peanut butter
This one is def a great one! I canโt say no to the chocolate / peanut butter combo. ๐
Love this recipe to replace a meal. I use unsweetened and sweetened almond milk and fresh almond butter!
That sounds delicious! ๐
Definitely adding this smoothie to my dessert rotation!
You wonโt regret it! ๐