We love sipping on healthy hot chocolate. It’s downright a necessity when it’s chilly and the only thing that sounds nice is cuddling up to some Netflix and a comfy blanket. We love the hot chocolate recipe from Jen’s book Simple Green Meals, but we also love this hot chocolate green smoothie made with fresh spinach and hazelnuts. It’s proof you can have your green smoothie and dessert in one. Mmm! #yesplease
If you’re a fan of dark, thick, rich hot chocolate, then this recipe is definitely for you! It’s kind of a game changer, honestly. It’s naturally sweetened with dates and gets its chocolatey flavor from one of our favorite superfoods, raw cacao powder. Does that packaged hot chocolate have vitamin K, iron, and antioxidants? Yeah, we didn’t think so.
Hazelnut Hot Chocolate Green Smoothie
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 oz smoothie 1x
- Category: Smoothie
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
To make this Hazelnut Hot Chocolate Green Smoothie extra decadent, we suggest topping it with thick coconut cream (the canned kind) and a good sprinkling of chopped hazelnuts and the tiniest sprinkle of cacao powder. And you’ll be set. It truly tastes like Nutella in green smoothie form.
Ingredients
- 1 cup spinach (fresh)
- 1 cup almond (warmed)
- 1/2 ripe pear (peeled and cored (optional)*)
- 1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts
- 2 tablespoon medjool dates
- 2 tablespoons cacao powder (to taste (use more for a dark chocolate flavor))
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped coconut cream and chopped hazelnuts (for topping (optional))
Instructions
- Blend spinach and almond or coconut milk until smooth.
- Next add the remaining ingredients, except whipped coconut cream and garnishes. If using a high speed blender, start blending again on low speed working up to high speed. Allow to blend for 3-5 minutes, or until very hot. If using a regular blender, blend until smooth and heat gently on the stove or transfer to mugs and heat in microwave.
Notes
Note: Use caution when blending hot liquids. Be sure to let the lid vent so the liquid doesn’t leak and splatter. Blend on low speed, working up to high speed until smooth.
*The pear adds additional sweetness and makes the smoothie thicker, but it tastes great without, too, for a thinner hot chocolate.
Keywords: hazelnut chocolate smoothie
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By: Jen Hansard | Updated: 12.30.2015 | COMMENTS: 28
I am sensitive to cacao powder. Is there anything else I can use?
Hey Camilla! I’m not sure there is a good substitute for cacao powder in this recipe. 🙁
Looks yummy! Can’t wait to try it. I was also interested in the hot chocolate.
Hey Pam,
It is super yummy and I hope you enjoy it! Here is the link for the hot chocolate https://simplegreensmoothies.com/recipes/green-meals/hot-chocolate-healthy
Cheers 🙂
★★★★★
I just got your book yesterday. I can’t wait to try some of the recipes. I’ve done your challenge in the past too. I can’t wait to try this recipe. I’m hoping it will be a way to get greens into my boys. I can’t wait to start my green smoothies again.
Hi Amy,
We’re so excited to have you blendin’ with us! Thank you so much for all of your support. Make sure and reach back out and let us know what your boys think of this recipe!
Cheers!
I just tried this (sans whipped coconut cream), and it’s fantastic! I will try it again, once I make the coconut milk later this week to make the cream.
Hi Tee,
YAY! Adding coconut whipped cream makes it even more of a treat!!
I know what I will be drinking this weekend. Perfect for when you cannot decide between a smoothie and a warm beverage. Mmm!
Hi Lisa,
YAY! Reach back out after the weekend + let us know what you think!
I’m excited to try this but I don’t have any hazelnuts on hand… any substitutions? Has anyone tried it without them? Or should I just wait until I can get to the store?
Hi Amanda,
No hazelnuts on hand? No worries! Swap in another nut you do have, or even almond butter would be a yummy addition! 🙂
Sounds like a really good drink. But, where did you find that mug cozy? I love it!!!
Hi Nancy,
You can find a ton of different styles to keep your hands cozy while enjoying your Hazelnut Hot Chocolate Green Smoothie on Esty.com!
Cheers 🙂
This is so original! I love that you’ve done such a healthy twist on a classic hot chocolate – I will definitely be trying this out! Also ‘whipped coconut cream’ is new to me… love the sound of it!
Hi Georgia,
We hope you love this recipe!! And Whipped Coconut Cream is our new obsession!
Thank you so much for the hot chocolate smoothie. I loved it and so did my family!
Hi Dieet,
YAY! We’re so excited to hear your whole family enjoyed our recipe!
Cheers 🙂
Love all that I’ve tried. The proportions are so right. I think if I had a Vitamix everything would be that much smoother, creamier and more delicious. Thanks so much for sharing all the yumminess
Hi Sam,
No Vitamix? No problem! Check out our tips for blending a creamy delicious green smoothie here…
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/tips/blend-without-chunks
I think the Hazelnut Hot Chocolate green smoothie is out of this world! To take a green smoothie and make it into something decadent is fantastic! Yum, yum! The others are wonderful too, but this one tastes like something you should not be partaking of in a healthy diet!
Hi Ruth,
YAY! Thank you so much for sharing your love for our Hazelnut Hot Chocolate Green Smoothie! We’re all about making healthy living, fun, easy + delicious. Have you tried our other warm green smoothies?
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/green-smoothie-recipes/warm-green-smoothie-chai-tea
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/green-smoothie-recipes/warm-smoothie-wassail
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/green-smoothie-recipes/warm-smoothie-apple-pie
Cheers 🙂
Absolutely love the sound of the hazelnut hot chocolate. Thank you for all the recipes you have sent me by email. You both are truly a Godsend.
You’re very welcome, Karen! 🙂
Love both chocolate and hazel nuts-will give it a try!
Hi Linda,
YAY! Reach back out and let us know what you think!
The hazelnut hot chocolate looks intriguing.
It’s so delicious, Fred! 😀