This post contains affiliate links.

Today I’m giving you a Red Velvet Smoothie with rich chocolate flavor, just the right amount of sweetness, and that velvety texture you want in a creamy dessert. And that gorgeous red color? It comes from a little bit of beet. Don’t worry—you won’t taste it at all.

This luscious smoothie satisfies my sweet tooth, gives me natural energy, and feels festive enough to share with someone you love. Don’t let the spinach fool you. If you’re exploring my world a chocolate smoothies, this recipe is a winner.

Table of Contents

delicious red smoothie

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a role in creating that classic red velvet flavor—rich, creamy, and just sweet enough—while still being nourishing.

  • Coconut milk: Creates a creamy, dessert-like texture and adds healthy fats for satiety. Check out the best coconut milk brands to use in smoothies.
  • Frozen strawberries: Provide natural sweetness, a slight tang that red velvet is known for, and help thicken the smoothie for a milkshake feel.
  • Spinach: Adds fiber, iron, and folate while giving the smoothie a nutrient boost without changing the flavor.
  • Medjool dates: Add caramel-like natural sweetener that has fiber and minerals for steady energy.
  • Beet, raw: Gives the smoothie its signature red velvet color and adds antioxidants—no earthy taste, promise.
  • Cacao powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and antioxidants for that classic red velvet vibe. Explore my other cacao powder recipes you might like.
  • Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and enhances the natural sweetness.
  • Coconut whipped cream: Adds a decadent flavor and look to this smoothie.

Save this Recipe

Enter your info & I’ll send it to your inbox.

How to Make a Red Velvet Smoothie

For the smoothest, creamiest texture, blend this smoothie in two simple steps. For more in-depth instructions, check out my how to make a smoothie guide.

  1. Blend the base. Add spinach and coconut milk to the blender and blend until completely smooth.
    Tip: If you’re using one of my recommended blenders for smoothies, you can wait to blend until step 3.
  2. Add the flavor. Add frozen strawberries, Medjool dates, beet, cacao powder, and vanilla extract.
  3. Blend until velvety. Start on medium speed, then slowly increase to high until thick, smooth, and creamy.
  4. Serve and enjoy. Pour into a glass and enjoy right away, or top with coconut whipped cream for a festive dessert smoothie.
Red velvet smoothie in a stemmed glass with heart-shaped strawberries.

Ingredient Swaps

This smoothie is flexible and forgiving—use what you have.

  • Strawberries: Frozen cherries or raspberries also pair beautifully with chocolate for a fun twist.
  • Coconut milk: Swap with cashew milk or oat milk for a lighter texture.
  • Medjool dates: Use 2 tablespoons maple syrup or 1 tablespoon date syrup for easier blending.
  • Beet: Replace fresh beet with ½–1 teaspoon beet powder for the same vibrant color.
  • Cacao powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder works just as well with a slightly milder chocolate flavor.

More Chocolate Smoothies

If you’re craving more sweet, nourishing chocolate smoothies, there are plenty of delicious options to keep things fun and satisfying. A chocolate peanut butter smoothie brings that rich, salty-sweet combo that feels like a treat but fuels you well. You might also like a chocolate strawberry smoothie is bright and fruity with a classic chocolate-covered-berry vibe. A chocolate cherry smoothie adds a deep, slightly tart flavor that pairs beautifully with cocoa. And you can’t go wrong with a chocolate banana smoothie—it’s creamy, comforting, and always a crowd favorite.

If you make this red velvet smoothie recipe, I’d 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 you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.

Red velvet smoothie in a stemmed glass with heart-shaped strawberries.
4.66 (20)

Red Velvet Smoothie

Jen Hansard
This Red Velvet Smoothie is rich, chocolatey, and naturally sweet with a silky, dessert-like texture. Made with strawberries, cacao, coconut milk, spinach, and a touch of beet for color, it’s a healthy treat that tastes indulgent but fuels you with real food.
Review Save Print Pin
Serves: 1
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Blend: 2 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • Blend spinach and coconut milk until smooth.
  • Add remaining ingredients, and blend until smooth.
  • Top with a dollop of coconut whipped cream, if desired.
Save this Recipe
Drop your email & I’ll send it to you.

Recipe Notes

  • Use frozen fruit to make smoothie cold.
  • Swap spinach for the leafy greens of your choice.
  • Swap Medjool date with the natural sweetener of your choice (maple syrup, honey, etc.)
  • Use canned coconut milk for a richer, creamier smoothie.
  • Use carton coconut milk for a lighter smoothie.
  • Unsweetened cacao powder can be swapped with unsweetened cocoa powder.

Nutrition

Serving: 16 oz | Calories: 289 kcal | Carbohydrates: 35 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 15 g | Saturated Fat: 14 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g | Sodium: 216 mg | Potassium: 655 mg | Fiber: 7 g | Sugar: 18 g | Vitamin A: 2842 IU | Vitamin C: 95 mg | Calcium: 70 mg | Iron: 2 mg

Equipment

high-speed blender
smoothie blender

Common Questions

What kind of coconut milk should I use?

Both will work fine in this smoothie recipe. Canned coconut milk gives a thicker, creamier texture. Carton coconut milk is much thinner and less caloric— which is what I usually use.

Can I use cocoa in a red velvet smoothies?

Yes—you can use cocoa instead of cacao in this smoothie. Cacao is less processed with a slightly richer, more intense flavor, while cocoa is more processed and tastes smoother and milder. Both work well here—just be sure to use unsweetened cocoa or cacao so the chocolate flavor stays balanced.

Do I need to add spinach to this recipe?

Nope! If the spinach is throwing you off, leave it out. I like to add leafy green vegetables to most of my smoothies for the added health benefits, yet it’s totally up to you!

Related Posts

About the Author

Jen Hansard

I’m the mom who swapped Lucky Charms for green smoothies— and never looked back. Here you’ll find smoothie recipes and plant-based recipes made simple and tasty.

Say hello
4.66 from 20 votes (5 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate it




Comments

    1. Hi Larissa,

      Great question! There are several types of coconut milk available. It can be hard to know which to choose! Coconut cream is the thickest and richest. It has the least amount of water. Then there is full-fat or regular coconut milk. It still has plenty of rich, creamy taste, but has a higher liquid ratio. Light coconut milk has the mildest flavor, highest water content, and least amount of calories compared with the other varieties. Think of these as you would heavy cream, whole milk, and low-fat milk.

      You’ll find coconut milk packaged in several ways – cans, cartons (shelf-stable and refrigerated), or frozen.

    1. Hi Kalynn,

      I personally haven’t tried canned beets, but they’re worth a try! Just check your label and make sure there’s no additives.

  5. Hi there,

    I also dislike beets, but how strong do they taste in the smoothie? I could probably tolerate a taste that is subtle.

    Thanks!

    Reply

    1. Hi Melissa,

      Great question! All of the other yummy ingredients help cover the flavor of beets in this delicious “guilt-free” treat! We love the beets in this recipe for their major health benefits and the deep red color they add to our Red Velvet Green Smoothie!

      Cheers 🙂