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.
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
Hazelnut Hot Chocolate Green Smoothie
Rate this Recipe Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 cup almond milk (warmed)
- ½ pear (peeled and cored)
- ¼ cup toasted hazelnuts
- 2 medjool dates
- 2 tablespoon cacao powder (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- whipped coconut cream (for topping)
Instructions
- Blend spinach and almond 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
- 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.
Nutrition (estimated)
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Carla
This is so yummy! A great morning beverage on a cold autumn day… just before I head out to work!
Simple Green Smoothies
Warm and healthy to start the day. Way to rawk it Carla!
Kimberly Wade
I loved this! Never had a warm smoothie before. Both the pear and hazelnut flavors came through, and the bitterness of the chocolate was great! I added extra almond milk to thin it out a little. Next time will add more.
Camilla L Maguire
I am sensitive to cacao powder. Is there anything else I can use?
SGS Rawkstar Jess
Hey Camilla! I'm not sure there is a good substitute for cacao powder in this recipe. 🙁
Pam
Looks yummy! Can't wait to try it. I was also interested in the hot chocolate.
SGS Rawkstar Carissa
Hey Pam,
It is super yummy and I hope you enjoy it! Here is the link for the hot chocolate https://simplegreensmoothies.com/homemade-hot-chocolate
Cheers 🙂
Amy
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.
SGS Rawkstar
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!
Tee
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.
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Tee,
YAY! Adding coconut whipped cream makes it even more of a treat!!
Lisa
I know what I will be drinking this weekend. Perfect for when you cannot decide between a smoothie and a warm beverage. Mmm!
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Lisa,
YAY! Reach back out after the weekend + let us know what you think!
Amanda
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?
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Amanda,
No hazelnuts on hand? No worries! Swap in another nut you do have, or even almond butter would be a yummy addition! 🙂
Nancy A.
Sounds like a really good drink. But, where did you find that mug cozy? I love it!!!
SGS Rawkstar
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 🙂
Georgia
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!
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Georgia,
We hope you love this recipe!! And Whipped Coconut Cream is our new obsession!
Dieet
Thank you so much for the hot chocolate smoothie. I loved it and so did my family!
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Dieet,
YAY! We're so excited to hear your whole family enjoyed our recipe!
Cheers 🙂
Ruth
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!
SGS Rawkstar
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/warm-green-smoothie-chai-tea
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/wassail-drink
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/warm-smoothie-apple-pie
Cheers 🙂
Sam gerson
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
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Sam,
No Vitamix? No problem! Check out our tips for blending a creamy delicious green smoothie here...
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/perfect-blend
karen amberson
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.
SGS Rawkstar Jess
You're very welcome, Karen! 🙂
Linda
Love both chocolate and hazel nuts-will give it a try!
SGS Rawkstar
Hi Linda,
YAY! Reach back out and let us know what you think!
Fred
The hazelnut hot chocolate looks intriguing.
SGS Rawkstar Jess
It's so delicious, Fred! 😀