This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
What’s better than a rich cup of hot chocolate on a cold day? Kids and adults alike can enjoy this fun beverage. I’m taking it up a notch with my hot chocolate smoothie, the chocolaty taste you love with a healthy twist. And my version tastes like a chocolate hazelnut shake.
I try to get my leafy greens whenever I can, yet it’s got to taste good. This warm smoothie recipe is a great way to add greens while also satisfying your sweet tooth.
Table of Contents
Is Chocolate Healthy?
Heck yes! Unsweetened cacao and cocoa powder are loaded with natural energy, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Read your ingredients to ensure you’re buying 100% cacao or cocoa with no additives (because you don’t need them!).
Also, if you are sensitive to caffeine, then enjoy this hot chocolate smoothie in the morning to capitalize on the natural energy and still sleep soundly at night.
How to Make a Warm Green Smoothie
While the phrase ‘warm green smoothie’ might sound odd, you have to try one! They still have all the plants we crave, just wrapped in a warm mug. Here are a few tips when making a warm smoothie:
- Don’t use frozen ingredients. This is the perfect time to use fresh fruits and veggies.
- Make sure your blender is rated for hot liquids. Most high-powered blenders use their power to heat up the contents, but if you don’t have one you can still make a warm smoothie. My hot chocolate smoothie can be blended until smooth, poured into a microwave safe mug then heated to the desired temperature.
- If your warm smoothie has leafy greens, make sure to use my two-step blend method. First, blend the leafy greens and liquid, then add the remaining ingredients and blend again. This gives the greens time to break down into a creamy drink.
The hot chocolate hazelnut shake below may make you fall in love with warm smoothies.
More Warm Smoothie Recipes
You read that right. I’ve got more recipes like this hazelnut chocolate shake! I know drinking refreshingly cold smoothies isn’t easy when the weather is anything less than sunny, so I have a list of warm smoothies (as well as a list of healthy winter recipes) that I turn to during the cooler months.
Give one a try and let me know what you think:
Don’t forget to rate + review this smoothie once you’ve made it. I can’t wait to get your feedback!
Hot Chocolate Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup almond milk unsweetened
- ½ pear peeled and cored
- ¼ cup toasted hazelnuts
- 2 medjool dates
- 2 tbsp cacao powder to taste
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Coconut whipped cream optional, for topping
- 1 tbsp cacao nibs optional
Instructions
- Blend spinach and almond milk until smooth.
- Add the remaining ingredients, except coconut whipped cream. If using a high-speed blender, start blending again on low speed working up to high speed. 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 a microwave.
- Top with coconut whipped cream and cacao nibs.
Notes
- Use caution when blending hot liquids. Be sure to let the lid vent so the liquid doesn’t leak or splatter. Blend on low speed, working up to high speed until smooth.
- The pear adds additional sweetness and makes the smoothie thicker, but it can be omitted for a thinner consistency.
- The Medjool dates bring most of the natural sugar content. Use just one date for less natural sugar.
- If you aren’t able to find cacao powder, you can use 100% unsweetened cocoa powder instead.
This is so yummy! A great morning beverage on a cold autumn day… just before I head out to work!
Warm and healthy to start the day. Way to rawk it Carla!
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.
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/homemade-hot-chocolate
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 🙂
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/warm-chai-smoothie
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/wassail-drink
https://simplegreensmoothies.com/warm-smoothie-apple-pie
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/smoothie-formula
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! 😀