This healthy chocolate banana smoothie is incredibly easy to prepare with just three simple ingredients. It tastes like a chocolate milkshake, making it one of my kids’ favorite quick breakfasts.
I grew up on cereal through the 90s, and for a while my own kids did, too. Over time I shifted to more whole-food breakfasts. While I aim for cooked breakfasts like eggs, many mornings I’m short on time and need a fast, healthy alternative.
Smoothies are the perfect solution. My kids adore them, and this creamy chocolate banana smoothie is a household favorite. My three-year-old even calls it chocolate milk—which is a pretty accurate description of its sweet, chocolatey flavor.
All you need are ripe frozen bananas, cocoa powder, and milk for a naturally sweetened breakfast you can blend in about five minutes. Make a little extra—kids will often ask for seconds.
Next, try our orange breakfast smoothie that tastes just like an Orange Julius for another quick breakfast idea.
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What you need to make a banana chocolate smoothie
Ingredients
- Milk – Any kind of milk works: skim, 2%, whole, or your preferred non-dairy option such as almond, oat, soy, coconut, or cashew.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – For extra protein, replace some or all of the cocoa with chocolate protein powder.
- Bananas – Frozen ripe bananas create a thick, icy texture without needing ice, and keep the flavor concentrated.
Optional Add-Ins
- Peanut Butter or another nut butter for creaminess and extra calories
- Vanilla Extract to enhance sweetness
- Greek Yogurt for creaminess and protein
- Chia Seeds for fiber and omega-3s
- Rolled Oats for extra texture and bulk
- Banana slices to top the smoothie
How to make healthy chocolate banana smoothies
Combine – Add 2 cups of milk, 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 3 frozen, chopped bananas to a blender. Add any optional ingredients on top.
Blend – Blend until smooth. If the texture is too thick, add a splash more milk and blend again.
Tips for success
To Serve – Pour into 8-ounce glasses and top with any optional add-ins you like.
To Store – Leftovers can be poured into freezer-safe single-serve containers and frozen for up to one month. Thaw briefly or blend frozen portions with a little milk to serve.
Substitutions – Swap in your favorite non-dairy milk to make this dairy-free. Substitute chocolate protein powder for part or all of the cocoa powder to boost protein.
Variations – For a chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie, add 1/3 cup peanut butter and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract for rich flavor and extra creaminess.
About this delicious chocolate banana smoothie recipe
- Tastes like a chocolate shake but with far less added sugar.
- A great way to use overripe bananas: chop and freeze them in a zip-top bag so they’re ready for smoothies.
- Makes a quick, satisfying breakfast or snack.
- Kids love it — it’s a chocolatey treat that can count as breakfast thanks to the fruit and optional protein add-ins.
- Because ripe bananas add natural sweetness, no additional sugar or honey is required unless you prefer it sweeter.
FAQ about making chocolate banana smoothies
Can I use frozen bananas in a chocolate banana smoothie?
Yes. Frozen banana chunks yield a thicker, creamier texture than fresh bananas with ice. Freeze ripe bananas in pieces for best results.
Can you make a dairy-free chocolate banana smoothie?
Absolutely. Use almond, oat, soy, coconut, or another plant-based milk in place of dairy milk.
Can I add protein to a chocolate banana smoothie?
Yes. Swapping cocoa powder for chocolate protein powder or adding a scoop of your preferred protein powder will increase the protein content.
What’s the best way to sweeten my smoothie?
The ripe bananas provide natural sweetness. If you want it sweeter, stir in a little honey or maple syrup to taste.
More healthy smoothie recipes on the blog
- Healthy Orange Julius Smoothie
- Blueberry Spinach Smoothie
- Yogurt Fruit Smoothie with Banana
Pin these steps to try later. Tag @athomeontheprairie on Instagram to share what you’ve made with us!
Chocolate Banana Smoothie
3 servings
5 minutes
5 minutes
This chocolate banana smoothie is quick to make with three ingredients and tastes like a cold glass of chocolate milk—one of our simple, kid-approved breakfasts.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of your favorite type of milk
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 3 frozen bananas, chopped into chunks
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
- Peanut Butter
- Chia Seeds
- Rolled Oats
- Mini Chocolate Chips
- Yogurt
Instructions
- Add 2 cups milk, 1/3 cup cocoa powder, and 3 frozen chopped bananas to the blender. Add any optional ingredients on top.
- Blend until smooth. If needed, add more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Notes
To Serve – Pour into 8-ounce glasses and garnish as desired.
To Store – Freeze leftovers in single-serve containers for up to one month. Re-blend or thaw briefly before serving.
Substitutions – Use non-dairy milk for a dairy-free version. Swap cocoa for chocolate protein powder for added protein.
Variations – For a chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie, add 1/3 cup peanut butter and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 3
Serving Size: 8 ounces
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 222Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 78mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 5gSugar: 23gProtein: 8g