Ingredients
Scale
For the Smoothie Bowl Base:
- 1 ripe avocado, pitted and peeled
- 1 large frozen banana (previously peeled and frozen)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 Medjool dates, pitted (or 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- 3-4 ice cubes (optional, for extra thickness)
Topping Suggestions:
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Granola or muesli
- Sliced banana
- Coconut flakes (toasted or raw)
- Cacao nibs
- Almond butter or peanut butter drizzle
- Chia seeds or hemp hearts
- Dark chocolate chips
- Fresh mint leaves
- Sliced almonds or other nuts
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients. Make sure your banana is frozen solid—this is key to achieving the thick, ice-cream-like texture. Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh. If using dates for sweetness, ensure they’re pitted.
- Start with less liquid. Add 1/2 cup of almond milk to your high-speed blender first. This prevents the blender from getting stuck but keeps the mixture thick.
- Add remaining ingredients. Place the avocado, frozen banana, cocoa powder, dates (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and pinch of salt into the blender. If you want an extra-thick consistency, add 3-4 ice cubes as well.
- Blend on low, then high. Start blending on low speed to break down the ingredients, then gradually increase to high speed. Use your blender’s tamper to push ingredients toward the blade if needed. Blend for 30-60 seconds until completely smooth and thick. The mixture should be difficult to pour and have the consistency of soft-serve ice cream.
- Check consistency and adjust. If the mixture is too thick to blend smoothly, add almond milk one tablespoon at a time until it moves freely in the blender. Remember: thicker is better for smoothie bowls! You can always thin it out, but you can’t thicken it once you’ve added too much liquid.
- Taste and adjust sweetness. Take a small taste and add more sweetener if desired. Keep in mind that toppings like granola and fruit will add additional sweetness.
- Transfer to bowl. Use a spatula to scoop the thick smoothie into a wide, shallow bowl. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon to create an even surface for your toppings.
- Add toppings artfully. This is the fun part! Arrange your toppings in sections or patterns—think stripes, clusters, or geometric designs. Fresh fruit, granola, nuts, seeds, and drizzles of nut butter all work beautifully.
- Serve immediately. Smoothie bowls are best enjoyed right away while they’re thick and cold. Grab a spoon and dig in!
Notes
- Frozen banana is non-negotiable for the best texture. If you forget to freeze bananas ahead of time, peel and chop them, then freeze on a baking sheet for at least 2 hours before making this recipe.
- Start with less liquid and add more as needed. It’s much easier to thin out a too-thick smoothie than to thicken one that’s too runny.
- Don’t taste the avocado? That’s the magic! When blended with chocolate, the avocado flavor disappears completely, leaving only creaminess behind.
- Make it higher in protein by adding a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder or a tablespoon of nut butter.
- For a caffeine boost, add 1/2 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Blender struggling? Stop and scrape down the sides, then blend again. If it still won’t move, add liquid one tablespoon at a time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Smoothie Bowl, Healthy Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American, Health-Conscious
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (with base only, toppings not included)
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg