Healthy peanut butter – chocolate smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 heaped tbsppeanut butter
• 2bananas
• 1 tbsp (optional)plant-based protein powder
• 1 tbspChocoloco spice blend (or plain cacao powder)
• 1 tbspcacao nibs
• A handfuloats
• 100 mlrice milk
• 100 mlcoconut water
• 2 tsphoney

Instructions

1. 1

   Blend the ingredients

   Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend for at least 1 minute. Taste and add anything else you fancy, then sprinkle cacao nibs over the top before serving.

What is a peanut butter chocolate smoothie?

A smoothie is a blended drink, and this combination brings together familiar American-style flavours: peanut butter, banana and chocolatey cacao. It works as a quick breakfast or snack when you want something creamy and easy to drink.

Ripe banana supplies sweetness and body, while oats add a gently hearty texture. The recipe’s optional protein powder and choice of cacao blend or plain cacao make it easy to adapt.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 336 calories, 12g protein, 54g carbs, 11g fat.

Banana, oats, rice milk and honey provide most of the carbohydrates, while peanut butter and cacao nibs contribute much of the fat. Protein comes from the peanut butter, oats and optional protein powder. Pair a serving with fruit or a savoury breakfast item if you want a more balanced plate.

Choosing the ingredients

Bananas: ripe ones blend smoothly and bring more natural sweetness, so taste before adding extra honey.

Cacao: use the named spice blend if you have it, or plain cacao powder as the recipe suggests.

Peanut butter: a heaped tablespoon gives the drink its nutty richness. Stir the jar first if the oil has separated.

Getting a smooth blend

Blend for at least a minute, as directed, so the oats and cacao are well incorporated. If your blender struggles, stop it and check that the mixture is moving before continuing.

Add the liquids with the other ingredients as listed; they help the blades draw the thicker ingredients into the blend.

Adjusting the consistency

For a thicker drink, use less liquid; for a looser smoothie, add a little more rice milk or coconut water and blend again. Make small changes so the banana and peanut butter flavours stay balanced.

The oats and banana naturally make this smoothie more substantial than a juice.

Balancing the sweetness

Taste the smoothie before changing it, since ripe bananas and honey both contribute sweetness. Add more honey only if you want it sweeter.

Plain cacao tends to taste more intense than a sweetened or spiced blend, so you may prefer to adjust the sweetness after blending.

Serving and toppings

Sprinkle cacao nibs over the smoothie just before serving for the crunchy finish specified in the recipe. Divide the blend between two glasses and serve straight away.

For a fuller breakfast, pair it with something savoury or a piece of fruit rather than making the smoothie much sweeter.

Recipe notes & tips

• Use ripe bananas for a naturally sweeter, creamier result.
• Measure the cacao nibs before blending so you can reserve some for the topping.
• Blend for the full minute to help break down the oats.
• Taste before adding extra honey, especially if the bananas are very ripe.
• Add any extra liquid gradually if you want a thinner smoothie.

Variations

• Plain cacao: use unsweetened cacao powder in place of the spice blend.
• Dairy-free: check that the protein powder and cacao blend are plant-based as well.
• No protein powder: leave it out as the recipe allows.
• Extra crunch: reserve more cacao nibs for the topping.
• Oat-forward: add a little more oats for a thicker, heartier drink.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Skipping the taste test: ripe bananas vary in sweetness, so blend first and adjust honey afterwards.
• Adding too much liquid: pour in any extra gradually to avoid a thin smoothie.
• Using unripe bananas: they can make the drink less sweet and less creamy; choose ripe fruit.
• Blending too briefly: oats may remain coarse, so blend for at least a minute.
• Forgetting the topping: keep some cacao nibs aside to add crunch when serving.

How to store

This smoothie is best served straight after blending. If needed, cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours, then shake or reblend before drinking; the texture may thicken as it stands.

Frequently asked questions