Learn how to make a deliciously creamy chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie with almond milk! If you’re thinking: “will this smoothie actually keep me full longer than 10 minutes?” The answer is yes! The key to a satisfying smoothie is protein and fat, and this smoothie has both thanks to the nut butter and protein powder. It’s an easy dairy free breakfast or snack that comes together in just 5 minutes and tastes like a treat (without being loaded with sugar).
You can even use chocolate (instead of plain) protein powder to amp up the chocolate flavor even more, if you want. This smoothie a must-try for chocolate lovers and peanut butter lovers alike!
Want to save this post?
Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I’ll send you great content every week!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Dairy Free Smoothie
I’m a huge fan of smoothies, as you can tell by all the delicious smoothie recipes on my blog. They’re so quick to make, and I love how versatile they are.
Chocolate, peanut butter, and banana are a fabulous flavor trio that pair together perfectly, and you get all three in this delicious smoothie! A hint of cinnamon adds a boost of flavor that somehow elevates the smoothie even more.
It’s protein-packed and nutrient-dense, but tastes like a treat – is there anything better?! The banana and peanut butter make it extra creamy, too.
This dairy free smoothie comes together in minutes, requires no cooking, and is super easy to make. All you need is a blender!
Plus, it will keep you full for hours, so it makes a perfect breakfast smoothie or midday snack.
For more smoothie inspiration, check out my mix & match healthy smoothie recipes post, which includes a super simple and fool-proof template to make an awesome smoothie every time.
What You’ll Need
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this peanut butter smoothie recipe:
- ripe banana (Fresh or frozen! If going with frozen, be sure to peel the banana, chop it into chunks, and freeze them ahead of time – this will result in a thicker smoothie consistency.)
- peanut butter (I recommend using creamy natural peanut butter with just one ingredient – peanuts.)
- almond milk (I prefer using unsweetened almond milk in smoothies, but if you like a sweeter smoothie, you can use a sweetened almond milk. You can also use dairy milk or another type of dairy-free milk, such as oat milk, hemp milk or coconut milk, if desired.)
- protein powder (Unflavored, vanilla, or chocolate protein powder will all work. If you’re using chocolate protein powder, your smoothie will taste more chocolate-y. If you’re using vanilla protein powder, you can omit the vanilla extract.)
- cocoa powder
- vanilla extract
- ground cinnamon
- ice cubes (To thicken the smoothie, especially if you aren’t using frozen bananas.)
You might also enjoy this berry chia seed smoothie, this creamy spirulina smoothie, or this strawberry cherry smoothie.
How to Make a Chocolate Banana Smoothie with Peanut Butter
To make this peanut butter banana smoothie, add your banana chunks, peanut butter, protein powder, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and ice cubes into a blender.
Pour almond milk on top, then blend until smooth.
If you feel like the smoothie is too thin for your liking, feel free to add more ice cubes until the smoothie reaches your desired consistency. Just keep in mind that adding more ice can make the smoothie’s flavor a little milder/more watered down.
How to Prep Bananas for Smoothies
Freezing your banana ahead of time is a great way to thicken up your smoothie without the need for tons of ice. Start by peeling the banana, then break or slice it into small chunks that will easily fit into your blender.
Place in an airtight container or freezer-safe zippable bag and freeze for a few hours (or longer), until frozen solid. I love having frozen banana chunks on hand for quick smoothie prep.
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Recipe Variations
There are lots of tasty ways to switch up this dairy free banana smoothie with different ingredients and flavor variations. Here are some ideas:
- Use a different type of milk (such as soy milk, hemp milk, coconut milk, or dairy milk if you aren’t dairy free)
- Swap the peanut butter out for another nut butter, like almond butter or cashew butter. If you’re nut-free, use sunflower seed butter.
- Use your favorite flavored protein powder (vanilla, chocolate, etc.)
- Swap out the protein powder for ground flaxseed or chia seeds
- Add Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt to keep the smoothie dairy free) for extra creaminess
Is this smoothie gluten free?
Yes, all of the ingredients in this almond milk smoothie should be naturally gluten-free. I recommend checking the label on the brand of protein powder that you use to be 100% sure.
Is this smoothie vegan?
As long as you use vegan protein powder, and if you make this peanut butter smoothie without any substitutions or add-ins, then there are no animal products.
Some protein powders use whey (a byproduct of cheese), which is an animal product, so be sure to check the label on the brand you buy if needed.
What’s the best protein powder to use in this smoothie?
The best protein powder to use in smoothies is the one you like the flavor of the most! 🙂
If you’re not sure which protein powder you like/are new to protein powders, this one (Amazon affiliate link) is high quality and also vegan. It comes in a variety of flavors, including chocolate.
Another plant-based option is my husband and I both absolutely love is Ka’Chava (Amazon affiliate link). It’s more of an all-in-one “nutrition shake” vs. only protein powder, so it is higher in calories and a bit more substantial in terms of the superfood ingredients (and as a result is also more expensive). But we both think it tastes amazing. It also comes in a variety of flavors, including chocolate.
Either way, you can’t go wrong!
Looking for more inspiration? Try these other smoothie recipes:
- Mango Pineapple Smoothie with Kale
- Chia Berry Smoothie with Greek Yogurt
- Avocado Breakfast Smoothie with Banana and Kale
- Banana Spinach Smoothie
- Watermelon Rind Smoothie
- Ginger Turmeric Smoothie with Mango
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie with Protein Powder
This creamy chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie with almond milk is an easy dairy free breakfast or snack that's packed with protein to keep you satisfied!
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana (fresh or frozen)
- 1 scoop protein powder*
- 2 tbsp natural peanut butter
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Add more ice if desired to reach your preferred consistency.
Notes:
*You can use unflavored protein powder, vanilla protein powder, or chocolate protein powder (for extra chocolate flavor!). See the blog post for tips on my favorite protein powders.