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This healthy chocolate smoothie has quickly become my go-to treat whenever I am craving something sweet but want to stay on track with my nutrition. Thick creamy and deeply chocolatey it feels totally indulgent but comes together in just a few minutes with simple ingredients you probably have on hand.
Once I tasted this combo I was hooked and started making it as an after-school snack for my kids. It is now in constant rotation and even my pickiest eater requests it as a breakfast treat.
Ingredients
- Vanilla yogurt Adds natural creaminess and a touch of sweetness. Choose a brand with live active cultures if you want added probiotics
- Milk of choice Helps blend everything together. Oat milk makes it especially creamy but any favorite will work
- Unsweetened cocoa powder or chocolate protein powder Delivers the deep chocolate flavor. Check the ingredient list for pure cocoa with no fillers
- Pinch of salt Just a dash lifts all the other flavors. Sea salt is especially nice if you have it
- Peanut butter Optional but so tasty for a nutty richness. Use natural peanut butter with only peanuts on the ingredient list if possible
- Sugar or sweetener of choice Adjust to taste. Pure maple syrup or honey can add a nice touch but your preferred sweetener will work
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Blender
- Pour the yogurt into the blender followed by milk cocoa powder salt peanut butter if using and your sweetener. Layering the liquids first helps the blades blend smoothly and prevents powder from clumping
- Blend Until Smooth
- Start on low speed then increase to high and blend for about forty five seconds. Scrape down the sides if needed. What you want is a totally silky texture with no lumps
- Adjust and Serve
- Taste your smoothie and add more sweetener or milk if needed. If you want an extra thick result freeze your milk in an ice cube tray first then blend those cubes with the rest of the ingredients. Pour into a tall glass and enjoy right away
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I love using whole milk yogurt for the richest flavor but almond milk yogurt is fantastic too. This smoothie first entered our family’s snack lineup during a streak of hot afternoons—now it is the official summer cool-down request from everyone.
Storage tips
While chocolate smoothies are best enjoyed fresh you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to one day. The texture thickens as it chills so stir it well before sipping or add a splash of milk to loosen
Ingredient substitutions
Try almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for a new flavor twist. Dairy free yogurts and milks swap perfectly in this recipe. Banana slices make a creamy sweet substitute for some of the yogurt
Serving suggestions
Top your smoothie with cacao nibs sliced strawberries or a drizzle of melted peanut butter for a decadent treat. Sometimes I pour the smoothie into popsicle molds for a chilly grab and go dessert
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Cultural and historical context
Chocolate drinks date back thousands of years to ancient Mesoamerica where cacao beans were treasured as food of the gods. Smoothies as we know them are newer but this old meets new combo is pure comfort
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use regular or plant-based milk?
Yes, this smoothie works well with dairy, almond, oat, soy, or any milk you prefer for your desired creaminess and flavor.
- → How do I make it thicker?
For extra thickness, freeze milk in advance using an ice cube tray, then blend it with the rest of the ingredients.
- → Is yogurt necessary?
Yogurt adds creaminess and protein, but you can use dairy-free or regular yogurt, or substitute frozen banana for a similar texture.
- → What sweeteners work best?
You can use any sweetener you like—sugar, honey, agave, or a calorie-free option, depending on your preference.
- → Can I add extra flavors?
Enhance your smoothie by adding a splash of vanilla extract, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a handful of ice for extra frostiness.