Pin My toddler stood on a chair next to me, wide-eyed as the blender whirred frozen bananas into chocolatey soft-serve. We were supposed to be making breakfast, but somehow wed created dessert. That morning discovery turned into our go-to summer treat, thick enough to stand a spoon in yet healthy enough for before noon.
Last summer my sister visited and I made these bowls without mentioning what was in them. She polished hers, pushed the bowl away, and asked what kind of chocolate cream Id used. Her face when I said bananas was absolutely worth keeping secret.
Ingredients
- Frozen bananas: These create the creamy base so slice them before freezing for easier blending
- Peanut butter powder: Gives concentrated peanut flavor without making the mixture too heavy, though regular peanut butter works beautifully too
- Cocoa powder: Use unsweetened for that deep chocolate taste that balances the natural banana sweetness
- Coconut water: Adds just enough liquid to get things moving while keeping the texture thick and scoopable
- Fresh banana: The contrast between frozen creamy base and fresh slices is part of what makes this special
- Granola: Maple cinnamon adds warmth and that essential crunch factor
- Cacao nibs: These provide little bursts of intense chocolate and satisfying texture
- Hemp seeds: A subtle nuttiness plus protein and omega-3s without calling attention to themselves
- Mini chocolate chips: Optional but lets be honest, chocolate on chocolate is rarely a mistake
Instructions
- Blend the base:
- Add your frozen bananas, peanut butter powder, vanilla, cocoa powder, and coconut water to a blender. Start on low speed then work your way up, using that tamper tool to keep everything moving toward the blades.
- Achieve perfect consistency:
- You want it thicker than a drinkable smoothie, almost like soft-serve. If its too thick add another splash of coconut water, too thin toss in another frozen banana slice.
- Divide and conquer:
- Pour that gorgeous chocolate mixture into two bowls, using a spatula to get every last bit. The texture should hold its shape when you stop blending.
- Make it beautiful:
- Arrange your toppings in sections or scatter them across the top. The visual contrast of dark chocolate, bright yellow banana, and flecks of seeds makes people excited before they even take a bite.
- Serve immediately:
- This waits for no one. The longer it sits, the more it melts into regular smoothie territory, though my kids would argue thats still pretty excellent.
Pin These have become Sunday morning tradition in our house, something my kids now request by name. Watching them dig in with genuine enthusiasm makes all the blender noise worth it.
Making It Your Own
Switch up the nut butter or swap coconut water for almond milk if thats what you have. The base formula is forgiving and genuinely adaptable.
Texture Tips
Freeze your bananas in a single layer on parchment first so they dont fuse into a solid block. That small prep step saves serious blending frustration later.
Topping Ideas
Beyond what is listed, consider shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of peanut butter. The toppings are where you can let personal preference shine.
- Warm nut butter drizzled over the cold base creates the most incredible temperature contrast
- Fresh berries add brightness and make it feel even more substantial
- A sprinkle of sea salt on top intensifies all the chocolate flavors
Pin There is something deeply satisfying about eating something this decadent-feeling for breakfast and knowing it is doing your body good.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the smoothie base and store it in an airtight container in the freezer for a short period. Thaw slightly before serving to achieve the desired consistency.
- → What if I don't have peanut butter powder?
You can absolutely use regular peanut butter! The instructions suggest 2 tablespoons of traditional peanut butter as an alternative to the 1/4 cup of peanut butter powder, yielding a similarly rich flavor.
- → Are there any nut-free alternatives for this bowl?
Yes, for a nut-free version, swap out the peanut butter or peanut butter powder for an equal amount of sunflower seed butter. Also, ensure your granola is certified nut-free to avoid allergens.
- → How can I make this even creamier?
For an extra creamy texture, you can add a splash of almond milk or another plant-based milk to the blender. Using very ripe, thoroughly frozen bananas for the base also contributes significantly to a smoother consistency.
- → What other toppings would work well?
Beyond the suggested toppings, consider adding shredded coconut, chia seeds, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a few berries for extra flavor and visual appeal. Get creative with what you have on hand!
- → Can I use fresh bananas instead of frozen?
Using frozen bananas is crucial for achieving the thick, creamy, and cold consistency typical of a smoothie bowl that you can eat with a spoon. Fresh bananas will result in a much thinner texture, more like a regular smoothie you'd drink.