Rich chocolate, bright raspberries, and creamy banana - all blended into one stunning plant-based smoothie. This is the one you'll want to make on repeat.
If you've been stuck in a strawberry-banana smoothie rut (no judgment - it's a classic for a reason), this chocolate raspberry banana smoothie is here to shake things up. It's frosty, filling, and tastes a little bit like dessert, even though it's actually good for you. The chocolate almond milk does a lot of the heavy lifting flavor-wise, and the raspberries bring this gorgeous tartness that cuts right through the richness. Balanced, beautiful, and ready in five minutes.
I created this one on a whim when I had a bag of frozen raspberries taking up space in my freezer and a very ripe banana that needed to be used now. I threw in some chocolate almond milk thinking it might be weird - and it was anything but. My family immediately asked me to make it again the next morning. That's how you know.
This Smoothie Is…
- Ready in 5 minutes
- Naturally vegan and dairy-free
- Packed with antioxidants from the raspberries
- A great way to use up ripe bananas
- Kid-approved and breakfast-worthy
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Banana - The base of this smoothie. A ripe banana gives the most natural sweetness. Freeze it ahead of time for an extra thick, frosty texture - just peel and freeze it in a zip-lock bag the night before.
Raspberries - Fresh raspberries are wonderful when they're in season, but frozen raspberries work beautifully any time of year and actually make the smoothie colder and creamier. I keep a bag in the freezer year-round just for this.
Chocolate almond milk - This is the secret weapon. It gives the smoothie that deep chocolate flavor without adding any cocoa powder or sweetener. You can swap in any plant-based chocolate milk - oat, soy, or coconut all work great.
Hemp seeds - Optional but highly recommended. They add a protein boost and a little healthy fat without changing the flavor. Great for keeping you full through the morning.
Vanilla extract - Just a small splash rounds out the chocolate flavor and adds a little warmth. Easy to skip if you're in a rush.
Helpful Tips
Freeze your banana ahead of time. A frozen banana makes this smoothie so much thicker and creamier - almost milkshake-like. Just keep a stash of peeled, frozen bananas in your freezer and you'll always be ready.
Use frozen raspberries for a frostier result. If you're using fresh raspberries, add a few ice cubes to get that chilled, blended texture. Frozen raspberries can go straight from the freezer into the blender.
Start with less liquid. It's always easier to add more almond milk to thin it out than to fix a smoothie that's too runny. Start with ¾ cup and add more as needed.
Blend in stages. If your blender struggles with frozen fruit, pulse a few times first before blending on high. This helps everything break down evenly.
Variations
Triple berry: Swap half the raspberries for frozen blueberries or blackberries for an even more antioxidant-rich blend.
Chocolate peanut butter: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter for a thicker, nuttier smoothie that's seriously satisfying.
Mocha smoothie: Add a shot of cooled espresso or a teaspoon of instant coffee for a grown-up, caffeinated twist.
Green smoothie: Toss in a big handful of spinach - you won't taste it at all, and you'll get a nice nutrient boost hidden under all that chocolate-raspberry flavor.
Protein smoothie: Stir in a scoop of your favorite vegan chocolate protein powder for a post-workout version.
Serving Ideas
This smoothie is perfect as a quick breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up. Pour it into a tall glass with a reusable straw for an everyday treat, or serve it in a bowl topped with granola, fresh raspberries, and a drizzle of nut butter for a smoothie bowl. You can also make a double batch and freeze half in popsicle molds for a fudge-pop situation your kids will love.
Recipe
Chocolate Raspberry Banana Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 large banana frozen ahead of time if desired
- 1 heaping cup fresh raspberries
- 1 cup chocolate almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- 2 tablespoons hemp seeds optional
- A few ice cubes optional
Instructions
- If using a frozen banana, make sure it’s been peeled and frozen at least 2 hours ahead (overnight is ideal). This gives the smoothie a thick, creamy, milkshake-like texture.
- Add the banana, raspberries, chocolate almond milk, and vanilla extract to a blender. Add hemp seeds and ice cubes if using.
- Blend on high for 30–60 seconds until completely smooth. Stop and scrape down the sides if needed.
- Taste and adjust — add a splash more almond milk for a thinner consistency or more ice for a frostier smoothie. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
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