Raw Chocolate Banana Shake (Printer-Friendly)
Creamy blend of frozen bananas and raw cacao for a naturally sweetened, energizing beverage ready in minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Base
01 - 2 large ripe bananas, preferably frozen, peeled and sliced
02 - 1 ½ cups plant-based milk (almond, oat, or coconut)
→ Chocolate Flavor
03 - 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
04 - 1–2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or agave, adjusted to taste
05 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Texture & Extras
06 - 4–6 ice cubes, optional for extra thickness
07 - Pinch of sea salt
08 - 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds, optional for added nutrition
# How to Make It:
01 - Add the banana slices, plant-based milk, raw cacao powder, maple syrup (starting with the lesser amount), vanilla extract, and sea salt to the blender jar.
02 - Toss in the ice cubes and chia or flaxseeds if using, to boost creaminess and nutritional value.
03 - Secure the lid and blend on high speed for 30 to 60 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and frothy.
04 - Taste the shake and add more maple syrup or agave as needed, then pulse briefly to incorporate.
05 - Divide the shake evenly between two glasses and serve right away for the best texture and flavor.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Frozen bananas do all the heavy lifting for creaminess without a single drop of dairy.
- Raw cacao gives you that deep chocolate flavor without the sugar crash of processed cocoa mixes.
- The whole thing comes together in under five minutes, which is faster than waiting in line at any cafe.
02 -
- Frozen bananas are the entire foundation of the texture here, so if you use fresh ones you will get a thin smoothie instead of a shake.
- Raw cacao powder clumps stubbornly, so always add it on top of the liquid rather than at the bottom of the blender.
03 -
- Peel your bananas before freezing them, because peeling a frozen banana is a frustrating battle you will only fight once.
- A tiny pinch of cinnamon alongside the salt adds a warmth that most people cannot identify but everyone notices.