Chunky Monkey Smoothie Bowls (Printable Version)

Rich chocolate-peanut butter banana blends topped with granola, fresh slices, and seeds.

# Ingredient List:

→ Smoothie Base

01 - 2 medium bananas, peeled, sliced, and frozen
02 - 1/4 cup peanut butter powder or 2 tablespoons peanut butter
03 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 - 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
05 - 2 to 3 tablespoons coconut water

→ Toppings

06 - 1 medium banana, peeled and sliced
07 - 1/2 cup maple cinnamon granola
08 - 2 teaspoons cacao nibs
09 - 2 teaspoons hemp seeds
10 - 2 teaspoons mini chocolate chips, optional

# Steps:

01 - Place frozen bananas, peanut butter powder or peanut butter, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and coconut water into a high-powered blender or food processor.
02 - Blend on low speed, gradually increasing to medium-high, using the tamper to keep the mixture moving. If using a food processor, pulse and scrape down the sides as needed until the mixture reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
03 - Divide the smoothie base evenly between two bowls.
04 - Top each bowl with sliced banana, granola, cacao nibs, hemp seeds, and mini chocolate chips if desired.
05 - Serve the smoothie bowls at once while the base is chilled and toppings are fresh.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like a decadent dessert but gives you real energy without the midmorning slump.
  • You can make it with what you already have in your pantry, and it comes together in less time than it takes to brew coffee.
  • The texture is thick and creamy enough to eat with a spoon, which makes it feel more satisfying than drinking a smoothie.
  • Kids and adults both love it, so you're not making two different breakfasts on busy mornings.
02 -
  • If your blender struggles with frozen fruit, let the bananas sit on the counter for five minutes before blending or add a bit more liquid.
  • Using too much coconut water will turn your bowl into a drinkable smoothie, so add it one tablespoon at a time until it just barely moves in the blender.
  • Don't skip freezing the bananas overnight, room temperature or refrigerator cold bananas won't give you that creamy, thick texture you're after.
03 -
  • Freeze your bananas in a single layer on a tray before transferring them to a bag so they don't clump together and are easier to blend.
  • Add a pinch of sea salt to the base before blending to bring out the chocolate flavor and make everything taste richer.
  • If you want it sweeter, drizzle a little maple syrup or honey on top instead of blending it in so you can control exactly how much you're using.
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