So, I am revamping an older post because, guess what? This incredibly simple, creamy, drinkable vegan chocolate recipe ended up being the most popular smoothie on the blog in 2015! I am thrilled because this means I’ve connected with other fellow die-hard chocoholics who are in search of healthier alternatives. If like myself; you’re not ready to give up chocolate any time soon, here’s a wonderful recipe for you to enjoy- sans the dairy or guilt that kicks in afterwards. I added natural sweetener options & increased the amount of raw cacao that goes into the smoothie. Taste testing is something I do on a continual basis and if I think I have come up with a better concoction; you guys will always be the first to know!
And for those of you who asked… the recipe has been incorporated in Spanish, too! See below & Buen Provecho!
I love chocolate, probably a bit TOO much. At one point I added “chocoholic” to my Instagram blogger bio, for lack of a better word. If you come up with something better & more enthusiastic- am open to suggestions! “Chocoholic” or “chocolate enthusiast” don’t even begin to cut it or peel back the layers. The best part about eating whole, unprocessed foods is that I can still continue to enjoy my chocolate fix. Here are the good news: chocolate treats can be prepared in a healthy manner & continue to taste just as great!
Chocolate has been unfairly demonized thanks to the hoards of sugar and hormone packed dairy that have become its manufacturing “sidekicks”. The weight gain & acne often associated with chocolate do not stem from cacao itself; but from the sugar and dairy it’s embedded with. But if you bid the evil sidekicks farewell, we’re talking about a whole different animal. Cacao is packed with antioxidant goodness & has one of the highest concentrations of magnesium. Magnesium will benefit your cardiovascular system and helps lower blood pressure. I love to get informed and read about food. I strongly encourage you to do the same, knowledge is power. Power to make better choices and nourish the only body we’ve been given. So many poor choices are being made every day because of misinformation.
If you love chocolate- I promise you will love this smoothie. I often taste-test on friends and this smoothie was tested on a particular chocolate queen, who (for all purposes) shall remain anonymous. She couldn’t stop raving about it. She ocassionally comes to my house in the afternoon and offers to babysit in exchange for food. It’s truly a win-win. I get some solo time in the kitchen, while “G” she plays with my kids and waits for her upcoming treat. This passed the “G” test with flying colors. It’s loaded with soluble fiber in the form of dry oatmeal, good fats & protein in the form of almond butter, protein & calcium in the form of almond milk, potassium & more good fats coming from the banana, and all the antioxidants coming from raw cacao. It’s good, it’s healthy & I hope you enjoy it as much as these two chocoholics do.
Creamy Raw Cacao, Almond Butter & Oats Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1.5 tbsp of raw cacao (love using Navitas Natural or Giddy Yo Yo)
- 1 large, very ripe frozen banana sliced (peel & slice before freezing)
- 1 cup of almond or coconut milk * carrageenan free
- 1 tbsp of almond butter for healthy fats
- 1/3 cup of dry, old fashioned (GF) rolled oats
- 4 pitted medjool dates (soaked in water overnight) OR 1 tbsp pure maple syrup, raw agave syrup, coconut nectar, or organic date syrup. Of all of these offer natural, unrefined ways to sweeten.
Instructions
Blend on high until desired consistency is obtained. Because this smoothie has dry oats, it may take a little longer to blend than usual. For a Frappuccino-like texture, add a few ice cubes and blend on “Pulse”.
Smoothie de Cacao, Mantequilla de Almendras y Avena
Ingredientes
- 1.5 cucharadas (1 + la mitad de otra) de cacao puro en polvo. Me gustan las marcas Navitas o Giddy Yo Yo.
- 1 banano congelado grande maduro (cortado en rodajas antes de congelar)
- 1 taza de leche de almendras o leche de coco *libre de carrageenan
- 1 cucharada de mantequilla de almendras
- 1/3 taza de avena seca
- para endulzar: 4 dátiles sin semilla o 1 cucharada de jarabe de maple 100% puro
Instrucciones
Poner todos los ingredientes en la licuadora y mezclar en”High”hasta obtener la consistencia deseada, por lo general toma unos 30 segundos. Como el smoothie lleva avena y dátiles, a veces puede tomar un poco más, dependiendo de tu licuadora. Si lo quieren más espeso, hay que agregar unos cuantos cubos de hielo y pulsar en la licuadora en vez de usar “high”.
Lo mejor de este smoothie: lleva cacao puro que va lleno de antioxidantes, banano y mantequilla de almendra para consumir grasas saludables, es libre de lácteos, y va endulzado de forma 100% natural y sin usar nada de azúcar blanca refinada. Que lo disfruten!
This looks delicious! I recently bought a delicious chocolate protein smoothie at Whole Foods. But if I can make it at home with all the benefits? Oh yeah! Thanks reviving this awesome recipe!
Thank you!! I trust you’ll really enjoy this smoothie…it’s the creamiest, most “chocolatey” thing, ever! 🙂