Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie combines frozen banana, peanut butter, and cocoa powder into a thick, creamy drink that tastes like dessert. This simple smoothie comes together in just 10 minutes using basic ingredients you likely have in your kitchen.

Greek yogurt adds protein and creates a rich texture, while honey provides just the right amount of sweetness. It makes a satisfying breakfast or afternoon snack that both kids and adults love!

This chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie is full of all those rich flavors you love, but leaves you feeling energized instead of weighing you down like sweet treats so often do. 

I usually make this smoothie with whole milk because that's what I keep in my fridge, but I've tried it with almond milk and it turns out deliciously creamy. The Greek yogurt is key for that thick, milkshake-like texture, plus it adds protein that keeps me full through the morning.

The frozen banana is essential - it creates that perfect smoothie thickness and adds natural sweetness. I always keep a stash of peeled, frozen bananas in my freezer just for smoothies. When my bananas start getting too ripe on the counter, I peel them, break them into chunks, and pop them in a freezer bag.

I like to serve this smoothie in a tall glass topped with a few fresh banana slices and an extra drizzle of peanut butter just to make it extra fancy.

Ingredient Notes

See the printable recipe card below for all ingredients, specific measurements, and complete instructions.

• Banana: Use a frozen banana for the best thick and creamy texture. When freezing bananas, peel them first and break into chunks for easier blending.
• Greek yogurt: Vanilla Greek yogurt adds protein and creaminess to the Chocolate PB Banana Smoothie. Regular Greek yogurt works too - just keep in mind you might want to add a splash of vanilla extract or extra honey.
• Milk: Any variety works in this recipe. Whole milk creates a richer smoothie, while plant-based options like almond or oat milk make it dairy-free. Start with the smaller amount and add more if needed.
• Peanut butter: Brings healthy fats and that classic peanut butter flavor. Natural or regular peanut butter both work great here.
• Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder adds rich chocolate flavor without extra sugar. Make sure to measure it carefully as too much can make the smoothie bitter.
• Honey or maple syrup: These natural sweeteners complement the banana's sweetness. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your taste, or skip it if you prefer a less sweet smoothie.

How To Make a Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Start by gathering all your smoothie ingredients. The most important step happens beforehand - making sure you have a frozen banana ready to go. If you forgot to freeze your banana, pop it in the freezer for about an hour before making your smoothie.

Add the frozen banana chunks to your blender first, then measure in the vanilla Greek yogurt and start with ¼ cup of your chosen milk. Next, add the peanut butter, cocoa powder, and honey. Starting with less milk allows you to adjust the thickness later.

Now comes the fun part - blend everything until smooth! This usually takes about a minute, but you might need to stop and scrape down the sides of your blender once or twice. If the mixture seems too thick, gradually add more milk until you reach that perfect smoothie consistency.

Pour your finished smoothie into a tall glass. If you want to make it extra special, top it with a few fresh banana slices and drizzle some peanut butter on top.

Why is my smoothie too thick?

This usually means you need a bit more milk. Add it slowly, one tablespoon at a time, while blending until you reach your desired consistency. Remember that frozen bananas create a naturally thick smoothie.

Storing and Make Ahead

Store: If you need to save some for later, pour your leftover smoothie into a container with a tight-fitting lid and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The smoothie might separate as it sits - this is totally normal. Just give it a good stir before drinking.

Make Ahead: To make your mornings easier, create smoothie packs! Measure out all your ingredients except the milk and yogurt, then store them in individual freezer bags or containers. When you're ready for a smoothie, just dump a pack in the blender with your liquid ingredients. The frozen banana and premeasured ingredients make it super quick to blend up a fresh smoothie.

Substitutions and Variations

• Make it chocolate free. Skip the cocoa powder for a classic peanut butter banana smoothie. The vanilla Greek yogurt adds plenty of flavor on its own.
• Switch up the nut butter. Try almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter. Each brings its own unique flavor while keeping that creamy texture.
• Add some protein. Blend in a scoop of your favorite protein powder. Vanilla or chocolate flavors work especially well here.

Recipe Tips

• This smoothie tastes best right after blending when it's perfectly thick and creamy. The frozen banana creates that ideal smoothie texture that starts to change if you wait too long to drink it.
• Scrape down the sides of your blender once or twice during blending. This helps catch any cocoa powder or peanut butter that might stick to the sides, ensuring a smooth drink.
• Natural peanut butter tends to blend more smoothly than conventional varieties. If using regular peanut butter, you might need to blend a bit longer to fully incorporate it.
• Adjust the sweetness level to your taste. The riper your frozen banana, the sweeter your smoothie will be, so you might need less honey or maple syrup.

If you love a good smoothie recipe, try this Banana Breakfast Smoothie, Raspberry Peach Smoothie, and Triple Berry Kiwi Smoothie.

This chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie is a creamy drink that tastes like dessert. With just six ingredients, it comes together in only 10 minutes. The frozen banana creates the perfect thick texture, while peanut butter and cocoa powder add rich flavor. Make it for breakfast, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or anytime you need a nutritious chocolate treat!