Dark Chocolate Banana Protein Shake
This Dark Chocolate Banana Protein Shake is a creamy, nutrient-packed drink blending sweet bananas with rich dark chocolate. Perfect for a healthy dinner or post-workout boost, it’s quick, satisfying, and guilt-free, delivering protein and flavor in every sip.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Dark Chocolate Banana Protein Shake is a deliciously healthy way to satisfy your sweet cravings while staying nourished. The combination of ripe bananas, rich dark chocolate, and protein-packed ingredients creates a creamy, indulgent drink that feels like a dessert but fuels your body like a meal. Perfect for a quick dinner on busy nights, a post-workout recovery, or a wholesome snack, this shake is easy to whip up in minutes with a blender. It’s naturally gluten-free, customizable for vegan or dairy-free diets, and loved by all ages. You’ll keep coming back to this nutritious, chocolatey treat!
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Use Ripe Bananas: Choose spotty, ripe bananas for natural sweetness and a smoother blend.
- Chill Ingredients: Use frozen bananas or cold milk for a refreshing, thick shake without extra ice.
- Blend Thoroughly: Blend for 60-90 seconds to ensure a silky texture with no chunks.
- Adjust Thickness: Add more milk for a thinner shake or less for a thicker, smoothie-bowl consistency.
- Sweeten Sparingly: Taste before adding sweetener; bananas and chocolate often provide enough sweetness.
- Clean Blender Easily: Rinse the blender immediately after pouring to prevent sticky residue.
Dark Chocolate Banana Protein Shake
Dark Chocolate Banana Protein Shake is a creamy, healthy drink with rich chocolate and sweet banana, perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
- ½ cup ice cubes (optional)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop vanilla or chocolate protein powder
- 1 tbsp dark chocolate chips (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
- 1 tbsp smooth almond butter
- 1 tsp chia seeds (optional)
- 2 medium ripe bananas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tbsp unsweetened dark cocoa powder
Instructions
- Prep Bananas: Peel bananas; if using fresh, break into chunks, or use frozen for a colder, thicker shake.
- Add Liquid Base: Pour almond milk into a blender to help ingredients blend smoothly and prevent sticking.
- Add Bananas: Toss in banana chunks, ensuring they’re evenly distributed for a consistent blend.
- Incorporate Protein: Add the scoop of protein powder, spreading it out to avoid clumping during blending.
- Add Cocoa and Nut Butter: Sprinkle in dark cocoa powder and almond butter for rich flavor and creaminess.
- Include Optional Ingredients: Add honey (if using), chia seeds, and vanilla extract for extra sweetness and nutrition.
- Add Ice: Toss in ice cubes for a chilled shake, or skip if using frozen bananas.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high for 60-90 seconds until creamy and lump-free; scrape sides if needed.
- Check Consistency: Taste and adjust with more milk for a thinner shake or extra banana for thickness.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour into a glass, sprinkle with dark chocolate chips if desired, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use frozen bananas for a thicker, smoothie-like texture without needing extra ice.
- Adjust sweetness by tasting before adding honey; ripe bananas may be sweet enough.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, increase cocoa powder by ½ tbsp, but taste first.
- Serve with a straw or spoon for a fun, versatile presentation.
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 330Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 3mgSodium 124mgCarbohydrates 46gFiber 6gSugar 26gProtein 18g
The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
- Bananas (2 medium): Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and creaminess; freeze for a thicker, colder shake.
- Protein Powder (1 scoop): Vanilla or chocolate whey or plant-based protein boosts nutrition; choose unsweetened for less sugar.
- Dark Cocoa Powder (2 tbsp): Unsweetened, high-quality cocoa (70%+ cocoa) provides rich chocolate flavor and antioxidants.
- Almond Milk (1 cup): Unsweetened almond milk keeps it light; use any milk for desired flavor.
- Almond Butter (1 tbsp): Adds nutty depth and healthy fats; use smooth, natural almond butter.
- Honey (1 tbsp, optional): Adds extra sweetness if needed; omit for lower sugar or use maple syrup.
- Chia Seeds (1 tsp, optional): Boosts fiber and omega-3s; adds slight texture but blends well.
- Vanilla Extract (½ tsp): Enhances sweetness and rounds out flavors; use pure extract.
- Ice Cubes (½ cup): Adds chill and thickness; omit if using frozen bananas.
- Dark Chocolate Chips (1 tbsp, optional): For garnish or extra chocolatey bursts; use high-cocoa-content chips.
Variations and Substitutions
- Milk Alternatives: Swap almond milk for oat, soy, or cow’s milk for different flavor or creaminess levels.
- Protein Powder Swap: Use collagen peptides or skip for a non-protein shake; adjust liquid for consistency.
- Nut Butter Options: Replace almond butter with peanut butter or cashew butter for varied nutty flavors.
- Sweetener Alternatives: Use maple syrup, agave, or stevia for vegan or low-sugar options.
- Fruit Variations: Add strawberries, blueberries, or mango for a fruity twist; adjust sweetness as needed.
- Cocoa Alternatives: Use carob powder for a caffeine-free version or cacao nibs for texture.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store in a sealed container for up to 24 hours; shake or stir before drinking as separation may occur.
- Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month; thaw slightly and blend to restore texture.
- Serving: Best enjoyed fresh; if stored, add a splash of milk before serving to adjust consistency.
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