Healthy Dessert Smoothie (Almond Joy)
This healthy dessert smoothie is creamy, chocolatey, and made with simple ingredients like banana, almond butter, and coconut milk. Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, it’s designed to keep you full while satisfying a sweet craving—perfect for breakfast, a snack, or post-workout.
Servings 1 smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 medium ripe banana, frozen
- 3 large ice cubes (about ⅓ cup)
- 1 large pitted medjool date
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened natural almond butter
- 1 scoop (5 tablespoons) vanilla protein (I like Ritual Protein)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup coconut or whole milk Greek yogurt
- 1 cup light coconut milk (I like Malk)
- 2 tablespoons cacao nibs plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut flakes plus more for garnish
Instructions
- In a high-speed blender, add the banana, ice, medjool date, almond butter, vanilla protein powder, chia seeds, vanilla, coconut yogurt, and coconut milk.
- Blend on low for 30 seconds until the ingredients are just incorporated. Slowly bring up the speed to medium and blend for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until thick and smooth.
- Add the cacao nibs and coconut flakes. Blend on medium for an additional 15 seconds, until the add-ins are just incorporated.
- Serve immediately. Garnish with extra cacao nibs and coconut flakes. Enjoy!
Notes
Swaps & Substitutions:
- Banana: Swap with frozen cauliflower or avocado for creaminess; add more sweetener if needed.
- Medjool date: Use maple syrup or honey, or skip for a less sweet smoothie.
- Almond butter: Sub with cashew, peanut, or sunflower seed butter.
- Vanilla protein powder: Any vanilla or chocolate protein works; omit if needed (less filling).
- Chia seeds: Swap with ground flaxseed or omit.
- Vanilla extract: Optional; swap with a pinch of cinnamon or skip.
- Coconut or Greek yogurt: Use any yogurt, or sub with more banana or milk.
- Light coconut milk: Any milk works; coconut adds the most flavor.
- Cacao nibs: Use dark chocolate chips or omit for smoother texture.
- Coconut flakes: Use shredded coconut or skip if preferred.
- Ice cubes: Skip if using a fully frozen banana for a creamier texture.