Raw Chocolate Banana Shake (Printable Version)
A creamy, naturally sweetened shake blending rich raw cacao with ripe bananas for a nourishing, energizing treat ready in minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Base
01 - 2 large ripe bananas, preferably frozen, peeled and sliced
02 - 1 ½ cups plant-based milk (almond, oat, or coconut)
→ Chocolate Flavor
03 - 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
04 - 1–2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or agave, adjusted to taste
05 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Texture & Extras
06 - 4–6 ice cubes, optional for thickness
07 - Pinch of sea salt
08 - 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds, optional for added nutrition
# Directions:
01 - Add the banana slices, plant-based milk, raw cacao powder, maple syrup (starting with the lesser amount), vanilla extract, and sea salt to the blender.
02 - Toss in ice cubes and chia or flaxseeds if using, to boost creaminess and nutritional value.
03 - Blend on high speed for 30 to 60 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth and frothy.
04 - Taste the shake and add more maple syrup or agave if a sweeter flavor is desired.
05 - Pour into two glasses and enjoy right away while cold and frothy.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Frozen bananas do all the heavy lifting for creaminess so you never need dairy or weird thickeners.
- Raw cacao gives you that deep chocolate hit without the sugar crash of regular cocoa powder.
02 -
- Frozen bananas are the entire secret to a thick creamy shake so peel and slice them before freezing or you will never get the skin off.
- Raw cacao is more bitter than regular cocoa powder so taste before adding sweetener or you will overcompensate and lose that rich dark flavor.
03 -
- Break your frozen banana slices into smaller pieces before blending because large chunks can jam the blades and burn out weaker blenders over time.
- A tiny splash of cold brewed coffee added to the blender gives the chocolate flavor an incredible depth without making it taste like a coffee drink.