A velvety, nutrient‑packed chocolate shake that feels like dessert—no guilt required.
Introduction
Imagine starting your day or ending your evening with a glass of pure chocolate bliss that also happens to be packed with nutrients.
This decadent raw chocolate smoothie marries the rich, bittersweet notes of raw cacao with creamy avocado, ripe banana, and a splash of plant‑based milk. Each sip feels like velvet on your tongue—silky, indulgent, and intensely chocolatey—yet it contains no dairy, no refined sugar, and no guilt.
What makes this decadent raw chocolate smoothie recipe truly special is its simplicity. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can craft a beverage that rivals any dessert‑style shake.
Frozen banana slices create a thick, ice‑cream–like base, while avocado lends body and healthy fats. Raw cacao powder delivers antioxidants and deep cocoa flavor, balanced by the natural sweetness of maple syrup or agave. A dash of vanilla rounds out the profile, bringing warmth and depth.
Beyond its luxurious taste, this smoothie is designed to fuel your body. It offers fiber, potassium, and magnesium to support energy levels, muscle recovery, and mood. Raw cacao brings flavonoids that may help lower blood pressure and improve circulation.
Avocado provides monounsaturated fats for heart and brain health, while banana ups the ante on texture and sweetness without added sugar.
Whether you’re craving a post‑workout refuel, a nutrient‑boosting breakfast, or a decadent treat that won’t derail your healthy habits, this raw chocolate smoothie fits the bill.
It takes just five minutes to blend and requires no cooking at all. Top it with crunchy cacao nibs, a sprinkle of chia seeds, or even a handful of spinach for a green boost. Ready to indulge in the healthiest—and most indulgent—chocolate shake you’ll ever taste? Let’s blend!
Ingredient Benefits
Raw Cacao Powder
- Antioxidant Powerhouse: Cacao ranks high on the ORAC scale, helping to fight free radicals.
Healthline – 9 Health and Nutrition Benefits of Cocoa Powder
- Mood Booster: Contains phenylethylamine and magnesium, which can improve mood and support relaxation.
Banana
- Natural Sweetener & Texture: Provides creaminess and sweetness without added sugar.
- Potassium & Fiber: A medium banana has 422 mg of potassium and 3 g of fiber, supporting heart health and digestion.
Avocado
- Healthy Fats: Rich in monounsaturated fats that support heart and brain health.
- Creamy Mouthfeel: Makes the smoothie luxuriously thick and silky.
Plant‑Based Milk
- Dairy‑Free Creaminess: Almond, oat, or coconut milk adds smoothness without lactose.
- Vitamin Fortification: Many are enriched with calcium and vitamin D for bone health.
Cacao Nibs
- Crunchy Texture: Offers a contrast to the smoothie’s creaminess.
- Nutrient Dense: Raw nibs retain the bean’s fiber, iron, and magnesium.
Optional Add‑Ins
- Chia Seeds: Boost fiber and omega‑3s.
- Protein Powder: Increase protein for a post‑workout boost.
- Spinach: Sneak in extra greens without altering flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 large ripe banana, peeled and frozen
- ½ ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
- 2 Tbsp raw cacao powder
- 1 cup unsweetened plant‑based milk (almond, oat, or coconut)
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup or agave (optional, to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp cacao nibs, plus extra for topping
- Optional: 1 Tbsp chia seeds, 1 scoop vegan protein powder, a handful of spinach
Equipment Needed
- High‑speed blender
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Spatula
- Tall glass or mason jar
- Small spoon (for swirl and topping)
Step‑by‑Step Directions
- Prep Your Ingredients
- Freeze banana slices at least 2 hours in advance.
- Scoop and pit avocado.
- Layer Your Blender
- Add plant‑milk first.
- Then avocado, banana, and cacao powder.
- Add maple syrup and vanilla if using.
- Finish with cacao nibs and optional add‑ins.
- Blend Until Smooth
- Start on low speed, then ramp to high.
- Blend 30–45 seconds, scraping down sides once.
- Aim for a thick, creamy texture.
- Serve & Swirl
- Pour into your favorite glass.
- Sprinkle extra cacao nibs on top.
- Swirl a few through the top with a spoon for a marbled effect.
- Enjoy Immediately
- Drink right away for the best texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbs: 40 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Sugar: 18 g
- Magnesium: 30% DV
- Potassium: 20% DV
Values approximate and vary by ingredient brands.
Tips for a Perfect Smoothie
- Use Frozen Fruit: Keeps the smoothie thick and cold without watering it down.
- High‑Speed Blender: Ensures raw cacao powder and avocado fully emulsify.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste before topping. Add maple syrup sparingly; ripe bananas add natural sugar.
- Layering Matters: Liquids first help blades move freely.
- Cleaning Hack: Fill blender halfway with warm water, blend, and rinse for quick cleanup.
Flavor Variations
- Mint Chocolate: Add a few fresh mint leaves.
- Mocha Twist: Add 1 tsp instant coffee granules.
- Berry Boost: Toss in ¼ cup frozen berries.
- Nut Butter Swirl: Drizzle in 1 Tbsp almond or peanut butter.
- Matcha Fusion: Stir in ½ tsp ceremonial‑grade matcha for an antioxidant lift.
Make‑Ahead & Storage
- Smoothie Packs: Pre‑portion banana, avocado, and cacao powder into freezer bags. Freeze and grab one for a quick blend.
- Overnight Prep: Blend all ingredients except nibs in the evening. Store in the fridge and shake well before drinking.
- Leftover Smoothie: For a thicker dessert, freeze leftover smoothie in popsicle molds for a healthy treat.
How to Serve & Pair
- Breakfast Plate: Serve alongside avocado toast or overnight oats.
- Snack & Sides: Pair with chia pudding or fresh fruit salad.
- Garnish Ideas: Top with coconut flakes, crushed nuts, or a drizzle of nut milk.
- Drink Pairing: Complement with a cup of herbal tea or black coffee for a balanced morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I omit avocado?
Yes—replace with ¼ cup silken tofu or Greek yogurt for creaminess. - Why is my smoothie grainy?
Under‑blended cacao or avocado. Blend longer or use freshly ground cacao. - Can I use cocoa powder?
Raw cacao has more nutrients and less processing, but natural cocoa powder works too. - Is this smoothie vegan?
Yes—use plant‑based milk and skip yogurt add‑ins. - Can I drink this if I’m on a low‑sugar diet?
Reduce banana to half and add extra avocado or spinach for fiber.
Try This Out Now!
Blend & Indulge!
Try this decadent raw chocolate smoothie recipe today. Snap a pic, tag #RawChocoBliss, and share your creamy creation!
References
- Harvard T.H. Chan – Dark Chocolate – The Nutrition Source
- Healthline –11 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Bananas
- WebMD – Health Benefits of Avocado
