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This Almond Joy-inspired smoothie popped into my head one afternoon when I wanted something sweet but didn't want to ditch the healthy stuff. Creamy banana rich chocolate almonds and a touch of coconut instantly give me candy bar memories in a glass. It's my fave way to sneak in spinach and natural sweetness without feeling like I'm missing out.
Irresistible Reasons To Try
You get a killer mix of coconut and chocolate while hiding greens that you can't even taste. Toss everything in the blender and it's done in no time. Plus you can totally tweak it so it's as rich or sweet as you want.
Grab These
- Add Some Sweetness: If your banana's not super sweet pop in a little honey or maple syrup.
- Bring The Fun: Cocoa powder almond butter or whole almonds maybe a dash of coconut extract for that vacation vibe.
- Get Creamy: Frozen banana blended with almond or coconut milk works wonders.
- Sneak In Greens: A handful of fresh spinach and you won't notice at all.
Smoothie Time
- Fancy Toppings
- Pour into your best mug or glass dust some cocoa or sprinkle coconut on top if you want.
- Thicken Or Thin
- If it's runny toss in more banana or a few ice cubes. Too thick? Splash in some extra milk.
- Toss In The Flavor
- Now add the bananas cocoa almond butter and whatever sweetener calls your name.
- Start With Spinach
- First blitz the milk and spinach together until it's all smooth and there's zero green flecks left.
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Pro-Tips
Make sure bananas hit the freezer when they're spotted and sweet their flavor is the best then. Always blend the spinach first so you don't end up with green bits everywhere. If you want extra richness grab chocolate almond milk right from the start.
Feel-Good Facts
Bananans bring easy energy while spinach sneaks in vitamins and iron. Cocoa's not just yummy it's loaded with antioxidants. Almonds add filling fats and protein so this one actually keeps you going. If I'm hungry I'll throw in some protein powder as well.
Stash Advice
It really shines when you drink it right away but it'll be fine in the fridge for a day or so. Shake or stir before you sip again. Skip freezing though it messes with the taste and texture big time.
Switch It Up
Try almond oat or soy milk every plant milk changes things up. Stir in some oats for more oomph or sprinkle chia seeds in for a healthy boost. Once in a while I throw in some frozen cauliflower for extra creaminess no flavor just smooth texture like the spinach.
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Make It Yours
Tinker with the sweetness until you nail your favorite. My kids want double banana but I'm all about extra chocolate. Top with whatever you love—drizzle dark chocolate scatter coconut or crush up some almonds. There's really no wrong way so have fun with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Will I actually taste spinach?
- Nope, the coconut and chocolate totally hide it. The green just shows in the color and gives a nutrition boost.
- → How should I make it sweet?
- Rely on the frozen banana first. After blending, see if you want to add honey or something else. Use stevia only a tiny bit at a time.
- → How do I boost the coconut flavor?
- Use coconut milk, throw in a little cream of coconut, and, if you want, a splash of coconut extract.
- → What makes it thick?
- Toss in more ice or grab a frozen banana. Freeze coconut milk into cubes for extra creamy texture if you want.
- → Can I make this in advance?
- Bag up everything but the liquids and freeze. When you're ready, just blend with milk. It's best right after blending.