Chocolate Banana Smoothie (Mexican Chocolate Style!)
This rich, creamy chocolate banana smoothie is made with Mexican chocolate almond butter, frozen banana, and cocoa. It’s a healthy, gluten-free treat in 5 minutes!
If you’re looking for a chocolate banana smoothie that goes way beyond basic, you’ve found it. This version gets its deep, complex flavor from homemade Mexican Chocolate Almond Butter — a luscious blend of cinnamon, almonds, and dark chocolate — combined with frozen banana and a hit of extra cocoa powder. It’s rich enough to satisfy a serious chocolate craving, but nutritious enough to feel great about drinking it for breakfast.
A chocolate cake craving actually inspired this recipe (we’ve all been there!), and the goal was simple: something luscious, chocolatey, and actually good for you. This smoothie delivers on all three. It’s been a reader favorite for years, and once you try it, you’ll understand why.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Banana Smoothie
Chocolate Banana Smoothie Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this chocolate banana smoothie:
- Frozen banana slices — The key to a thick, milkshake-like texture. Slice and freeze ripe bananas in advance (see tips below).
- Mexican Chocolate Almond Butter — This is the star ingredient! My homemade Mexican Chocolate Almond Butter combines almonds, dark cocoa, and cinnamon for a spread that takes this smoothie to another level. It also adds protein and healthy fat to keep you satisfied. Rushed for time? Just add almonds, cocoa powder, and cinnamon directly to your blender!
- Unsweetened cocoa powder — Just one extra tablespoon deepens the chocolate flavor and adds extra polyphenols. Because this is a chocolate smoothie, after all!
- Plant-based milk — Almond milk is a natural pairing here and keeps the almond theme going. Unsweetened soy milk also works beautifully and adds extra protein.
- Slivered almonds — Optional for garnish, but a lovely textural touch.
How to Make It
- Add all ingredients to your blender — milk first, then frozen banana slices, Mexican chocolate almond butter, and cocoa powder.
- Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy, about 60 seconds.
- If too thick, add a splash more milk. If too thin, add a few more frozen banana slices and blend again.
- Pour into a glass and garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder and slivered almonds if desired.
Hand blender option: Place all ingredients in a wide-bottomed metal cup or tall container and blend with an immersion blender until smooth.
Tips For The Best Chocolate Banana Smoothie
- Use frozen bananas. Fresh bananas will work in a pinch, but frozen ones give you that thick, cold, milkshake-like consistency that makes this smoothie so satisfying. Slice ripe bananas and freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. The riper the banana, the sweeter your smoothie.
- Make the Mexican Chocolate Almond Butter ahead. It stores beautifully and takes this smoothie from good to incredible. Get the recipe here.
- Choose your milk wisely. Almond milk keeps the almond flavor cohesive. Soy milk adds more protein (great if you’re skipping protein powder). Or add your favorite plant-based or regular milk.
- Boost the protein. If you’re having this as a meal replacement or post-workout drink, add a scoop of your favorite protein powder. Two I love: Drink Wholesome (minimal, clean ingredients) and Designs for Health Bone Broth Protein — it sounds unusual, but has zero “broth” taste in a smoothie.
- Support your gut health. Add a scoop of Regular Girl prebiotic/probiotic blend (use code EASTEWART10 for 10% off) to sneak in extra gut-health support without changing the flavor.
Variations & Substitutions
- Peanut butter version: Swap the Mexican Chocolate Almond Butter for peanut butter and add a pinch of cinnamon. Still delicious, just a different flavor profile.
- Higher protein: Add a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder.
- Extra chocolate: A tablespoon of cacao nibs blended in (or sprinkled on top) adds crunch and extra flavanols.
- Smoothie bowl: Pour into a bowl and top with banana slices, cacao nibs, slivered almonds, and a drizzle of almond butter. Yum!!
- Sweeter version: Add a Medjool date or a drizzle of maple syrup if your bananas aren’t very ripe.
👩🍳 Dietitian Nutrition Notes
As a registered dietitian, I love that this chocolate banana smoothie is genuinely nourishing — not just “healthy-ish.” Here’s what you’re actually getting in a glass:
Cocoa and polyphenols: Cocoa powder is one of the richest dietary sources of flavonoid polyphenols, a class of plant compounds with well-researched benefits for cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and inflammation. Research has shown that cocoa flavanols can support healthy blood flow and may benefit brain health over time.
One product I personally use and love is CocoaVia — a supplement made from high-flavanol cocoa extract that’s been studied in clinical trials. I add one scoop right into smoothies like this one. It’s definitely worth keeping on your smoothie station counter!
Bananas provide potassium (important for heart and muscle function), vitamin B6 (supporting mood and metabolism), and prebiotic fiber in the form of resistant starch, especially when the bananas are not fully ripe. They also deliver quick-acting natural sugars for energy alongside fiber to moderate the blood sugar response.
Almond butter contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, protein, fiber, magnesium, and vitamin E, all in a form that blends seamlessly into a smoothie.
Plant-based milk adds calcium and, depending on the variety, can also contribute vitamin D and additional protein (soy milk is particularly strong here).
Altogether, this smoothie delivers a solid balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats alongside antioxidant-rich cocoa — making it genuinely sustaining as a breakfast or snack, not just a “treat.”
Your FAQs Answered
Mexican Chocolate Banana Smoothie
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsweetened soy milk, or other plant based milk
- 1 cup frozen banana slices
- 2 tablespoons Mexican Chocolate Almond Butter
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, plus extra for serving if desired
- slivered almonds, optional for serving
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blended and blend on high speed until well combined. Alternatively, place ingredients in a wide bottomed metal glass or other container, and bend with a hand blender until well combined.
- Pour in to a glass, and garnish with optional cocoa powder and slivered almonds if desired.
Notes
- Low FODMAP Version: Make with almond milk, lactose-free milk, or any low FODMAP milk of choice.
- Ingredient Swaps: Add peanut butter and cinnamon in place of almond butter; use any dairy or non-dairy milk of your choice or kefir (for probiotics).
- Optional Add-Ins: Protein powder, fiber, Greek yogurt, cacao nibs, or medjool dates (for extra sweetness).
- Make a Smoothie Bowl: Pour into a bowl and top with banana slices, cacao nibs, slivered almonds, and a drizzle of almond butter.Pressed for time? Skip making the Mexican Chocolate Almond Butter and simply add 1/4 cup almonds, 1 extra tablespoon cocoa powder, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon to the other ingredients and blend until smooth and creamy.
this is like my dream shake! oh and love me some almonds!
What a killer shake, EA! The combo of flavors sounds so delicious, so refreshing…
My husband would adore this combination, must have him try it!
Nuts are the best! and we order from nuts.com too!
Smoothies made with frozen banana + whatever nut or seed butter I’ve made recently is a common occurrence when my husband’s home. When he’s not, my evening treat is often a hot chocolate, frequently of the Mexican spiced persuasion. That you’ve combined the two here makes me quite excited for the post-supper sip! My craving will *indeed* be satisfied. Thanks for the killer idea, and the helpful infographic as well!
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s to honor my cravings. Things turn very ugly when I ignore them (you’ll find me in the corner somewhere stuffing myself with ice cream). These photos are absolutely stunning (not surprised) and I feel like the almonds on that spoon will taste even better (Love the colors and the design!). I’ve been on the hunt for quick and easy GF treats for my clients so this is perfect! Pinned 😉
Yumm!! This looks TOO good! I can’t wait to give it a try 🙂
I am SO going to make this ASAP!
Cheers, Lisa
You. Are. Killing. Me. Sounds SO good, and I love that it is super healthy too. As if it would be anything else. 😉
Love this combination, EA. It vaguely reminds me of horchata with a lot more umph!
I love snacking on almonds and occasionally I have almond butter (especially on Passover when peanut butter is not allowed!). This shake looks delish, even though no bananas for me 😉
Oh boy do I need to make this pronto! As for almonds, I pretty much just eat as is – so easy to snack on 🙂
As is, is just perfect too! Hope you enjoy the shake as much as I do Deanna! 🙂