This chocolate banana smoothie is a decadent reminder that warmer weather is on its way! The bitter cacao nibs balance the sweetness of the banana and dates, and make it extra chocolatey!
During my years in Montreal, spring was a season I awaited with much anticipation. The city seemed to come alive as layers were shed, parks transformed into green oases, and the streets filled with people emerging from their winter cocoons. I loved spending days at my friend (and confectionary artist extraordinaire) Alexandra’s place. We would bask in the warmth of her rooftop patio and treat ourselves to ice cream-like smoothies made with frozen bananas and dates!
The past few days, here on Vancouver Island, have been full of sunshine and spring flowers. My apartment can be deceiving, the sun pouring in, warming the air to a summer-like temperatures. I have to remind myself that outside it is still below 10C. I may still need a coat when I adventure outdoors, however while in inside, in my T-shirt and sans-socks, I have been indulging in this decadent chocolate banana smoothie, a fancied up version of those that we made back in my Montreal days.
Chocolate Banana Smoothie
Ingredients
- 3 bananas, sliced into quarters and frozen
- 1/4 cup cacao powder
- 6-8 small dates, pits removed
- 1 1/2 cup oat milk (or milk / milk alternative of choice)
- 2 Tbsp. cacao nibs (optional)
Place frozen bananas, cacao powder, dates and oat milk in blender. Blend until smooth.
Top with cacao nibs and prepare to be delighted!
* As always I encourage you to use organic ingredients. In this case I urge you to look for certified organic and certified fair trade (by a third party) cacao powder, cacao nibs and bananas, to support the fair and ethical treatment of farmers, as these products are often associated with child slave labour and poor treatment of workers.
I made this tonight, it was yummy! I like the crunchy cocoa nibs. I got lost in whole foods though and couldn’t find any dates, probably for the best on my wallet $, but it’s good unsweetened too. I also added peanut butter because that finds its way into almost everything I eat. Thanks for the recipe. Now I’ll try those salmon tacos sometime.
I’m so glad you liked it! I love the crunch of the cacao nibs, when you eat them on their own they can be very bitter, but in the smoothie they are soooo good… and yes I also thought adding peanut butter would be extra delicious!