A creamy chocolate smoothie is a perfect way to indulge without the guilt. Roasted hazelnuts, cocoa, and banana make each sip satisfying!
It’s been quite a whirlwind of a week! I’ve been cooking up a storm to share some exciting new recipes with you. Things can get a little hectic balancing work, cooking, and family, but I embrace the journey.
I created a particular Nutella-inspired dreamy chocolate hazelnut smoothie recipe that will put a smile on anyone’s face in an instant. It’s made with healthier ingredients, so you can indulge and enjoy. Take a sip and relax during your next well-deserved mental break.
I got hooked on Nutella, the most luscious chocolate hazelnut spread after a trip to Italy. Endless gelato stands were selling “bacio” flavored ice cream, and I couldn’t get enough. I was happy to find I could get some similar flavors characteristics from Nutella spread. Knowing that this may be a more of an occasional treat, I created a smoothie that has all of the right elements just slimmed down a bit.
I scored and found roasted unsalted hazelnuts from Trader Joes. If you can’t find hazelnuts already roasted, you can toast them in a saute pan until fragrant or roast them in an oven at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes.
For the chocolate flavor, I added unsweetened cocoa powder. Two tablespoons give a nice mild chocolate flavor. Three tablespoons add a little more of a punch and slight bitterness if you like that dark chocolate taste.
If you are looking for an even healthier substitute cacao powder is similar to cocoa powder in flavor, just slightly more mild and has more fiber, protein, iron, and antioxidants. Frozen bananas add just the right amount of creaminess to the smoothie. The combination is a win!
I’m sure you could only imagine how fun this recipe was to test, I wish I had you in the kitchen to help me taste! I like to throw this more decadent smoothie in with my daily smoothie routine, especially on the weekends. Some of my go-to blends are strawberry banana and a matcha smoothie packed with greens. What are your favorite smoothie flavors?
What are easy ways to add creaminess to a smoothie?
I always like adding a creamy element to my smoothie blends. Using milk and yogurt or more obvious choices, but you can also use nuts and bananas to give that smooth mouthfeel. I used hazelnuts and banana for a vegan option for this recipe. Other nuts you can use are walnuts, pistachios, almond or cashews. Each has a unique flavor. I found cashews to have the creamiest texture when blended. Also, adding some coconut milk or cream (canned) is an excellent sweet and fragrant substitute for dairy milk or cream.
Chocolate Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk, (dairy, almond, cashew, soy, coconut)
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, unsweetened
- ½ cup hazelnuts, roasted unsalted
- ½ cup banana, 1 frozen banana
- 4 teaspoons honey, or maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon hazelnut extract, optional
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a blender. Blend until smooth, about 1 minute.
- Add more liquid or ice cubes to thin out or thicken the consistency if needed.
Equipment
Notes
- Add hazelnut extract for a stronger hazelnut flavor. You can substitute vanilla or almond extract although the hazelnut flavor may not be as strong.
- You can add 3 tablespoons cocoa powder for a more robust cocoa flavor, but it's slightly more bitter.
- Add melted dark chocolate for a more decadent smoothie.
- Cacao powder can be substituted for cocoa powder for a more mild flavor with added health benefits.
Nutrition Facts
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000-calorie diet. All nutritional information is based on estimated third-party calculations. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
Kitty says
This was delicious!! Can’t recommend enough. I used almonds.
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you for your feedback! Great to hear that almonds work well in the recipe too.
Tami F says
Is this 1/2 cup banana plus one frozen banana? It looks delicious, I just wasn’t 100% sure on the amount of banana to put in…
Jessica Gavin says
It’s either 1/2 cup of banana or 1 frozen banana.
PK Madsen says
Thinking this would be good heated for those winter days, too.
Jessica Gavin says
I like the way you think PK!
Bethany @ athletic avocado says
I LOVE nutella, so I’m about 100% sure I’d LOVE this smoothie!
Jessica Gavin says
I am sure you will enjoy this smoothie too Bethany! I would love to hear what you think 🙂
Sasha @ Eat Love Eat says
This looks amazing! What could be better than liquid nutella?! And it isn’t too unhealthy either! Sounds like a good one to try at the weekend 🙂
Jessica Gavin says
I totally agree Sasha! Each sip is so yummy 🙂 Definitely a smoothie to make this weekend!
Mairéad says
This looks delicious Jessica. We go through jars of Nutella in our house. Nutella crêpes feature on our lunchtime menu at least weekly. Thanks for a great Nutella recipe.
Jessica Gavin says
You’re so welcome! I hope you get a chance to try this nutella inspired smoothie since you’re family loves it so much 🙂 Have you tried making a homemade version?
CakePants says
This looks phenomenal! Whenever I roast hazelnuts for a recipe, I end up with 1/4 cup or so left over – perfect for a single serving of this smoothie! I’m looking forward to trying this.
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you CakePants! I can’t wait to hear what you think 🙂 What do you make with the roasted hazelnuts?