Chocolate Protein Coffee Bean Smoothie
Your morning (or afternoon, I don’t judge) coffee and breakfast! No better way to start your day. Creamy, tasty and with just the right boost of energy without the caffeine rush or crash.
Since I was a kid, I’ve always had a sweet tooth. Sweet or savory, I’d choose sweet every time (and still would). My favorite flavor combination has always been some form of chocolate, banana, and peanut butter. Add in a little taste of coffee and we’re cooking with gas. Since I’ve gotten older, my sugar cravings have subsided and sweet tooth isn’t quite as prevalent as it used to be, but I still love a good sweet treat. However, now when I’m eating a chocolate-peanut butter-banana creation the ingredients are from real, clean, whole foods and it leaves me feeling great, instead of experiencing a sugar rush and crash.
So, one of my favorite things is this chocolate protein coffee bean smoothie. This smoothie has lots going for it, but five very good things in particular:
Antioxidants from cacao powder, cauliflower and zucchini
Protein & healthy fats from peanut butter, hemp seeds and protein powder
An energizing kick from the coffee beans that doesn’t cause a caffeine rush or crash
Fiber from the zucchini and cauliflower, which helps enhance weight loss and digestion
Vitamins C and A from the zucchini to help your immune system
This chocolate protein coffee bean smoothie is so tasty, healthy and satisfying. It straight up tastes like a dessert, except it’s made from fruit and vegetables … need I say more?! It’s thick, creamy, has a slight crunch, and is sweetened completely naturally with dates and banana.
Adding cacao powder to breakfasts like smoothies, oatmeal, overnight oats or chia pudding is a great way to incorporate antioxidants, minerals AND an energy boost into your meal. Plus…when you sweeten it naturally, it tastes pretty darn close to “real” chocolate!
Give it a try and let me know what you think! I’m pretty darn confident you won’t be disappointed.
How To Make This Smoothie
Course Breakfast
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Calories 460 kcal
Ingredients
1/2 cup frozen cauliflower
1/2 cup frozen zucchini
1 frozen banana
1 tablespoon peanut butter (or nut butter of choice)
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
1 tablespoon raw cacao
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon hemp seeds
1 large medjool date
2 scoops coffee beans
3/4 cup water (modify for desired thickness)
Topped with coconut flakes, chia seeds, cacao nibs, and chopped figs
Instructions
When ready to start making the smoothie, add all ingredients in the order listed (minus your toppings) to a blender.
Start by blending slowly, then blend on high until smooth and creamy. Pour into glasses, top with coconut flakes, chia seeds, cacao nibs and chopped figs if desired. Enjoy!