Banana Split Smoothie

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Glass of our amazing Vegan Banana Split Smoothie with Coconut Whipped Cream and a cherry on top

Originally, this was supposed to be avocado chia seed chocolate pudding for the May Bonus Recipe.

However, that didn’t work out so well. Turns out, no matter how much melted dark chocolate I pour over avocados, it still kinda tastes like chocolate avocado. Back to the drawing board.

New idea: Banana Split Chocolate Smoothie!

Good news: Smashing success. So delicious, in fact, that it was destined for the blog (I mean, look at that glam shot). Hubba.

Nut butter, nut milk, cherries, bananas, cocoa powder, and shredded coconut for making our vegan Banana Split Smoothie

This smoothie is such a simple concept but delivers big on flavor and decadence.

It starts with frozen bananas blended with cacao powder and almond butter. Next comes a couple of dates for sweetness, almond milk, and vanilla extract. The result is a rich, chocolaty, banana-infused shake that’s insanely delicious. Plus, just 9 ingredients, 1 blender, and 10 minutes required.

Let’s serve this baby up and get to snacking, shall we?

Blender with our freshly blended Banana Split Smoothie recipe

How is this a banana split smoothie, you ask?

For starters, it has three bananas! Two in the smoothie and one for serving. Get it? Banana split in the glass? You guys are smart.

For toppings, I went with plenty of coconut whipped cream, shredded coconut, cacao nibs (a must!), and a cherry.

Large glass of our Banana Split Smoothie for a delicious vegan treat

I think you’re going to LOVE this smoothie! It’s:

Decadent
Rich
Creamy
Super chocolaty
Naturally sweet
Antioxidant-rich
& So delicious

This would make a perfectly suitable breakfast if you prefer sweeter smoothies, but I see it as more of a dessert! The coconut whip, shredded coconut, and cacao nibs send it over the top (highly recommended)!

If you give this recipe a try, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag a picture #minimalistbaker on Instagram so we can see. Cheers, friends!

Top view of our Banana Split Smoothie showing a cherry and cacao nibs on top of coconut whip
Top view of our Banana Split Smoothie topped with coconut whip and cacao nibs

Banana Split Smoothie

Decadent but healthy 9-ingredient banana split smoothie with frozen banana, cacao powder, and almond butter! Creamy, rich, so satisfying.
Author Minimalist Baker
Print
Tall mug of our Banana Split Smoothie topped with coconut whip, cacao nibs, and a cherry
4.96 from 24 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 2 (smoothies)
Course Beverage, Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine Gluten-Free, Vegan
Freezer Friendly 2 Days
Does it keep? No

Ingredients

SMOOTHIE

  • 2 medium-large bananas (ripe, peeled, sliced and frozen)
  • 2 Tbsp cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
  • 1 Tbsp salted almond butter (if unsalted, add pinch sea salt)
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (more depending on preferred thickness)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 pitted dates (optional // for extra sweetness)

TOPPINGS

Instructions

  • Add frozen banana, cacao powder, almond butter, and almond milk to a blender and blend on low until thick and creamy (see photo), scraping down sides as needed. You are looking for a soft serve consistency.
  • Add vanilla extract, dates (optional), and a bit more almond milk and blend once more until thick and creamy and well blended. Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more almond butter for nuttiness, vanilla extract for vanilla flavor, salt for flavor balance, or cacao powder for more intense chocolate flavor. Set blender in freezer or refrigerator while preparing serving glasses.
  • Cut a banana in half lengthwise and peel. Then slice in half lengthwise again (so you have four pieces). Slide banana wedges down into two serving glasses (or 1 large serving glass, as pictured // amounts as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size), and press with a spoon to “adhere” to the sides.
  • Add smoothie and top with desired toppings, such as coconut whipped cream, cherries, shredded coconut, and cacao nibs (I highly recommend all!).
  • Best when fresh but can be covered and frozen up to 2 days. Let thaw before enjoying.

Notes

*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with toppings but no dates.

Nutrition (1 of 2 servings)

Serving: 1 smoothies Calories: 359 Carbohydrates: 50.1 g Protein: 5.9 g Fat: 19.3 g Saturated Fat: 13 g Trans Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 13 mg Fiber: 8 g Sugar: 23.7 g

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My Rating:




    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Thanks so much for the lovely review, Shing. We are so glad you enjoyed it! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating with your review? It’s super helpful for us and other readers. Thanks so much! Xo

  1. Vicky says

    I am a huge fan of banana split and this smoothie/ desert is just the best thing ever! I didn’t expect it to be so amazing and will be making this so so much because it is happiness in a cup! lol Thank you!!!!

  2. Sophie Mansour says

    I made this smoothie for breakfast, it was sooooo good!!! I added some ice cubes because i didn’t have frozen bananas and it made it colder:)
    I would say this is one of the best smoothies i’ve ever tasted! My sister had a cup of it too and she LOVED it!
    Sophie

  3. Emily says

    Yum! This is a staple treat for me! I love single serving desserts that I can whip up in a few minutes. It’s great even without the dates (my blender doesn’t do well with them).

  4. JoAnna says

    I just saw this on my Instagram feed and glory be, I had all of the essential ingredients- I did have to substitute coconut milk because no almond. And wowza!!! Soooo delicious. Thanks so much for your passion to keep bringing healthy, delicious, and inspiring recipes to others – and oh so eye appealing too.

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Maybe freeze the leftover in ice cube trays and add to a Vitamix or other high-speed blender like you would “nice cream”? Let us know if you try it!

  5. TJ George says

    I have not made this yet, but plan to. I have a question about the calorie count (and I haven’t sat down to figure the ingredients individually). What makes the calorie and sugar/carbohydrate count so high?

    Thanks
    This looks VERY promising!

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      We hope you enjoy this smoothie! Really, a combo of the ingredients contributes to the higher sugar count. This smoothie is decadent and delicious and totally worth a couple extra calories ;)

  6. Chris Walker says

    Excellent! I added protein powder and extra almond milk to make a smoothie. It was a true meal substitute. I was not hungry for hours. Thank you! I will definitely try this as ice cream as well – great idea.

  7. Lisa Loney says

    I just made this for breakfast and it’s incredible! I don’t know why I didn’t try it before. I think I may have to make a second one shortly. It’s exactly as you describe. Thanks, Dana! Genius idea!

  8. Phalen says

    I made this and it tasted amazing! I just used cashew butter instead of almond butter, and using the dates definitely did help with the sweetness, but was not too overpowering.

  9. Jessie says

    This was really good, totally hit the spot! My husband and I both loved it! Added a little extra almond milk and think when I make it next time, I’ll add some coca nibs and extra almond butter. Yum!

  10. KB Byerly says

    I’ve made a chocolate smoothie something (kinda, sorta) like this but without four of the ingredients listed here. :) Also, I’m allergic to coconut, so, often when you use it, especially if there is a lot of it, I move on to a different recipe. But this looked so fantastic!

    So, I subbed Aquafaba for it (I haven’t found a better coconut alternative that I like)! It was so delicious! Often, I check out your recipes because the pictures are crazy good. I tried your Cashew-Less Queso, as well as the Vegan Queso [with Cashews included] and they were both phenomenal and received RAVE reviews! Your Vegan Peanut Butter Cup Pie is also a dream! It came out absolutely amazing [for me] and was non-vegan approved! I’m more of the “taster” who likes to feed others.

    I wanted to post a pics but my phone is ruination incarnate and my Nikon is broken. Sad face … yes, sad face. :( Keep up the fabulous work, Dana! You rock! I so look forward to the emails with the bright, beautiful pictures and wonderful recipes I receive from you! ~KB

  11. Ive says

    My daughter was craving ice cream after dinner this evening and wanted to buy some. I said I’ll try my best to prepare a healthier version, she seemed sceptical. I then whipped together the chocolate ? part of this…what can I say…she and her brother were both pretty blown away and said that I should hold onto the recipe for future reference ? Many thanks Dana!

  12. Lisbeth Pisias says

    Delicious! I added 1 Tbs Mexican Cocoa powder and 1 Tbs regular Cocoa powder, and honey as I was out of dates. It was AMAZING!!!

  13. Jessica says

    Yum! I just made this as a mid-morning, post-workout treat. I added some protein powder and a bit of maca powder as well (I can’t stand the taste of maca so figured this smoothie, if anything, could mask it!) and it is very good! I didn’t have any milk on hand so mixed a can of coconut milk with water (I think I saw you do that in an IG story a while back? Curious how you get rid of all the lumps. I could use a blender, I suppose) and that worked well. I ended up adding too much “milk” so I added half of a very ripe, fresh banana for a bit more sweetness and to thicken. It’s sooo good and I’m drinking it way too quickly! ;)

  14. maggie says

    Just made this and it’s soooo yummy! I omitted all the toppings though, to cut some calories. I also accidentally added 2 cups of almond milk, instead of just 1/4 but it was still pretty thick, a bit too much even. I think with only 1/4 cup it would have had ice-cream like consistency.

    On a side note, I just wanted to thank you for sharing all those great recipes. I’ve been cooking mainly from your blog for the past months and there’s not a single thing that I’ve tried and didn’t love! Everything is just perfect, this is literally my favourite food blog.

  15. Efi says

    Looks amazing. But I don’t understand this line >> cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
    I guess the second one was suppose to be different from cocoa powder? ;-)

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Hi! Raw cacao powder is made by cold-pressing unroasted cocoa beans. The process keeps the living enzymes in the cocoa and removes the fat (cacao butter). Cocoa looks the same but it’s not. Cocoa powder is raw cacao that’s been roasted at high temperatures.

  16. Celine M. says

    I loooooove it! I make one glass almost everyday, but I only use 1 frozen banana.
    Instead of the peanut butter, I use 2-3 tbsp of peanut powder and add a tbsp of chia seeds for extra omega.
    It’s a perfect afternoon snack for the pregnant me (I need extra protein) !

    Thank you so much for you brilliant recipes, you changed my life.

    Ps: My husband recently offered my your cookbook! I couldn’t be so proud!

  17. Kathryn says

    I was in the mood for a decadent breakfast today but didn’t have a lot of ingredients or the patience to bake something…and then I remembered having seen this smoothie on your blog a while back. I’m so glad I decided to make it! I used maple syrup instead of dates, and the only topping I had was coconut, but it turned out even better than I expected! Now I’m waiting for my bananas to freeze so I can make some more to share. :)

    Your blog has been my go-to for delicious, satisfying, and simple-yet-impressive recipes ever since I found your 5-ingredient granola bars (way back in the day!). I can always trust that your recipes are thoroughly tested and will turn out the way they’re supposed to. This is the only food blog I read regularly anymore. Thank you!

  18. Mariana says

    I just tried this, and it’s A M A Z I N G

    And SO easy to make. I’m a bit worried I’ll be wanting to make this three or four times a week :-O

    Thanks for your incredible recipes!

  19. Luci 's Morsels says

    This looks amazing! I need to make more smoothies. I love them so much and haven’t in a while.

  20. Faith says

    I just made this and it is divine. My new go-to after-the-kids-are-asleep treat. And so quick to make. Thank you!

  21. Kathryn says

    This tasted so incredible that I didn’t want to spend an extra moment garnishing it with the 3rd banana and toppings! I did manage to sprinkle some unsweetened coconut, but I was really happy with it! I definitely opted for the 2 dates b/c of my sweet tooth… helped to thicken it up too.

  22. Caroline says

    I would totally add a layer of blended cherries this to make the cherries be tasted in two forms.
    Love the idea!

  23. Natalia says

    My mouth is watering! Such a perfect Summer treat…may have to save it for Banana Split Day in August! This looks amazing, and your presentation is beautiful as always.

  24. Amanda Williams says

    I made this tonight for dessert after making your Thai noodle bowls (so yummy) and I can not be more pleased! This was so good!!! I am totally a dessert girl, but this took the guilt out of the dessert! Thanks so much for all of your ridiculously easy, yet amazingly delicious recipes!!!

  25. Jessica says

    Omg this looks fantastic…I can’t wait to get my hands on some ripe bananas so I can make this!

    PS I just got your cookbook finally and I am already obsessed with it…my fiance (who’s not even veg) and I absolutely love it :) Thanks so much for all of the wonderful and simple recipes!

  26. Caitlin says

    This looks incredible! I had no idea there was such a thing as coconut whipped cream but it sounds amazing! I can’t wait to buy it and give this recipe a try!

  27. Julia @ Sprinkles & Saturdays says

    Ummm this looks to die for. Screw a smoothie for breakfast, I want this! haha

  28. Casey the College Celiac says

    I’m always a fan of nana ice cream and this looks like the perfect summer dessert! Thanks for the great toppings ideas!

  29. Emilie @ Emilie Eats says

    This is definitely an accident I’m not mad about. :) I hope you figure out the avocado chocolate chia pudding, because that sounds delicious! I’m sure you will – you’re a culinary goddess. I’d love to make a huuuuge glass of this and split it with my banana-obsessed boyfriend!

  30. Carmen says

    Oh this looks so sooo delicious! I really have to try this out. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!
    xx, Carmen

  31. Zena | Zena 'n Zaatar says

    Omg I’m drooling over here. These look absolutely amazing!! Can’t wait to try them- banana splits are the best!

  32. Crystal says

    Ridonculous! I opened the email and my mouth dropped wide open. It seriously looks amazing and this is going on the To-Do list. OMG Dana.

  33. Aibreàn says

    Dana this is the most decadent smoothie I’ve come across! I would definitely serve this as a dessert to my guests which is what I’m going to do tonight. Thank you for sharing this treat.

  34. Danica says

    I make a version of this as a breakfast smoothie. This a a wonderful, jazzed-up version that I will definitely try. I throw some frozen cherries into mine, which turns it a reddish color, but it’s delightful.

  35. Cassie says

    Let’s get this banana split smoothie party STARTED ahaha! I think this would be so much better than a chia pudding. I thought this was a sinful dessert at first sight!

  36. Margarita @ Tasty Mediterraneo says

    I just received your recipe on my email, and wanted to let you know that I am definitely going to try it! It looks delicious! Thanks for sharing :)

  37. Katie says

    This looks absolutely amazing, its a healthy alternative to a classic dessert i love :) Thanks for the inspiration!

  38. Natalie | Feasting on Fruit says

    Dana you are a genius! The banana split on the glass part is so clever. And the chocolatey blender overhead shot is calling to me big time! I’m a little sad the avo chia seed situation failed, but at the same time happy because this happened!