I wanted to share this recipe with you – Chocolate, Banana and Oat Smoothie. Smoothies have been a revelation to me and have been to the answer to so many skipped breakfast mornings.
Does that happen to you? I hate to admit it but that has how it’s been working out for me far too often lately.
No surprise then that by mid-morning I’m reaching for something sweet and not so healthy just to give myself a bit of lift. So, I’ve decided to do something about it.
Smoothies are sorting this out – for me anyway. Lots and lots of ways to inject some goodness into my daily diet. All it takes is a little bit of planning ahead and I can have, or take with me, something which will curb those energy slumps. This is brilliant at getting through me the morning… Chocolate, Banana and Oat smoothie.
I’ve already shared the recipe for the Banana, Almond and Oat Smoothie and this is a variation on that basic idea. Oats soaked overnight and then blended in the morning with a nut butter, frozen banana and oats.
If you’ve made the Easy Chocolate and hazelnut Spread then you’re part of the way there. Just leave the almond butter out of the recipe and substitute a good tablespoon of the chocolate and hazelnut spread for a subtle flavour. Adding two tablespoons will create something that is really rich and delicious. If you don’t have any homemade chocolate and hazelnut spread to hand you can easily substitute store bought.
Preparing ahead
I prepare the bananas ahead of time. They don’t take long- just peel, slice, pop into individual bags and put into the freezer. I’ve four little pots that I measure the remaining smoothie ingredients into. Then each morning it’s one pot out of the refrigerator and one bag of banana out of the freezer. Blend for a few moments and then everything is ready. I usually drink it as I move around the house doing other things.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This recipe can be made suitable for vegans as long as you choose a suitable milk for the liquids part of the smoothie recipe and ensure that your chocolate spread is also vegan friendly. If you make your own then you will know that is it suitable.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
This recipe can be made dairy-free if you use a non-dairy milk and ensure that you use a dairy-free chocolate spread. If it isn’t possible to track this down then use 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder (hot chocolate drink mixes may contain milk so aren;t suitable for this) instead. You may have to adjust the sweetness with maple syrup or agave nectar to make it all lovely.
Is this Smoothie gluten-free?
This Smoothie is gluten free but do check the label of the chocolate spread. If you make your own you will certain that it is gluten-free.
If you like this… then you may like …
Chocolate, Banana and Oat Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 medium banana, frozen
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chocolate and hazelnut spread use 2 tablespoon for a richer flavour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup adjust sweetness to your personal taste
- 1 cup almond milk
- sprinkle of cinnamon, optional
Instructions
The evening before;
- Slice one medium sized banana, pop it into a freezer bag or suitable container and put in the freezer.
- Add 1/2 cup of rolled oats to a small container, along with 1 tbsp of maple syrup, one or 2 tablespoons of homemade chocolate and hazelnut spread along with 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Add 1/2 cup (125ml) of almond milk and stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Place in the fridge overnight.
The following morning;
- Take the pot out of the fridge and the banana out of the freezer.
- Add everything to the blender along with the remaining 1/2 (125 ml) cup of almond milk and blend until everything is smooth and creamy.
- Enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
Why not Save this recipe for later?
Leave a Reply