Prep Time: 5 minutes
Blend Time: 2 minutes
Servings: 2 large glasses
Ingredients
- 2 ripe frozen bananas
- 1½ cups cold milk
- ½ cup vanilla or chocolate ice cream
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1–2 tbsp chocolate syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4–5 ice cubes, optional
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Chocolate syrup or grated chocolate, for garnish
Frozen banana and cocoa are commonly used to create a thick, creamy chocolate smoothie, while ice cream gives the richer milkshake texture shown in the picture.
Method
- Peel and freeze the bananas for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Add frozen bananas, milk, ice cream, cocoa powder, chocolate syrup and vanilla to a blender.
- Blend for 1–2 minutes until completely smooth and thick.
- If it is too thick, add a little milk. If it is too thin, add another frozen banana or a little ice cream.
- Pour into two chilled glasses.
- Top generously with whipped cream.
- Drizzle with chocolate syrup and add grated chocolate if desired.
- Serve immediately with a straw.
- Approx. Nutrition
For a rich version, per serving may be around:
- Calories: 400–500 kcal
- Protein: 7–10 g
- Carbs: 65–80 g
- Fat: 14–18 g
- Fiber: 5–7 g
- Sugar: 45–60 g
Exact nutrition depends heavily on the milk, ice cream, syrup and toppings; comparable chocolate-banana milkshakes range around 479 kcal per serving.
Nut Information
- Basic recipe: No nuts required.
- Nut-free: Use regular dairy milk and check the labels on cocoa, chocolate syrup, ice cream and whipped cream for cross-contact warnings.
- Optional: Add 1 tbsp peanut butter or almond butter for a nutty chocolate flavor and extra protein/fat.
- For a peanut/tree-nut allergy, leave out all nut butters and toppings and verify packaged ingredients.
Q&A
Q: Can I make it without ice cream?
Yes. Use an extra frozen banana and slightly less milk for a lighter smoothie.
Q: How do I make it extra thick like the picture?
Use very well-frozen bananas and start with less milk. Add milk gradually only if the blender needs it.
Q: Can I use fresh bananas?
Yes, but the drink will be thinner. Frozen bananas give the best thick texture.
Q: Can I make it healthier?
Yes. Skip ice cream and chocolate syrup, use unsweetened cocoa, frozen banana and your preferred milk.
Q: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
It is best served immediately because the frozen texture becomes thinner as it sits.