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I dreamed up this Almond Joy smoothie one afternoon when craving something sweet but wanting to keep things healthy. The combination of rich chocolate creamy banana and nutty almonds with a hint of coconut takes me right back to my favorite candy bar. Now it's my go to treat that feels indulgent while secretly packing in good stuff like fresh spinach and natural sweetness.
Why You'll Love This
Every sip brings that perfect chocolate coconut combo while hidden spinach adds nutrition you'll never taste. Takes just minutes in the blender but tastes like dessert in a glass. Best part? You can adjust everything to make it exactly as sweet and rich as you like.
Your Shopping List
- The Base: Frozen banana for creaminess your choice of almond or coconut milk.
- Hidden Goodness: Fresh spinach trust me you won't know it's there.
- The Fun Stuff: Good cocoa powder almond butter or whole almonds coconut extract if you want extra tropical flavor.
- Make It Sweet: Maybe a touch of honey or maple syrup if your banana isn't super ripe.
Let's Blend
- Start With Greens
- Blend your milk and spinach first get it super smooth no green bits showing.
- Add The Good Stuff
- Toss in banana cocoa powder almond butter and any sweetener you're using.
- Make It Perfect
- Need it thinner? Add a splash more milk. Too thin? Throw in some ice or more frozen banana.
- Finish With Style
- Pour into your favorite glass maybe top with coconut flakes or a dust of cocoa.
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Kitchen Secrets
Always freeze your bananas when they're super ripe they're naturally sweeter that way. Don't skip blending the greens first nobody wants to see little green pieces in their chocolate smoothie. Want it extra rich? Use chocolate almond milk as your base.
Health Boost
That banana gives you good energy while spinach sneaks in iron and vitamins. Cocoa powder isn't just tasty it's packed with antioxidants. Almonds bring healthy fats and protein making this treat actually fill you up. Sometimes I add a scoop of protein powder when I need extra staying power.
Keep It Fresh
This smoothie tastes best fresh from the blender but you can keep it in the fridge about a day. Give it a good shake before drinking the next day. Skip freezing though it just doesn't taste the same when thawed.
Mix It Up
Try different plant milks each brings its own flavor. Add a handful of oats for extra fill power or chia seeds for omega-3s. Sometimes I throw in frozen cauliflower adds creaminess with zero taste just like the spinach.
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Make It Yours
Play with sweetness levels until it's perfect for you. My kids love extra banana while I add more cocoa powder. Top it with whatever makes you happy shredded coconut dark chocolate drizzle crushed almonds. That's what makes smoothies fun they grow with your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I really not taste the spinach?
- The chocolate and coconut flavors completely mask the spinach taste. The spinach only adds nutrition and a slight green color without affecting the flavor.
- → What's the best way to sweeten this smoothie?
- Start with the frozen banana for natural sweetness. Taste before adding honey or other sweeteners. If using stevia, add very gradually as it's quite potent.
- → Can I make this more coconutty?
- Use coconut milk instead of almond milk and add cream of coconut for extra flavor. The coconut extract is optional but enhances the taste.
- → How can I make it thicker?
- Add more ice or use a frozen banana. You can also freeze the coconut milk into ice cubes beforehand for extra creaminess.
- → Can I prep this ahead?
- Prepare smoothie packs by combining all ingredients except liquids and freezing. Blend with milk when ready to drink. Best enjoyed fresh.