If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for tasty, nutritious ways to power through busy mornings, recover after workouts, or just satisfy that sweet craving without the sugar crash. I’ve been experimenting with different smoothie recipes, and I finally nailed one that hits all the right notes: it’s rich, satisfying, packed with protein, and has a decadent chocolate flavor that feels like a treat—yet it’s entirely wholesome. Try this chocolate smoothie quilt free.
Today, I want to share my favorite high-protein chocolate smoothie recipe with you. It’s incredibly easy to make, customizable, and honestly, it’s become my go-to for a quick breakfast or post-exercise recovery. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to get your greens and beans in without even noticing!
Why I Love This Smoothie
First off, I love how versatile this smoothie is. It’s loaded with plant-based protein from black beans and collagen, which will help you feel fuller longer and support joints and skin. The addition of cacao gives it that irresistible chocolate flavor, and the spinach adds a nutritional boost without overpowering the taste. The natural sweetness from dates and monk fruit (or stevia) keeps it balanced, so you don’t have to rely on processed sugars.
What really makes this smoothie special, though, is how it feels like a treat but is packed with nourishing ingredients. Plus, if you enjoy a little crunch or extra chocolate flavor, you can pulse in small pieces of unsweetened cacao bar after blending. It’s like chocolate chips but healthier!
Here’s My Favorite High-Protein Chocolate Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 frozen chopped banana
- 1-2 tablespoon cacao powder (Add 2 Tablespoons for a richer chocolate flavor)
- 1 tablespoon collagen powder
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach
- 1 small piece of unsweetened cacao bar (about 1-2 squares)
- 2 dates (pitted)
- Dash of monk fruit or stevia (or sugar) to taste
- 1 cup ice
- Optional: extra cacao bar pieces for pulse-in texture
How to Make It
- Prep Your Ingredients:
First, make sure your banana is frozen—that’s key for that creamy, cold texture. Pit the dates if they aren’t already, and rinse your black beans. I like to keep my frozen banana ready in the freezer for quick smoothies. - Blend the Base:
In a high-speed blender, combine the black beans, frozen banana, cacao powder, collagen powder, spinach, the cacao bar, sweetener, and ice. Pour in about a cup of water or your favorite milk (almond, oat, or cashew milk work beautifully). - Blend Until Smooth:
Start the blender on low, then increase to high, blending for about 30-60 seconds until everything is well mixed and creamy. I love watching the ingredients come together into a smooth, chocolatey goodness. - Pulse in the Cacao Pieces:
Once blended, add the small pieces of cacao bar if you want that fun, chocolate-chip-like texture. Pulse the blender a few times to incorporate the cacao bits without breaking them down completely. This adds little bursts of chocolate flavor and a satisfying crunch. - Taste and Adjust:
Give your smoothie a quick taste. Want it a little sweeter? Add more dates or a touch of stevia. I find that the natural sweetness from the banana, dates, and cacao and a small dash of monk fruit is usually enough, but everyone’s taste buds are different. - Serve and Enjoy:
Pour into your favorite glass, maybe garnish with a sprinkle of cacao nibs or a few extra cacao bits, and sip away! It’s perfect for mornings, afternoons, or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Why This Smoothie Works for Me (And Maybe For You Too)
Honestly, this smoothie has become a staple in my weekly routine. The black beans boost my protein intake in a sneaky, delicious way—plus, they add fiber for digestion and sustained energy. The collagen powder helps my skin feel firm and my joints happy, which is a bonus I really appreciate. The cacao isn’t just about flavor; it’s packed with antioxidants and magnesium, which help me relax and feel good.
The spinach is my secret weapon for sneaking greens into my diet without changing the flavor much. I find that the chocolatey richness masks the leafy taste perfectly. And the sweetener? It’s a small dash of monk fruit or stevia, which keeps my blood sugar steady and avoids that sugar crash.
Adding the cacao bar pieces at the end is a game-changer, especially if you love that chocolate chip texture. It’s like having a mini dessert, but healthy enough to enjoy guilt-free.
Final Thoughts
This high-protein chocolate smoothie is more than just a quick snack — it’s a feel-good treat that nourishes the body and satisfies a sweet tooth. The best part? It’s endlessly customizable. Want more protein? Toss in a scoop of your favorite protein powder. Prefer almond milk? Go for it. Want a thicker, more indulgent texture? Use less liquid or add extra frozen banana. Want to incorporate probiotics? Simply add 1/2 cup yogurt.
Next time you’re craving something sweet and nourishing, give this recipe a try. It’s a cozy, satisfying way to start your day or recharge after a workout. Plus, it’s so tasty that I promise you’ll look forward to making it—and drinking it!
If you love smoothies, try our Raw food Tahina banana smoothie, its amazingly delicious!
Here’s to health, happiness, and delicious, wholesome treats. Cheers!
