Chocolate Hazelnut Banana Smoothie
Ingredients
1 large frozen banana (sliced)
1 cup unsweetened hazelnut milk (or almond milk)
1 tbsp roasted hazelnut butter
1.5 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp maple syrup or honey (optional)
A pinch of sea salt
Toppings (as seen in the photo):
Fresh banana slices
Crushed roasted hazelnuts
A dusting of cocoa powder or cacao nibs
Instructions
Prep the Base: For the thickest texture, ensure your banana is fully frozen. This gives it a milkshake-like consistency without needing ice.
Blend: Add the frozen banana, hazelnut milk, hazelnut butter, cocoa powder, sweetener, and salt into a high-speed blender.
Process: Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and velvety. If it’s too thick, add an extra splash of milk; if too thin, toss in another piece of frozen banana.
Assemble: Pour the smoothie into a tall, chilled glass.
Garnish: This is where the magic happens. Carefully arrange a few fresh banana slices on top. Sprinkle with the crushed hazelnuts for crunch and finish with a light dusting of cocoa powder.
Pro Tip: For an extra protein boost, add a scoop of chocolate collagen or whey powder before blending.