Let’s have chocolate for breakfast and feel good about it.
I’d like to introduce you to this ↑↑↑.
The first smoothie bowl I have ever made or consumed. I honestly don’t know why it took me so long to get on the bandwagon. What’s not to love? It’s basically just a smoothie with TOPPINGS—in this case fresh raspberries, crunchy granola, and cacao nibs.
It’s more than a little bit like eating a soft-serve ice cream sundae for breakfast (which I did in college, frequently, but that’s a story for another time).
The thing is, though, this smoothie bowl is actually healthy. Super healthy, even.
The smoothie base is bursting with tart raspberry flavor and just a hint of cacao powder (you can also use regular unsweetened cocoa). Frozen banana makes it rich and creamy, and chia seeds add thickness and a pop of crunch. When it comes to toppings, the possibilities are endless. I went with store-bought granola, but if you have the time, my Double Chocolate Granola would really take things over the top.
I also added a sprinkle of cacao nibs, which are my new obsession. (I used Navitas Naturals, which I got at Whole Foods.) They taste like a cross between chocolate chips and espresso beans, and they are rich in antioxidants and fiber. I’ve been throwing them in everything lately, from Greek yogurt to cookie dough.
Some mornings, I’m fine with just a piece of fruit and a cup of coffee for breakfast. Other mornings, not so much. This chocolate raspberry smoothie bowl is hearty and satisfying. I had it last week after a six-mile run, and it kept me full until lunch—and through all of my mad dash Christmas shopping. Whyyyy can I never plan ahead?
Maybe next year. Until then, consider this recipe my last-minute gift to you.
- 1 large banana, peeled and frozen
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1 1/4 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa powder)
- 4-5 large ice cubes
- 1/2 cup granola
- 2 tablespoons cacao nibs
- Combine the banana, 1 cup of the rapsberries, almond milk, chia seeds, cacao powder (or cocoa), and ice in a blender and blend until smooth. Divide between two serving bowls. Top each with 1/4 cup of remaining raspberries, 1/4 cup of granola, and 1 tablespoon cacao nibs.
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
Chocolate + Raspberry = you stole my heart! This bowl looks great!
grace says
this is so stinkin’ healthy there’s no way it could taste good too…but with that combination of flavors and textures, it has to be delicious too!
Amanda says
Yum, this looks so good– I am saving this recipe so I can make soon. Thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Chocolate raspberry is one of my favorite chocolate flavor combos!
Sarah says
This looks incredible. I’m a HUGE fan of smoothie bowls, so this is definitely on my list to make!
Kari says
I am all about smoothies right now! I refuse to get sick!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
This looks so delicious! I love smoothie bowls 🙂
Blair @ Blairblogs.com says
This looks absolutely delicious! (And totally something I’d eat!) I’ve been on the hunt for easy but yummy breakfast recipes, so thank you so much for sharing! Can’t wait to try it in the new year.
xo,
b