Why You’ll Love This Almond Joy Smoothie

• It’s a healthier indulgence. You get all the classic flavors of that beloved candy bar without any of the refined sugars or unwanted additives. It’s a treat you can feel genuinely good about.
• It’s incredibly satisfying. Thanks to the healthy fats from the almond butter and coconut, this smoothie keeps you full and energized for hours. It’s the perfect meal replacement or substantial snack.
• It’s endlessly customizable. Want it thicker? Add more ice. Need a protein boost? Toss in a scoop of your favorite vanilla or chocolate protein powder. It’s a fantastic base for your own creative twists.
• It comes together in minutes. Seriously, from fridge to glass in under five minutes. It’s the ultimate solution for a busy morning or a sudden afternoon craving when you need something quick and delicious.

Ingredients & Tools

• 1 frozen banana (broken into chunks)
• 1 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk, or milk of choice
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 ½ tablespoons almond butter
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut, plus more for garnish
• 1-2 pitted Medjool dates (to taste)
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• A pinch of sea salt
• ½ cup ice cubes
• Optional garnish: Dark chocolate shavings, whole almonds

Tools: A high-speed blender is really helpful here to get that perfectly smooth, creamy texture.

The frozen banana is the real star—it gives you that thick, milkshake-like consistency without any dairy. And don’t skip the pinch of salt! It might seem small, but it works magic to balance the sweetness and make the chocolate flavor pop. Honestly, a little goes a long way.

Serves: 1 | Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes

Before You Start: Tips & Ingredient Notes

• Freeze your bananas ahead of time. This is the single most important step for a creamy texture. Peel ripe bananas, break them into chunks, and freeze them on a parchment-lined tray before transferring to a bag. This prevents one giant banana ice block!
• Why Medjool dates? They are naturally softer, sweeter, and easier to blend than other varieties. If your dates seem dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften them up—it makes a world of difference.
• Choose your almond butter wisely. For the purest flavor, look for a jar where the only ingredient is almonds (or almonds and salt). Avoid brands with added oils or sugars to keep this smoothie truly wholesome.
• Don’t have a high-power blender? No worries! Just blend a little longer. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides once or twice to ensure everything gets perfectly incorporated.

How to Make Almond Joy Smoothie

Serving Suggestions

Complementary Dishes

• A slice of whole-grain toast with avocado — The creamy, savory fat from the avocado provides a lovely contrast to the sweet, cold smoothie, making it a more complete and balanced meal.
• A small side of scrambled eggs or tofu — If you’re having this for breakfast, a bit of extra protein on the side will keep you satisfied and energized all the way until lunch.

Drinks

• A hot cup of black coffee — The bitterness of the coffee is a classic pairing with chocolate and cuts through the richness of the smoothie perfectly. It’s a match made in heaven.
• Sparkling water with a lime wedge — The effervescence is incredibly refreshing and acts as a palate cleanser between sips, making each taste of the smoothie feel new again.

Something Sweet

• A small, chewy oatmeal raisin cookie — The warm spices and chewy texture complement the cool, creamy smoothie beautifully without being overly decadent.
• A few fresh raspberries or strawberries — The bright, tart burst of fresh berries offers a delightful contrast to the deep, sweet chocolate and coconut flavors.

Top Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using a fresh, non-frozen banana. This is the biggest culprit for a watery smoothie. The frozen banana is absolutely essential for that thick, spoonable, milkshake-like texture we’re after. I’ve learned this the hard way!
• Mistake: Skipping the salt. It might seem insignificant, but that tiny pinch is what makes the other flavors sing. Without it, the smoothie can taste a bit flat and one-dimensional.
• Mistake: Adding ingredients in the wrong order. Putting the frozen fruit on the bottom can stall your blender. Liquids and soft ingredients first help the blades move freely from the start.
• Mistake: Not tasting and adjusting. Blenders and ingredient brands vary. Always taste your creation before pouring it out. You might want a touch more sweetness or cocoa—it’s your smoothie, make it perfect for you!

Expert Tips

• Tip: Make smoothie packs for busy mornings. Portion all the dry and frozen ingredients (banana, cocoa, coconut, dates) into a zip-top bag and freeze. In the morning, just dump the bag into the blender, add the liquid ingredients, and blend. It’s a huge time-saver.
• Tip: For an extra flavor boost, toast your coconut. Spread the shredded coconut on a baking sheet and toast it at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until golden. Let it cool completely before using. It adds a wonderful, nutty depth.
• Tip: Create a layered effect. Blend the smoothie without the cocoa powder first. Pour half into your glass. Then add the cocoa powder to the remaining smoothie in the blender, blend again, and carefully pour it over the back of a spoon to create a dark chocolate layer on top. It looks stunning!
• Tip: If it’s too thick, don’t panic. Just add a splash more almond milk through the opening in the blender lid while it’s running on low until it reaches your desired consistency. It’s much easier to thin a smoothie than to thicken it.

FAQs

Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?
You can, but the texture is best immediately after blending. If you need to prep ahead, blend the smoothie and store it in a tightly sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. It will separate—this is totally normal! Just give it a really good shake or a quick re-blend before drinking. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and then shake or re-blend. The banana might make it a little softer, but it’ll still be delicious.

I don’t like bananas. What can I use instead?
No problem! The banana primarily adds creaminess and sweetness. For creaminess, you can try using ½ an avocado (it will make it incredibly creamy and you won’t taste it!) or about ¼ cup of plain Greek yogurt or silken tofu. For sweetness, you might need to rely more on the dates or a touch of maple syrup. You could also use frozen cauliflower rice for bulk without a strong flavor, but you’ll definitely need to adjust the sweetener.

Is this smoothie vegan?
As written, yes, absolutely! Just ensure your almond milk is unsweetened and vegan, and that your dark chocolate garnishes are dairy-free. All the other core ingredients—banana, almond butter, coconut, dates—are naturally plant-based.

Can I use a different nut or seed butter?
Of course! Cashew butter would be wonderfully creamy and mild. Peanut butter would make it taste like a different, but equally delicious, candy bar (hello, Peanut Butter Cup!). If you have a nut allergy, sunflower seed butter is a fantastic alternative. Just be aware that sunflower seed butter can react with the cocoa powder and turn a slightly greenish color—it’s harmless but can look surprising!

My smoothie isn’t sweet enough. What happened?
This usually comes down to the ripeness of your banana or the size/quality of your dates. Bananas get much sweeter as they develop brown spots. For a quick fix, add another half or whole pitted date, a teaspoon of maple syrup, or even a tiny drop of vanilla stevia if you have it. Blend again for a few seconds to incorporate. Taste as you go!