I’ll admit something upfront: the first time I heard about putting avocado in a smoothie, I hesitated. But once I tried this dairy free chocolate avocado banana smoothie recipe, it became my go-to breakfast, post-workout refuel, and dessert all in one. It’s silky, deeply chocolatey, naturally sweet, and packed with healthy fats — all without a drop of dairy.
Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just want a cleaner smoothie, this recipe is about to change your blender game.
Why This Smoothie Works So Well
Chocolate and banana are a classic combo — sweet, rich, and satisfying. Add avocado, and you unlock next-level creaminess without needing milk, yogurt, or cream. Beyond texture, avocado brings heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber, making your smoothie more filling and nutritious. And when you blend it all with a splash of plant-based milk and natural sweeteners, you get a decadent drink that tastes like dessert but fuels you like a balanced meal.
What You’ll Need for a Dairy Free Chocolate Avocado Banana Smoothie
You don’t need anything fancy to whip up this smoothie — just a few wholesome ingredients and a good blender. Here’s what goes in:
- 1 medium ripe banana (frozen for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 ripe avocado (peeled and pitted)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or oat, soy, or coconut milk)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa or cacao powder
- 1–2 pitted Medjool dates or 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon nut butter (optional, adds protein and richness)
- A handful of ice (for a thicker, colder texture)
- Pinch of sea salt (enhances chocolate flavor)
Optional boosters: a scoop of chocolate protein powder, 1 tablespoon chia or flax seeds, or a small handful of spinach for extra nutrition.
How to Make It Smooth, Creamy, and Delicious
Making this smoothie is as simple as blend and go, but a few small tips can make a big difference:
- Start with liquids and soft ingredients. Add your almond milk and avocado first. This helps your blender create a silky base.
- Layer in the rest. Add the banana, cocoa powder, sweetener, and optional extras.
- Blend until smooth. Run on high for 30–45 seconds. If it’s too thick, splash in more almond milk. Too thin? Add a few more ice cubes.
- Taste and tweak. Want it sweeter? Add another date. Want it richer? A spoonful of nut butter or a dash of vanilla extract does wonders.
Pour into a tall glass and enjoy immediately. Or, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes if you like a thicker texture.
Easy Ingredient Swaps and Flavor Upgrades
The beauty of this smoothie is how flexible it is. Try these ideas to tailor it to your tastes and needs:
- No banana? Use 2 extra dates and more ice, or swap with frozen mango for natural sweetness.
- Extra protein: Add chocolate protein powder, Greek-style vegan yogurt, or 2 tablespoons hemp seeds.
- More dessert-like: Drizzle in a spoon of melted dairy-free dark chocolate or top with coconut whipped cream.
- Kid-friendly: Add a little vanilla and peanut butter — kids rarely notice the avocado!
Storage Tips and Make-Ahead Options
This smoothie is best fresh, but you can store leftovers in a sealed mason jar for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. The texture may thicken slightly — just stir or shake before drinking.
For quick breakfasts, make freezer smoothie packs: portion out banana, avocado chunks, cocoa, and dates into freezer bags. In the morning, dump a pack into your blender, add almond milk, and blend. You’ll have a nutrient-packed smoothie in under 2 minutes.
You can also pour leftovers into popsicle molds — they freeze into creamy, chocolatey treats perfect for hot days.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen avocado or banana?
Absolutely. Frozen banana creates a thicker, creamier smoothie and helps chill it without watering it down. Frozen avocado works too, but you may need a little extra liquid to help it blend smoothly. Using both frozen gives you a rich, milkshake-like texture.
2. What’s the best dairy-free milk to use?
Almond milk is a popular choice because it’s light and lets the chocolate shine. Oat milk adds a naturally sweet, creamy taste, while canned coconut milk gives a richer, dessert-like flavor. Any plant-based milk works — it’s really about your taste and nutrition preferences.
3. Will I taste the avocado?
Nope! When blended with banana and cocoa, the avocado flavor practically disappears. It simply adds body and creaminess, making your smoothie feel indulgent without dairy. If you’re still unsure, start with 1/4 of an avocado and work your way up.
4. How can I make it higher in protein?
A scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder blends right in and turns this into a balanced post-workout shake. You can also use hemp seeds, nut butter, or silken tofu for a plant-based protein boost.
A Smooth Finish: Sip Your Way to a Better Morning
This dairy free chocolate avocado banana smoothie recipe is more than just a drink — it’s a versatile, nutrient-dense treat you can enjoy anytime. In under five minutes, you get a creamy chocolate shake that’s packed with fiber, healthy fats, potassium, and antioxidants, all without refined sugar or dairy. It’s a breakfast that fuels your day, a post-workout boost that helps recovery, or even a healthy dessert that satisfies your chocolate cravings.
And if you’re in the mood to experiment with more wholesome desserts, try pairing this smoothie with a batch of Nutella vanilla cheesecake cups — a surprisingly easy treat that complements the smoothie’s rich, chocolatey notes perfectly.
So, grab your blender, toss in that avocado without hesitation, and sip your way to a more delicious, plant-powered day.
