Almond Joy Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (canned, for richness)
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/2 avocado
- 2 tbsp almond butter
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp shredded coconut (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- 1 cup crushed ice
- 1 tbsp dark chocolate chips (optional, for extra indulgence)
Prep Time
- 10 minutes
Difficulty Level
- Easy
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients:
- Peel and slice the frozen banana.
- Scoop the flesh from the avocado.
- Blend the Base Ingredients:
- In a high-speed blender, add the almond milk, coconut milk, frozen banana, avocado, almond butter, cocoa powder, shredded coconut, chia seeds, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Blend to Perfection:
- Start blending on low speed, gradually increasing to high speed until all the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the crushed ice and blend again until the ice is fully incorporated and the smoothie has a thick, creamy texture.
- Optional Indulgence:
- If using dark chocolate chips, add them to the blender and pulse a few times to incorporate small chunks into the smoothie without fully blending them.
- Check Consistency:
- If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more almond milk and blend again. If it’s too thin, add a few more ice cubes or a small handful of frozen banana slices and blend again.
- Serve Immediately:
- Pour the smoothie into two glasses.
Tips for Perfect Texture and Consistency
- Freeze Ingredients: Using a frozen banana helps achieve a creamy, thick texture without needing too much ice.
- Blend in Stages: Blend the avocado and liquid first to ensure a smooth base before adding other ingredients.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the smoothie before serving and add a small amount of honey or maple syrup if needed for additional sweetness.
Creative Serving Ideas
- Garnish with Elegance: Top each smoothie with a sprinkle of shredded coconut, a few dark chocolate shavings, and a couple of whole almonds for a visually appealing presentation.
- Smoothie Bowl: Pour the smoothie into bowls and top with granola, fresh berries, coconut flakes, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a more substantial meal.
- Add a Crunch: Serve with a side of almond biscotti or a small piece of dark chocolate for added texture contrast.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegan Option: Use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Nut-Free: Substitute almond milk with oat milk, almond butter with sunflower seed butter, and almond extract with a bit more vanilla extract.
- Low-Sugar: Omit the honey or maple syrup and use a small ripe banana for natural sweetness instead.
- Protein Boost: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to increase the protein content, especially if having the smoothie post-workout.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free: Ensure that all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free as long as the coconut milk and almond milk are dairy-free.
- Vegan: Use maple syrup instead of honey to keep the recipe vegan.
