Raw Chocolate Banana Shake

The blender screamed at 7am on a Tuesday and honestly I was not mad about it because this shake turned a groggy morning into something that felt almost indulgent. Frozen bananas and raw cacao together create this impossibly thick chocolate milkshake situation that nobody believes is actually good for you. My roommate walked in, took one sip, and immediately demanded I teach her the ratio before she left for work. Five minutes later we were both out the door with our glasses, feeling ridiculous and happy.

I started making this during a summer heatwave when turning on the stove felt like a personal attack and cold smoothies were the only thing keeping me functional in a kitchen with no air conditioning.

Ingredients

• 2 large ripe bananas (preferably frozen, peeled and sliced): The riper they are the sweeter your shake becomes so embrace those brown spots and freeze them sliced for easier blending.
• 1 1/2 cups plant based milk (almond, oat, or coconut): Oat milk gives the richest result but almond keeps it lighter and coconut adds a subtle tropical note that pairs beautifully with cacao.
• 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder: Use raw cacao not cocoa powder because the flavor is deeper and you get the antioxidant benefits that regular cocoa loses during processing.
• 1 to 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup or agave: Start with one tablespoon and taste before adding more since ripe bananas contribute a lot of natural sweetness on their own.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: This tiny addition rounds out the chocolate flavor and makes everything taste more bakery than blender.
• 4 to 6 ice cubes (optional): Only needed if your bananas are not frozen or if you want an extra thick frosty texture.
• Pinch of sea salt: Salt makes chocolate sing in a way that always surprises people who skip it then wonder why their shake tastes flat.
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional): They add omega 3s and a slight gel like thickness that makes the shake feel more substantial without changing the flavor.

Instructions

Load the blender:

Toss in your banana slices, plant milk, cacao powder, maple syrup starting with the smaller amount, vanilla extract, and that crucial pinch of sea salt.

Add the extras:

Drop in ice cubes if you want more thickness and scatter in chia or flaxseeds for a nutritional boost that blends away invisibly.

Blend until silky:

Run the blender on high for 30 to 60 seconds, stopping to watch the mixture transform from chunky to completely smooth and frothy on top.

Taste and tweak:

Dip a spoon in, check the sweetness level, and add more maple syrup if your bananas were not quite sweet enough.

Pour and serve:

Divide between two glasses and drink immediately because this shake is best when cold and the froth is still dancing on top.

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This shake became my daughters post soccer practice ritual and now she makes it herself, proudly adjusting the sweetness with complete confidence.

Making It Your Own

The beauty of this recipe is how forgiving it is once you understand the base ratio of bananas to liquid.

Tools That Help

A high speed blender will give you the smoothest result but even a standard one works if you let it run a little longer and cut your bananas into smaller pieces first.

Serving and Storing

This shake is a drink it now situation because the texture changes as it sits and the froth settles into something less magical. If you must save it for later, give it a quick reblend or vigorous stir to bring back some life.

• Top with cacao nibs or coconut flakes for crunch that contrasts the creamy base.
• Add a scoop of plant based protein powder after a workout to turn it into recovery fuel.
• Always check your store bought plant milk labels for hidden allergens if that matters for your household.

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Simple, nourishing, and ready before your coffee finishes brewing, this is the kind of recipe that quietly becomes part of your daily rhythm.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh bananas instead of frozen?

Fresh bananas work perfectly, though frozen bananas create a thicker, creamier texture similar to a milkshake. If using fresh bananas, add more ice cubes to achieve your desired consistency.

→ Which plant-based milk tastes best?

Almond milk provides a light, neutral flavor that lets the chocolate shine. Oat milk adds natural creaminess and subtle sweetness, while coconut milk creates a richer, tropical twist.

→ How can I make this shake more filling?

Add a scoop of plant-based protein powder, a tablespoon of nut butter, or the optional chia or flaxseeds for extra protein and healthy fats that keep you satisfied longer.

→ Can I prepare this shake ahead of time?

For best results, blend and enjoy immediately. The shake may separate if stored, though you can give it a quick re-blend or stir before drinking. Frozen bananas help maintain texture if you need to store briefly.

→ What toppings work well with this shake?

Sprinkle cacao nibs for chocolate crunch, coconut flakes for tropical flair, or a few extra banana slices. A dollop of coconut whipped cream makes an extra decadent finish.