I don’t know what it is about the chocolate + bloob combo but I’m in a serious relationship with this smoothie. I obviously adore my Vanilla Blueberry Avocado Smoothie but when it comes to chocolate or vanilla, let’s be real…chocolate wins every time! My Columbus pals may recognize this gem as a very close sister to our beloved Blueberry Cacao Smoothie, AKA the first smoothie I put on Alchemy’s menu when we opened in 2014 (followed closely by the Snickerdoodle Smoothie). There were skeptics to the blueberry chocolate situation at first, but everyone was quickly won over upon first sip. I mean would ya look at that SHEEN!
Ingredients
Frozen blueberries: A heaping cup of frozen blueberries add natural sweetness and flavor to this smoothie. Wild blueberries are also delish and a bit sweeter. No banana here! You could also freeze fresh blueberries when they’re in season, Cacao: I love raw cacao powder here for a boost of antioxidants. You can also use unsweetened baking cocoa powder. Don’t miss all my favorite recipes with cacao! Avocado: Avocado is what makes this smoothie taste like a milkshake. It really is the key ingredient! I’ve tested this recipe using frozen for extra creaminess (and omitting the ice) and it’s great! Milk: I love unsweetened vanilla almond milk but use whatever you love. I’ve tested this with water and it works but I definitely prefer milk for creaminess! Medjool dates: Juicy dates add the perfect amount of natural sweetness, no banana required. Don’t forget to remove that pesky pit! Hemp seeds: For omega-3’s, staying powder, and creaminess. Vanilla extract: Where there’s chocolate, you must add vanilla! It enhances the chocolate flavor in the best way. Ice: I thought ice may make the smoothie watery (my biggest smoothie fear), but if you don’t over-blend it and if you use it in combination with other creamy elements, it actually adds the most gorgeous thickness.
Substitutions and add-ins
Hemp seeds: You could use chia seeds instead or omit. Dates: Swap in 1 tbsp pure maple syrup. Bump up the protein: Add a scoop of your favorite chocolate protein powder. Add greens: A handful of fresh or frozen spinach for extra nutrition (you won’t taste it!) Avocado: This smoothie is definitely supreme with avocado. However, I’ve made it with 1 tbsp almond or peanut butter in a pinch. Nut free: Use oat milk.
Let’s make it!
How to prep ahead
I loooove prepping smoothies ahead because it means no measuring every time. So much faster! Making smoothie bags out of this smoothie is a cinch. Simply place all ingredients except dates and ice in a plastic baggie (I like to make 4 at a time). When you’re ready to make a smoothie, dump the frozen contents into the blender jar, add milk, dates and ice and blend! Queen sheen. For an even creamier smoothie, you can use half an avocado. You can also use frozen avocado and omit the ice.
