If you've been following me for a while, you've probably noticed a particularly common flavour combination that features in the vast majority of my posts - peanut butter and chocolate. So far I've created a smoothie, ice-cream sundae, cheesecake, and now smoothie bowl incorporating the two flavours! There's just something about the salty nut butter and the sweet dark chocolate that works so well together, and I find it to be a popular pairing that almost anybody will enjoy.
Not only does this bowl taste amazing, but it also contains lots of beneficial fats from the peanut butter and coconut oil, which will help keep you full for longer. This makes it the perfect speedy breakfast - if you're super rushed, you could also blend all ingredients with an extra cup or so of unsweetened plant milk for a rich and decadent peanut butter and chocolate smoothie!
It can be tricky to work superfood powders into your meals, but I find that the dark chocolate flavour masks the sometimes undesirable 'powdery' taste. Smoothie bowls are the perfect opportunity to sneak some extra nutrients in; if you're not a big fan of the smoothie itself, you can simply drizzle it with copious amounts of chocolate sauce, or top with a mountain of fresh fruit! Their versatility and simplicity makes them the perfect go-to snack or meal.
You can easily mix this recipe up a little, and put your own spin on it - it would be wonderful with almond butter, and feel free to add other toppings.
INGREDIENTS
CHOCOLATE SMOOTHIE BOWL
3 bananas, previously frozen and chopped
1 1/2 tablespoons of raw cacao powder
2 teaspoons of mesquite powder
1 teaspoon of maca powder
1 teaspoon of lucuma powder
2 tablespoons of unsweetened plant milk
CRUNCHY CHOCOLATE SAUCE
1 tablespoon of virgin coconut oil
2 teaspoons of raw cacao powder
1 teaspoon of natural maple syrup
TOPPINGS
Cacao nibs
Natural peanut butter
METHOD
- First, make the crunchy chocolate sauce by melting the virgin coconut oil in a small saucepan over the lowest heat possible. Once it reaches the clear liquid stage, whisk in the raw cacao powder and natural maple syrup with a fork. Set aside to cool slightly whilst you make the smoothie mixture.
- Place the frozen banana chunks into the bowl of a high-powered food processor, and blend until smooth and fluffy. You may need to stop the machine and scrape the mixture down the sides - I like to add the unsweetened plant milk at this stage in order to help the bananas along.
- Once you've achieved a creamy consistency with no lumps, add the superfood powders and blend again to disperse. Scoop your mixture into a serving bowl, and proceed to decorate with your desired toppings. Finally, drizzle with the crunchy chocolate topping - you will need to hold yourself back for a minute or two to allow it to set.