Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie Bowl

Creamy, chocolatey, and protein-packed, this chocolate peanut butter smoothie bowl is the ultimate vegan and gluten-free treat!

Some mornings, I wake up feeling like I should be the healthiest person alive. Green smoothies, fresh fruit, a balanced breakfast that would make any nutritionist proud. Other days, I just want chocolate.

Rich, deep, almost velvety chocolate, the kind that reminds me of sneaking spoonfuls of cocoa powder into my oatmeal as a kid, only to regret it when the bitterness hit.

This smoothie bowl was born from trying to strike that balance: a breakfast that feels good but also tastes like something I’d sneak a bite of straight from the blender. Vegan, gluten-free, soy-free—yes. But also thick, creamy, and loaded with that unbeatable combination of chocolate and peanut butter. And, thanks to a high-speed blender (this one has been a game-changer for me), it comes together effortlessly.

In college, I went through a smoothie bowl phase. Every day, I blended frozen fruit with just enough liquid to get the right texture, topping it with granola, coconut, and whatever else I had on hand. It was routine, familiar, predictable. But as an adult, my tastes shifted. 

I watched my kids spread peanut butter on their toast every morning, a combination that always makes me think of the banana bread I used to make back in the day, like this paleo chocolate peanut banana bread.

It hit me, why not take that idea and blend it? Something wholesome but indulgent, thick enough to eat with a spoon, and packed with protein for those days when coffee alone doesn’t cut it.

Blend, Spoon, Savor

It reminded me of the first time I tasted passion fruit mousse. I was visiting a friend’s house, where the air smelled of citrus and sugar. The mousse was impossibly airy, the kind of dessert that melted the moment it touched my tongue, yet it left behind a vibrant, lingering tartness.

I remember thinking how effortlessly luxurious it felt. Simple ingredients turned into something extraordinary. 

That contrast, light but rich, effortless yet packed with depth is exactly what I wanted from my morning bowl. And just like how I once learned to make mousse by watching someone else, my kids now watch me blend up these bowls, waiting for their turn to sprinkle on toppings, their tiny hands scattering granola like confetti.

I think about breakfasts in different places, different stages of life. The thick, tropical smoothie bowls I had in college, the way I used to prep containers of tropical vegan overnight oats to have something easy to grab before early classes. The way my kids now dip their fingers into the peanut butter jar the same way I used to, eyes wide with delight. Those small routines, those little comforts, evolve with us. 

And so, this chocolate peanut butter smoothie bowl became part of my mornings. A little nod to my college days, a little inspiration from my kids, and a whole lot of flavors I love.

Ingredients

• Frozen banana chunks – The backbone of this smoothie bowl, frozen bananas create the thick, creamy texture that makes each spoonful feel like soft-serve. Make sure they’re fully ripe before freezing for the best natural sweetness.

• Smooth unsalted peanut butter – Peanut butter brings richness and that familiar nutty flavor. I always reach for unsalted to keep the balance right. Creamy works best, but if all you have is crunchy, blend a little longer.

• Vegan chocolate protein powder – This adds a deep chocolate flavor while making the smoothie bowl more filling. The brand you choose matters, some have a chalky aftertaste, so go for one you already enjoy. If you’re curious, here’s the one I use.

• Unsweetened plant milk – Just enough to get everything blended smoothly. Almond milk keeps things light, while oat milk gives a touch of natural sweetness and extra creaminess.

• Ground flaxseed – A small but mighty ingredient, flax adds fiber and helps thicken the smoothie even more. But if you don’t have it, chia seeds work too.

See the recipe card for full list and exact quantities.

How to Make This Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie Recipe

This smoothie bowl like dessert comes together effortlessly in a blender, balancing the deep richness of chocolate with the natural sweetness of bananas. A perfect breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up, it’s best enjoyed fresh for its thick, creamy texture. Here’s how to make this recipe:

Blend the Base

Add frozen banana chunks to the blender first, followed by peanut butter, chocolate protein powder, flaxseed, and plant milk. This layering helps the ingredients blend smoothly without overworking the motor.

Blend Until Creamy

Secure the lid and blend at high speed, using a tamper if needed to keep everything moving. The mixture should become thick and creamy, resembling soft-serve ice cream. If it’s too thick to blend, add a splash more plant milk, but be cautious. Too much liquid will turn it into a drink rather than a spoonable bowl.

Garnish and Serve Immediately

Spoon the smoothie into a serving bowl, using a spatula to get every last bit. Since it’s at its best right after blending, avoid letting it sit too long before serving.

Arrange your chosen toppings on the surface. Dark chocolate shavings, granola, banana coins, crushed peanuts, or a drizzle of warm peanut butter all add texture and contrast to the creamy base.

Optional Garnishes:

This chocolate and pb smoothie bowl recipe is all about texture. I love to top mine with dark chocolate chips or shavings, granola for crunch, banana coins, crushed roasted peanuts, or a warm peanut butter drizzle.

Storage

If you find yourself with leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two days. The texture will firm up, almost like a soft-serve ice cream, which my kids love sneaking bites of straight from the container. When you're ready to eat, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and give it a quick stir to bring back that creamy consistency. Just know that smoothie bowls are best enjoyed fresh, when they’re at their thickest and creamiest.

What to Serve with a Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie Bowl

There’s something so satisfying about starting the day with a smoothie bowl, it feels like a little luxury, like those slow weekend mornings when the whole family stays at the table just a bit longer. But if you’re looking to round it out into a more filling breakfast or snack, here are a few of my favorite pairings.

For an extra dose of indulgence, try a Gluten-Free Triple Chocolate Muffin on the side. The deep cocoa flavor and soft crumb make it a perfect partner to the nutty, creamy smoothie bowl—ideal for those mornings when you just need a little extra chocolate in your life.

If you love the idea of bite-sized treats, Vegan Chocolate Truffles with Blueberries or Chocolate Nut Energy Balls add a lovely contrast in texture. Both are rich and satisfying, with just the right balance of fruit and nuts to complement the peanut butter and banana in the bowl.

For something lighter, a Kiwi Lime and Blackberry Yogurt Parfait brings a bright, tangy contrast. The citrusy yogurt and fresh fruit cut through the richness of the smoothie, making for a refreshing bite in between spoonfuls.

Recipe