This recipe for a thick, creamy and caffeinated Chocolate Espresso Smoothie is the perfect healthy and vegan breakfast to kick-start your day.
If you're looking for a breakfast that gets you out the door even faster on busy mornings, why not add your caffeine directly to your meal? This chocolate espresso smoothie has it all: plenty of nutrients, protein, dessert-like flavor, and caffeine! There's no going wrong with this packable, portable and creamy meal. Plus, this Immune-Boosting Strawberry Banana Poppyseed Smoothie is one to try next!
Ingredients for Chocolate Espresso Smoothies
You don't need any special or hard-to-find ingredients to make these thick and creamy smoothies. Here's what you need:
Banana. Pick a nice ripe one for the sweetest flavor and creamiest texture.
Almond milk. Feel free to use a different plant-based milk if you like.
Cocoa powder. Organic cacao will also work.
Maple syrup. You can also sweeten with another unrefined sweetener, such as dates or date syrup. Agave also works.
Hemp seeds. These add fiber and satiating fats.
Espresso powder for a kick of caffeine.
Cinnamon to add a dash of warming spice.
What Kind of Plant-Based Milk is Best for Smoothies?
You can use any kind of plant-based milk that you like to make these chocolate espresso smoothies. I recommend making your own, which is cheaper, tastier and easier than you might think! Here are some of my go-to vegan milk recipes that will all taste great in this smoothie:
If you're planning ahead, you can make this chocolate espresso smoothie the night before. Store it in an airtight container or jar in the fridge. In the morning, just give it a good shake or stir in case it separates (that's normal). The smoothie is best consumed within the same day, or no more than 10 hours later.
Can I Make a Smoothie Bowl?
If you prefer to eat your smoothie with a spoon, rather than drink it through a straw, make a smoothie bowl! Simply add less milk or use frozen bananas to give your chocolate smoothie a thicker texture. then add your favorite toppings, including:
If you tried this Chocolate Espresso Smoothie or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you.
1cupAlmond milk(You can also use your fave non-dairy milk!)
2Tbspsorganic cocoa powder(You can also use cacao powder)
1-2Tbspspure maple syrup
1tablespoonhemp seeds
1teaspooninstant espresso powder
½teaspoonground cinnamon
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:
Chopped vegan chocolate
Sliced bananas
Hemp seeds
Granola
Instructions
Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender (adding the bananas first, then the rest following) and blend until smooth.
Adjust the amount of milk (or add ice), depending on desired consistency, adding 1 tablespoon more at a time, if needed.
To serve—grab a glass and pour smoothie into it and top with chopped chocolate, sliced bananas, and/or hemp seeds.
Sip and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
STORAGE: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, tightly sealed or in a covered mason jar, ensuring that you drink it within the same day for best taste and consistency.WHAT PLANT-BASED MILKS ARE GOOD FOR THIS RECIPE? My go-to plant-based brand for Almond milk when using store-bought is Califia Farms. However, you can always use your fave or one of the following: Almond, coconut milk, homemade oat milk (froths/foams VERY WELL), homemade cashew milk, flax milk, potato milk, etc.
This smoothie is delicious. I only did half a banana, half a cup of coconut milk, and 2 teaspoons of espresso and it turned out beautifully but I like my coffee strong so it might be a little too strong for someone else. I didn't put the hemp seeds or the maple syrup in.
Hi Brooke! WOW! I'm so thrilled that you enjoyed this smoothie recipe! Yes, I definitely recommend everything adjusting certain flavors based on their preference, so I'm glad that you were able to do so! Thanks so much for giving it a try! 🙂
I’m newly smoothie obsessed, and this espresso smoothie hit the spot! Perfect way to start the morning! I used 3 warmed dates in place of the maple syrup and topped my smoothie off with a mocha GoMacro bar. I like my smoothies thick, so I used just one cup of almond milk. Will definitely try more of her recipes!
Hi Lauren! I'm so thrilled that you enjoyed this smoothie! I love my smoothies thick mostly also, so this sounds like a treat! Thanks so much for giving it a try! 🙂
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This smoothie is delicious. I only did half a banana, half a cup of coconut milk, and 2 teaspoons of espresso and it turned out beautifully but I like my coffee strong so it might be a little too strong for someone else. I didn't put the hemp seeds or the maple syrup in.
Hi Brooke! WOW! I'm so thrilled that you enjoyed this smoothie recipe! Yes, I definitely recommend everything adjusting certain flavors based on their preference, so I'm glad that you were able to do so! Thanks so much for giving it a try! 🙂
This recipe looks delicious! Can't wait to share it with my sister who loves smoothies!
Oh perfect! A really chocolatey smoothie and that boost from the coffee too.
Love how creamy and delicious this smoothie looks. Thanks for sharing.
This is my JAM. An breakfast smoothie that'll keep me awake and alert? Yes please! not to mention, love love love the flavors here.
Oh my gosh, this was so delicious! Definitely going to be a regular in my morning routine!
I’m newly smoothie obsessed, and this espresso smoothie hit the spot! Perfect way to start the morning! I used 3 warmed dates in place of the maple syrup and topped my smoothie off with a mocha GoMacro bar. I like my smoothies thick, so I used just one cup of almond milk. Will definitely try more of her recipes!
Hi Lauren! I'm so thrilled that you enjoyed this smoothie! I love my smoothies thick mostly also, so this sounds like a treat! Thanks so much for giving it a try! 🙂