Protein Raspberry Cocoa Smoothie

This healthy chocolate avocado smoothie is a delicious way to enjoy a nutritious treat that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

It’s perfect for a quick breakfast, a post-workout refuel, or even a healthy dessert. Each serving provides about 12 grams of protein.

This recipe combines the richness of chocolate with the tartness of raspberries and the creamy texture of avocado, creating a balanced and flavorful drink that you’ll want to make again and again.

Protein Raspberry Cocoa Smoothie

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• Total Time: 6-7 minutes
• Yield: 1 serving 1x

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Description

This healthy chocolate avocado smoothie is a delicious way to enjoy a nutritious treat that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast, a post-workout refuel, or even a healthy dessert. Each serving provides about 12 grams of protein. This recipe combines the richness of chocolate with the tartness of raspberries and the creamy texture of avocado, creating a balanced and flavorful drink that you’ll want to make again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)

1/2 ripe avocado, pitted and scooped

1 cup frozen raspberries

1 scoop chocolate protein powder

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup ice cubes (optional, for extra thickness)

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Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure your avocado is ripe for the creamiest texture. If using fresh raspberries instead of frozen, have your ice cubes ready.

2. Add liquid to the blender: Pour the unsweetened almond milk (or your preferred milk) into the blender first. Adding the liquid first helps the blades move more freely and prevents ingredients from sticking to the bottom.

3. Incorporate the avocado: Add the scooped-out half of the ripe avocado to the blender. This will contribute to the smoothie’s rich, creamy texture and healthy fats.

4. Add frozen fruits and powders: Next, toss in the frozen raspberries, chocolate protein powder, and unsweetened cocoa powder. If using fresh raspberries, add your ice cubes at this stage.

5. Sweeten and flavor: Drizzle in the maple syrup or honey if you desire a sweeter smoothie, and add the vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.

6. Blend until smooth: Secure the lid on your blender and blend on high speed until all ingredients are completely combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the smoothie is too thick, add a splash more milk; if it’s too thin, add a few more ice cubes or a bit more frozen fruit.

7. Check consistency and serve: Once blended to your desired consistency, pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy immediately.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: beverage
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 smoothie
• Protein: 12

Keywords: smoothie, chocolate, raspberry, avocado, protein, healthy, breakfast, snack, easy, quick

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This Protein Raspberry Cocoa Smoothie is a true lifesaver for busy individuals and families looking for a nutritious boost without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. It’s incredibly versatile, making it suitable for a quick breakfast on the go, a refreshing afternoon snack, or even a healthier alternative to dessert. The combination of healthy fats from the avocado, antioxidants from the raspberries and cocoa, and protein from the protein powder makes it a well-rounded option that keeps you feeling full and energized. Kids often love the chocolatey flavor, making it an excellent way to sneak in some extra nutrients. Serve it anytime you need a fast, delicious, and healthy pick-me-up.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this smoothie is straightforward, and most items are likely already in your pantry or freezer. The beauty of a smoothie recipe is its flexibility, allowing for minor adjustments to suit your taste or what you have on hand. The key is to use good quality ingredients to get the best flavor and nutritional benefits.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
• 1/2 ripe avocado, pitted and scooped
• 1 cup frozen raspberries
• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup ice cubes (optional, for extra thickness)

For substitutions, unsweetened almond milk can easily be swapped for any other milk, such as dairy milk, soy milk, oat milk, or cashew milk, depending on your dietary preferences. If you don’t have frozen raspberries, fresh raspberries will work, though you might want to add a bit more ice to achieve a cold, thick consistency. Any brand of chocolate protein powder will do, but for best results, choose one you enjoy the flavor of. If you prefer a less sweet smoothie, you can omit the maple syrup or honey entirely. For a richer chocolate flavor, you can add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This Protein Raspberry Cocoa Smoothie is designed for speed and efficiency, making it perfect for those hectic mornings or when you need a quick snack. The total time from gathering your ingredients to enjoying your delicious smoothie is minimal.

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Blend time: 1-2 minutes
• Total time: 6-7 minutes

This quick turnaround means you can whip up a nutritious and satisfying drink in less than 10 minutes, allowing you to stay on schedule without compromising on healthy eating.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Making this smoothie is incredibly simple, requiring just a blender and a few easy steps. Follow these instructions to create a perfectly creamy and flavorful drink every time.

1. Prepare your ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure your avocado is ripe for the creamiest texture. If using fresh raspberries instead of frozen, have your ice cubes ready.
2. Add liquid to the blender: Pour the unsweetened almond milk (or your preferred milk) into the blender first. Adding the liquid first helps the blades move more freely and prevents ingredients from sticking to the bottom.
3. Incorporate the avocado: Add the scooped-out half of the ripe avocado to the blender. This will contribute to the smoothie’s rich, creamy texture and healthy fats.
4. Add frozen fruits and powders: Next, toss in the frozen raspberries, chocolate protein powder, and unsweetened cocoa powder. If using fresh raspberries, add your ice cubes at this stage.
5. Sweeten and flavor: Drizzle in the maple syrup or honey if you desire a sweeter smoothie, and add the vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.
6. Blend until smooth: Secure the lid on your blender and blend on high speed until all ingredients are completely combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the smoothie is too thick, add a splash more milk; if it’s too thin, add a few more ice cubes or a bit more frozen fruit.
7. Check consistency and serve: Once blended to your desired consistency, pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy immediately.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This Protein Raspberry Cocoa Smoothie is fantastic on its own, but it’s also incredibly adaptable to different tastes and occasions. Here are some simple variations and serving suggestions to make it even more appealing for your family.

For a kid-friendly twist, you can add a few chocolate chips to the blender for an extra treat, or blend in a handful of spinach (they won’t even taste it!). A fun way to serve it to kids is in a colorful cup with a straw, perhaps with a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips on top.

To boost the nutrition, consider adding a tablespoon of chia seeds or flax seeds for extra fiber and omega-3s. A spoonful of almond butter or peanut butter can also add more healthy fats and protein, making it even more filling.

If you’re serving this for a brunch or a casual gathering, you can set up a “smoothie bar” with various toppings. Think fresh raspberry halves, a sprinkle of granola for crunch, shredded coconut, or a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream. You could also serve it in small shot glasses as a healthy dessert option.

For a thicker, dessert-like consistency, reduce the amount of milk slightly and add more frozen raspberries or ice. You can even turn it into a smoothie bowl by pouring it into a bowl and topping it with fresh fruit, nuts, and seeds.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even with a simple recipe like a smoothie, there are a few common pitfalls that can affect the final outcome. Knowing these ahead of time can help you achieve a perfect smoothie every time.

One common mistake is not using ripe avocado. An unripe avocado will not blend smoothly and can leave a slightly bitter taste, while an overripe one might impart an off-flavor. Always choose an avocado that yields slightly to gentle pressure.

Another slip-up is adding ingredients in the wrong order. Always add liquids first to the blender. This helps the blades catch all the ingredients and prevents them from getting stuck at the bottom, leading to a smoother blend and less strain on your blender motor.

Not blending long enough can result in a gritty or chunky smoothie, especially if you’re using frozen fruit or protein powder. Make sure to blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, pausing to scrape down the sides of the blender if necessary.

Conversely, over-blending can sometimes warm up the smoothie, especially if your blender is powerful. Blend just until smooth to maintain that refreshing, cold temperature. If your smoothie is too warm, a few extra ice cubes can quickly chill it down.

Finally, skipping the sweetener entirely if you’re not used to unsweetened options can make the smoothie taste bland. While it’s healthy to reduce sugar, a touch of maple syrup or honey can balance the tartness of the raspberries and the bitterness of the cocoa, making it more enjoyable. Taste as you go and adjust to your preference.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This Protein Raspberry Cocoa Smoothie is best enjoyed immediately after blending to experience its freshest flavor and optimal creamy texture. However, if you need to prepare it in advance or have leftovers, there are ways to store it while preserving its quality.

To store leftovers, pour the smoothie into an airtight container or a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Fill the container as much as possible to minimize air exposure, which can cause oxidation and browning. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The texture might separate slightly, but a quick shake or stir before drinking will usually bring it back together.

For making it ahead, you can prepare the smoothie the night before. Again, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. While it won’t be as perfectly fresh as a newly blended smoothie, it will still be delicious and convenient for a grab-and-go breakfast. You might notice a slight change in color due to the avocado oxidizing, but this doesn’t affect the taste or safety.

You can also prepare smoothie packs for even quicker future blending. Portion out the frozen raspberries, avocado chunks (peeled and pitted), cocoa powder, protein powder, vanilla extract, and optional sweetener into individual freezer-safe bags. When you’re ready for a smoothie, just dump the contents of a bag into your blender, add the liquid and ice (if using), and blend. This method is excellent for meal prepping and ensures you always have the ingredients ready to go.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Here are some common questions that often come up when people are preparing this delicious Protein Raspberry Cocoa Smoothie.

**Can I use fresh raspberries

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.