Boy am I glad I decided to make this week a smoothie week! I can’t tell you how much I just love smoothies. There are so many varieties and combinations. And when all is said and done, you can feel good about what you’re putting in your body because you know what the ingredients are, and you watched it all come together in your own kitchen.
Most of the time, my smoothies are fruit and veggie-based. All those nutrients. All the good stuff our bodies need. But sometimes, I get this craving that just can’t be fulfilled with fruits and veggies. I may still be dreaming about Reese’s Trees and looking forward to Reese’s Hearts, Eggs, and Jack ‘o Lanterns. And I know from experience, that’s not a craving that goes away easily. Do I want to consume a whole milkshake when I’m trying to get fit? Not necessarily. But do I want those flavors? You betcha!
So I do what any normal person would do. Find a way to indulge in those yummy flavors without sacrificing my health goals. Lots of the healthy stuff, and just a little bit of these flavors in their natural unprocessed form. Peanut butter and cocoa are strong enough flavors that you don’t need a whole lot to get the flavor you’re looking for, which makes these smoothies seem a whole lot more like dessert than a healthy breakfast or other post-workout meal.
The other awesome thing about these smoothies is that when you add a bunch of ice, you have the ability to make it almost an ice cream-like thickness, which is totally up my alley. I love when my smoothies are thick enough you can eat them with a spoon. Again, it just makes it feel that much more indulgent, and if I can trick my mind into thinking that, I am totally game!
A couple other smoothie favorites:
- 1/3 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon flax seeds
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1/3 cup vanilla greek yogurt
- 1/2-1/3 cup water
- 1 banana , frozen
- 3 Tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
- 1 Tablespoon cocoa nibs , optional
- 12-15 ice cubes
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Add all ingredients through the peanut butter to your blender. Add about half the ice that you will be using. Blend on high until combined completely.
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Add cocoa nibs and remaining ice. Blend until just combined so you still have an icy treat with the cocoa nibs intact.
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If you’re using a Blendtec*, there is a smoothie button you can just push and it will do all the work for you while you clean up.
These are the tools I use for this recipe:
* To get the smoothie super smooth and thoroughly combined with no chunks, I use this high-powered blender.
* King Arthur’s Dutch cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
To cut down on the time it takes to make a smoothie, be sure to check out my Smoothie Prep Post.
What indulgent flavors do you wish would be healthier?
** I only have experience using a Blendtec blender for this smoothie. The great thing about this blender (among other things) is that you literally throw everything in the blender, push a button, and walk away. It does all the work for you. As a Blendtec affiliate, I do make a small commission if you do decide to make a purchase through the link, but this is as no additional cost to you. If you make this awesome decision, I just want to thank you in advance for your support. I truly appreciate it! **
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Hey there! My name is Holly, and I am passionate about enjoying all foods without guilt, judgement, or failure. Food shouldn’t have a “good” or a “bad” label. After years and years of dieting and having a bad relationship with food and my body, I am finally at place where food is not the enemy, and I want nothing more than to help other women get to this place with me!
I live in the beautiful state of Utah with my son and the love of my life. I’m a coffee obsessed, yoga-practicing, Zumba-rockin’ nerdy tattoo-lovin’ Air Force wife, and I’m so excited to share my story, experiences, and lessons with you.
Kayley McCabe says
I am making this tomorrow! It looks SO good!
Holly Waterfall says
You will be so glad you did! Let me know how much you love it!
Jenny Layton says
Yum! Can’t wait to give this one a try. Mouth is watering right now.
Holly Waterfall says
I hope you do try it! You won’t be sorry!
Mary Canaday Gray says
Would like all the nutritional data including carbs and calories and protein before I go out an buy the ingredients.
Holly Waterfall says
Mary – sorry it took so long for me to get this to you – If you go to the Nutritional Value tab on this link, it’ll give it all to you! http://myrecipemagic.com/recipe/recipedetail/healthy-peanut-butter-cup-smoothie
jennifer@onesimplecook.com says
Ah, yes, those darn Reeses trees. Two weeks post Christmas and they are STILL taunting me 🙂 ha. ha. Chocolate and peanut butter are two of my favorite combinations, and I love, love, love guilt-free desserts! I even have all of this in my pantry right now. I seriously am going to have to make this. Thanks for the recipe. BTW, do you happen to have the calorie count?
Holly Waterfall says
Chocolate + PB is always a winner in my book.
You can get the calorie count here under the Nutritional Value tab: http://myrecipemagic.com/recipe/recipedetail/healthy-peanut-butter-cup-smoothie
Beth @ The First Year Blog says
Holly, we need to be friends! And neighbors so I can come over to your house for this smoothie! Coming by from Whimsy Wed link party!
Holly Waterfall says
GAH, I WISH i had more neighbors who would come over and eat all the food I make! Consider yourself invited!
Katie says
I make a super similar smoothie except I sub the ice/water with frozen bananas (you can’t taste them with the chocolate and pb) and I sometimes add a handful of spinach (you can’t taste this either) its the best of both worlds!
Holly Waterfall says
I sometimes add spinach in as well. This recipe actually does have both the ice AND frozen bananas. I personally like my smoothies as thick as I can make them. Especially the more dessert-tasting ones. Make it seem more like ice cream 🙂
The Better Baker says
What an amazing combo of YUM! HOLY PEANUT BUTTER CUPS!! We love smoothies too, and I love being able to make them healthy. This is the Bomb! Printing…pinning…enjoying soon. Thanks so much for sharing and congrats on being featured at Totally Tasty Tuesday!!
Holly Waterfall says
Aren’t smoothies amazing?! Thank you so much for coming by and checking out the recipe. And let me know if you try it out yourself. You’ll love it!
Alyssa Auch says
I’m drinking it right now, and it’s pretty darn good! The greek yogurt makes it a little more tangy than I would have liked maybe, but its still flippin delicious!!! I was craving chocolate today, so this is perfect!
Holly Waterfall says
Awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! It’s perfect for those chocolate cravings.
Chicago Jogger says
Yum, this looks delicious! I might try a version with my chocolate protein powder 🙂
heather @french press says
this sounds perfect Holly! I am all about the pb and chocoalte
Kim~madeinaday says
Wow and yum! Great smoothie recipe and healthy!! Yay! Thanks for linking up to Merry Monday! Sharing on FB! Have a great week!
Kim
Gaylene says
What could I use in place of the frozen banana in smoothies? My Hubby is allergic.
Holly Waterfall says
Since the main purpose of the frozen banana is to add a thick/creamy texture (besides nutrition, of course), I would freeze your greek yogurt to get a similar texture.