Chunky Monkey Smoothie Bowls

The blender was louder than I expected that Saturday morning, but I was too curious to stop. I'd been craving something cold, something rich, but without the guilt of ice cream for breakfast. A friend had mentioned smoothie bowls the week before, and I figured frozen bananas and cocoa powder were a good enough place to start. What came out was thick, almost like soft serve, and I knew I'd stumbled onto something that would become a weekly ritual.

I made this for my sister one morning after her workout, and she ate it so fast I thought she might lick the bowl. She loved that it didn't taste healthy, even though it was packed with fiber, protein, and good fats. We sat on the porch with our bowls, spoons clinking against ceramic, and she asked me to text her the recipe before she even finished. That's when I knew this one was a keeper.

Ingredients

• Frozen bananas: The backbone of the whole bowl, they create that thick, creamy texture without any dairy or added sugar.
• Peanut butter powder or peanut butter: I use the powder for a lighter consistency, but regular peanut butter adds richness and a deeper flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon brings warmth and rounds out the cocoa in a way that feels almost indulgent.
• Cocoa powder: This is what makes it taste like Chunky Monkey, earthy and chocolatey without being too sweet.
• Coconut water: A little goes a long way to help everything blend smoothly, and it adds a subtle tropical note.
• Fresh banana: Sliced on top, it adds a soft, sweet contrast to the frozen base.
• Maple cinnamon granola: The crunch is essential, and the cinnamon plays beautifully with the cocoa and banana.
• Cacao nibs: They bring a bitter snap that balances the sweetness and makes each bite more interesting.
• Hemp seeds: Tiny, nutty, and packed with protein, they add texture without stealing the spotlight.
• Mini chocolate chips: Totally optional, but they make it feel like a treat, especially on a slow Sunday morning.

Instructions

Blend the Base:

Add the frozen bananas, peanut butter powder, vanilla, cocoa powder, and coconut water to your blender or food processor. Start on low and work your way up, using the tamper to push everything toward the blades until it's thick and creamy like soft serve.

Adjust Consistency:

If it's too thick to blend, add a splash more coconut water, but go slow. You want it spoonable, not pourable.

Divide and Serve:

Scoop the smoothie base into two bowls, smoothing the tops with the back of a spoon. This is your canvas.

Add the Toppings:

Layer on the sliced banana, granola, cacao nibs, hemp seeds, and chocolate chips if you're using them. Arrange them however you like, there's no wrong way.

Enjoy Immediately:

Smoothie bowls don't wait well, so grab a spoon and dig in while it's still thick and cold.

Save

There was one morning I made this after a rough night of sleep, and the act of blending, arranging toppings, and sitting down to eat something I'd made with my hands turned the whole day around. It wasn't just fuel. It was a moment of care I didn't know I needed. That's what this bowl became for me, a small ritual that feels good every single time.

Choosing Your Toppings

The toppings are where you get to play. I've used everything from shredded coconut to chia seeds to fresh berries, and it's always good. The key is texture, something crunchy, something chewy, something fresh. Don't overthink it, just use what you have and what sounds good that morning.

Making It Your Own

If peanut butter isn't your thing, swap it for almond or cashew butter without a second thought. I've also stirred in a scoop of vanilla protein powder when I needed more staying power, and it blended right in. For a nut-free version, sunflower seed butter works beautifully, and you won't miss a thing.

Storing and Prepping Ahead

I like to peel and slice a bunch of bananas at once, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. That way, I can make this bowl any morning without waiting. The base doesn't store well once blended, so always make it fresh.

• Freeze bananas in slices for faster blending and smoother texture.
• Prep your toppings the night before and keep them in small containers.
• Use a tamper or pause to scrape down the sides if your blender struggles.

Save

This bowl has become my go-to on mornings when I want something nourishing but don't want to think too hard. It's simple, satisfying, and always feels like a little win before the day even starts.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this bowl ahead of time?

For best texture, blend and serve immediately. The smoothie base will melt if left sitting. You can prep ingredients the night before—slice and freeze bananas, measure toppings into containers—to streamline morning assembly.

→ What if I don't have a high-powered blender?

A standard blender works, though you may need to add more liquid and pause frequently to scrape down sides. Letting frozen bananas thaw 5 minutes before blending also helps. A food processor is actually excellent for this—it creates an incredibly smooth, ice cream-like texture.

→ How do I make this completely nut-free?

Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter. Choose nut-free granola or make your own using oats, seeds, and maple syrup. Swap hemp seeds for chia or pumpkin seeds. The flavor profile changes slightly but remains delicious.

→ Can I use fresh bananas instead of frozen?

Frozen bananas are essential for the thick, creamy consistency—fresh bananas create a thin, drinkable smoothie. If you only have fresh bananas, peel, slice, and freeze them for at least 4 hours before blending. This small step makes all the difference in texture.

→ Is this suitable for meal prep?

Blend individual portions in small jars and freeze for up to a week. When ready to eat, let thaw 15-20 minutes, stir, and add toppings. Alternatively, portion dry toppings into containers and blend fresh each morning for optimal texture.

→ What other toppings work well?

Try shredded coconut, chopped walnuts or pecans, fresh berries, sliced almonds, chia seeds, drizzled almond butter, or dark chocolate shavings. For extra protein, add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder directly into the base before blending.