Try this tasty and healthy Chocolate Prune Smoothie! It's a delightful blend of prunes, banana, cocoa, and nut butter. Wholesome goodness in a glass, this smoothie will be your go-to for a tasty, nutritious breakfast or snack.
If you're on the lookout for a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping things nutritious, look no further than the Chocolate Prune Smoothie.
Packed with the goodness of prunes, banana, cocoa powder, milk, and almond butter, this smoothie is as tasty as it is nutritious.
In just a matter of minutes, you can whip up a smooth and luscious drink that will have you coming back for more.
Prunes haven't been the most fashionable dried fruit lately (that accolade goes to dates!). Perhaps because of its humble reputation, prunes often fly under the radar.
However, don't let their understated image fool you. These wrinkled wonders boast a unique sweet and tangy flavor that, when embraced, can elevate both sweet and savory dishes. Try prune juice in this Asian Tofu with Spicy Garlic Sauce, or whole ones in this easy recipe for Stewed Prunes. Be sure to also try Prune Puree or Prune Compote - perfect on yogurt or oatmeal.
This smoothie recipe has become a regular in my kitchen, especially on days when I'm craving something sweet yet don't want to derail my commitment to eating well. I hope you'll love it too!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Nutrient-Packed Goodness: Prunes are not only sweet and delicious but also rich in essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, and vitamins. This smoothie is a tasty way to incorporate these nutritional powerhouses into your diet.
- Chocolate Cravings Satisfied: If you're a chocolate lover, this smoothie is a dream come true. The cocoa powder adds a deep, rich chocolate flavor without the need for sugary additives, making it a healthier option for those sweet cravings.
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and a blender, you can whip up this smoothie in no time. It's a hassle-free recipe that's perfect for busy mornings or as a midday pick-me-up.
- Versatile and Customizable: The recipe serves as a fantastic base, but you can easily customize it to suit your taste. Add a handful of spinach for a nutrient boost, throw in some chia seeds for added texture, or adjust the sweetness to your liking.
What are Prunes?
Prunes are dried plums, known for their sweet and slightly tangy flavor.
They are often overlooked in the world of snacks, but their natural sweetness and chewy texture make them a perfect addition to various recipes, both sweet and savory.
Packed with fiber, prunes also offer a range of health benefits, making them a smart choice for those looking to enhance their diet.
Why Should I Eat More Prunes?
Prunes are more than just a tasty addition to your snacks – they come with a host of health benefits.
Firstly, prunes are an excellent source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and helping to prevent constipation.
They also contain essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamin K, and vitamin A. Additionally, prunes are rich in antioxidants, which can help combat oxidative stress in the body.
So, incorporating prunes into your diet not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also supports your overall well-being.
Ingredients
- Prunes: These sweet and chewy dried plums are the star of the show, providing natural sweetness and a dose of fiber to the smoothie.
- Banana: Whether fresh or frozen, banana adds a creamy texture and a hint of natural sweetness to balance the flavors.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder brings the rich and decadent chocolate flavor without the added sugars found in chocolate syrups.
- Almond Butter or Peanut Butter: Choose your favorite nut butter to add creaminess and a nutty undertone. These also contribute healthy fats and protein.
- Milk or Almond Milk: The liquid base for the smoothie. You can opt for dairy milk or a plant-based alternative like almond milk, depending on your preference.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a subtle sweetness.
- Optional: If you like your smoothie sweeter, or if your banana isn't that ripe, you can blend in a little honey or maple syrup.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.
Like most smoothie recipes, this one is super simple!
Just add all the ingredients to a blender (make sure your prunes have no pits first though!).
Blend until smooth. If you want it thinner, add a little more milk.
Pour into glasses and serve!
Variations
- Green Chocolate Prune Smoothie: Add a handful of spinach or kale for a nutrient-packed green smoothie with the same chocolatey goodness.
- Protein-Packed Smoothie: Boost the protein content by adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder or Greek yogurt.
- Chia Seed Pudding Parfait: Layer the smoothie with chia seed pudding for a delightful parfait that combines creamy and textured layers.
- Mocha Twist: Add a shot of espresso or a teaspoon of instant coffee for a mocha-flavored kick.
Storage
While this Chocolate Prune Smoothie is best enjoyed fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a good shake or stir before serving, as it may separate over time.
Top tip
- Soaking the Prunes: If your prunes are on the drier side, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes before blending. This ensures they blend smoothly and contribute to the creamy texture.
- Frozen Banana: Using a frozen banana not only adds a chill to the smoothie but also contributes to a thicker consistency. Peel and slice the banana before freezing for convenience.
- Play with Texture: If you prefer a thicker smoothie, add a handful of ice cubes or reduce the amount of liquid. For a smoother texture, adjust the liquid accordingly.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the smoothie before serving and adjust the sweetness by adding a touch of honey or maple syrup if desired.
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you love this recipe, please leave a five-star rating and review in the comments below! And if you make any modifications, let us know how it went so that we can all benefit from your experience. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe
Chocolate Prune Smoothie
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 4-5 prunes pitted
- 1 ripe banana fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 to 2 tablespoons almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 cup milk or almond milk 235ml
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make sure your prunes don't have any pits.
- Add all ingredients to a blender and process until smooth.
- If you want it thinner, add a little more milk and blend again.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Clara K.W.
Trying to up my fiber, so tried this smoothie. Really good and didn't taste too 'healthy' ha ha. I made it a second time but also added vegan vanilla protein powder.
Stephanie
Bravo! This smoothie recipe is the only way I've been able to enjoy prunes! ANd, well, I NEEDED to eat more - ha ha. It makes for a great way to start my day as the smoothie is tasty and satisfying.
Elisa
Love this Chocolate Prune Smoothie recipe, so full of nutrients, easy, and delicious!!!! will add this to my breakfast recipes. Thanks for sharing 🙂
TAYLER ROSS
I made one of these smoothies for breakfast this morning and it was delicious! You'd never even know it had prunes in it!
Angela
So delicious and a healthy way to start the day! My go-to smoothie 🙂
dana
This was delicious! I think prunes are incredibly underrated. They're so good, but always associated with elders or babies, haha. Let's popularize the prune!