This article is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almond Breeze. All opinions and the almond cacao smoothie recipe are my own. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
I know… a smoothie isn’t the first thing on your mind right now, is it?
Nope. I didn’t think so.
With Halloween this week, I think everyone is dreaming of chocolate and sugar so I thought this ‘cacao’ smoothie recipe would interest you in a little sugar-free fun.
Why not, right?
My summer is all about healthy smoothie recipes, but when the fall and winter come, well I just don’t think of them as often. I bet you’re the same way… the Fall season is more about quick easy meals that can be put on the table in no time. But, a smoothie that’s filled with fiber, healthy fats, protein and whole grains is surely just as tasty as a meal on the table, isn’t it? Especially when you’re running out the door in the morning before work and you’re in need of a healthy breakfast or you’re craving a little sweetness in the afternoon and you don’t want to attack the vending machine.
This smoothie is more of a special treat than anything.
It’s sort of like the pint of ice cream in the fridge… oh, the days when I could eat dairy… years and years ago. I don’t even remember what dairy tastes like but I know I loved my ice cream!
Anyway, this smoothie is perfect for an after dinner treat or a mid-day snack. You can also enjoy it for breakfast in the morning if it’s not too chilly in your neck of the woods.
Here in NYC, the weather is a bit crisp and the leaves are falling… but that’s not stopping me from whipping out my blender and creating a little bit of fun.
Because when you have food allergies, you’ve just gotta have fun and forget about the days when Halloween was about eating milk chocolate. Those days are long gone for me but it doesn’t bother me anymore.
Cacao is the new chocolate, folks.
Trust me.
Pop a few cacao nibs into your mouth and you’ll thank me.
Have a safe and Happy Halloween!
xox
Ingredients
- 2 cups Almond Breeze Almond Milk
- 2 large bananas peeled
- 1/2 cup gluten-free oats
- 1 Tbsp. well-stirred creamy almond butter
- 1/4 tsp. organic vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. organic cacao nibs
- 1/2 Tbsp. crushed raw almonds
- 2 Tbsp. coconut flakes
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth. Transfer to two tall glasses and serve chilled.
This post is sponsored by Blue Diamond Almond Breeze.
Love this smoothie! It wasn’t too heavy yet so good!
Yay; thank you!
Okay! Yeah! This is my type of recipe. I am a mostly raw vegan so this fits in well.
This looks delish. I’ll pin it for later.
That looks amazing! Love your site!! Thanks for sharing! BTW, be wary of the Almond Breeze brand since it has carrageenan in it.
Thanks so much; hope you enjoy it!
I’ve been FREEZING in the morning, lately, but I cannot stop making & drinking smoothies for breakfast! I.just.can’t. Your recipes may or may not be part of the reason why 😉
xo.
This sounds Delish! I wish I had everything to make this. I just juicer carrots for my family. This would be a great afternoon treat! Where do you get cocoa nibs? And is the coconut fresh grated?
Thanks Lori; great to hear from you. Here it he link to my page with both the cacao nibs and the coconut. Enjoy! http://astore.amazon.com/theheaapp-20?node=39&page=2
Hey Amie, first off i love your facebook page and website !!! you are inspiring. I want to enter for the giveaway.. you said to leave a comment on your website. Is this what you meant?
Thank you Rachel; yes you’re correct. Thanks!
Great recipe! I just made something similar a few nights ago with homemade almond milk an it was delicious. I love the coconut flakes idea. Thanks for posting!
Thanks Luke; so nice to hear from you! Glad you enjoyed it. Have a great week!
Super recipe – love every one of these ingredients. Awesome garnish, too. Why do smoothies always look so much better in a jar?
Thanks so much; hope you enjoy it! It’s tasty!
Luscious looking smoothie!
Awe; thanks. Hope you love it!!
I’ve been craaaaaaving cookies and cream ice cream all day! And I happen to have all these ingredients.. ha!
Could I substitute cacao powder in lieu of nibs?
Yes of course! Thanks Emily!
Recipe sounds yummy! I’ve not bought cacao nibs before, do you have any brands you recommend?
And I promise you are not missing out on Halloween candy, I tried some for the first time in years and lets just say, its not what I remembered it to be! It PALES in comparison to the organic dark chocolate I eat now. 🙂
Hi Dalton, Great to hear from you!!! I love the cacao nibs from Navita’s Naturals; they are organic! You can BUY them here: http://bit.ly/1cckgU3 They are my favorite. Enjoy! xooxx