Step by step

Method

4 steps

1. 1

   Pour 1½–2 cups cold milk (dairy or plant) into the blender, then add 2 ripe bananas (peeled, chunked, and frozen), 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (or 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup), 1–2 teaspoons honey or sugar if you want it sweeter, and ½ teaspoon vanilla if using. Add a handful of ice for extra chill if you like.

2. 2

   Blend on high 30–45 seconds until completely smooth and frothy — no banana chunks, and the cocoa should look fully mixed (no dry cocoa pockets).

3. 3

   Taste. Add a splash more milk to thin, or a pinch more cocoa for a deeper chocolate note.

4. 4

   Pour into a glass and drink right away. You want a thick chocolate-banana smoothie that tastes like a cold cocoa shake — not a thin chocolate milk or a bitter cocoa sludge.