This smoothie is thick, chocolatey, and gives you a little coffee kick with a creamy twist from avocado. It tastes like dessert but feels like fuel.
I first whipped this up on a sleepy morning when I couldn’t decide between breakfast or coffee, and this smoothie gave me both.
It’s now a regular in my blender because it’s fast, filling, and surprisingly refreshing.
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 1 ripe avocado (peeled and pitted)
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk you like)
- 1 frozen banana
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 shot (1 oz) of espresso or ¼ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt
- ½ cup ice
💖 Why I Love This Recipe
This smoothie is pure magic in a glass. It’s creamy like a milkshake, but every ingredient in it makes you feel good. I first made this when I was trying to get out the door but needed something filling and energizing. I didn’t expect to fall in love with the flavor!
- The avocado makes it unbelievably smooth.
- Cocoa + coffee = flavor heaven.
- It’s dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
- Tastes like dessert but fuels your morning.
👩🍳 Pro Tips
- Use a super ripe avocado – it should give a little when you press on it.
- Frozen bananas give the smoothie that milkshake feel – don’t skip it!
- Let your coffee cool before adding it or you’ll melt the ice.
- Want it thicker? Add more ice or frozen banana.
- Taste before you pour – adjust the sweetness to your liking.
🍴 Tools You’ll Need
- Blender (high-speed is best)
- Measuring spoons & cups
- Knife and spoon (to prep avocado)
- Glass or jar for serving
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Swap almond milk with oat, soy, or dairy milk
- Use honey or dates instead of maple syrup
- Add a scoop of protein powder to make it a meal
- Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for a twist
- Add a handful of spinach – you won’t taste it, promise
⏱️ Make Ahead Tips
You can prep smoothie packs!
Just freeze the avocado, banana, cocoa, and espresso in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, dump it all in the blender, add milk and syrup, and blend.
🍫 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Add the avocado and frozen banana
Place 1 ripe avocado (peeled and pitted) and 1 medium frozen banana into the blender.
2. Pour in almond milk and cold brew
Add 1 cup unsweetened almond milk and ½ cup cold brew coffee to the blender.
3. Add cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt
Add 2 tablespoons unsweetened cacao powder, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ⅛ teaspoon sea salt.
4. Add ice and blend
Add 1 cup of ice cubes. Blend everything on high until completely smooth and creamy.
5. Pour into glass and serve
Pour into 2 glasses. Optional: top with cocoa powder or coffee beans. Serve immediately.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Give it a good stir or shake before drinking.
- It might thicken, so you can splash in more milk if needed.
🧪 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Avocado gives the smoothie its rich, buttery texture thanks to healthy fats.
- Frozen banana adds sweetness and helps thicken without ice cream.
- Coffee and cocoa enhance each other’s flavors – it’s a chemistry thing!
- Salt makes the chocolate flavor pop – just a pinch makes a difference.
🍽️ Meal Plan Ideas
- Pair with a granola bar for a quick breakfast.
- Have it post-workout with added protein powder.
- Sip it mid-afternoon instead of an iced coffee.
😬 Common Mistakes
- Using hot coffee – it melts the ice and makes the smoothie watery.
- Not blending long enough – you want that velvety texture.
- Using an unripe avocado – it tastes bitter and won’t blend well.
🥄 What to Serve With
- A slice of whole-grain toast with peanut butter
- A hard-boiled egg for extra protein
- A bowl of fresh berries
❓ FAQ
Can I make this without banana?
Yes! Add more avocado and a bit more sweetener, and a handful of ice to thicken it.
Can I use instant coffee?
Totally. Just mix with hot water, let it cool, and go.
Is this sweet enough?
It depends on your banana and coffee – always taste and adjust.
Can I turn this into a smoothie bowl?
Absolutely! Use less milk and add toppings like granola, coconut flakes, or fruit.
📝 Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Coffee Avocado Smoothie is one of those “wait… this is good for me?” recipes. It tastes like something fancy from a café, but it’s fast, filling, and easy to customize. If you try it, I’d love to hear what you think! Drop a comment with your thoughts, questions, or your favorite twist on it!
