High Protein Banana Almond Smoothie Bowl
This banana almond smoothie bowl is a super simple and healthy breakfast recipe packed with good fats, fibre and 29 grams of protein! Learn how to make it in just 5 minutes with wholesome ingredients. Vegan, gluten free and soy free.
Why You’ll Love This Smoothie Bowl
- Has 29 grams of protein
- Extra creamy consistency
- High in gut-healthy fibre
This banana almond smoothie bowl has an extra creamy consistency and is bursting with delicious almond goodness. There are 29 grams of protein per bowl making this recipe perfect as a high protein post-workout treat.
The base of this smoothie bowl is made from frozen bananas. Bananas are a healthy fruit to consume daily because they contain lots of fibre, magnesium and potassium. Potassium is important because it helps keep your heart healthy and blood pressure at optimal levels. The fibre found in bananas acts as a prebiotic in the gut, helping to balance good bacteria levels and improve digestion.
This smoothie bowl is yummy on its own, but can be made even more delectable by adding a variety of toppings. The flavour is quite classic, most toppings go well with vanilla and almond. Some ideas are almonds, cashews, walnuts, granola, coconut flakes, dried or fresh fruits, goji berries, mulberries, chopped medjool dates and cacao nibs.
Ingredients Needed
These are the ingredients you will need to make this banana almond smoothie bowl.
Himalayan salt: Balances out the sweetness and brings depth to the other ingredients.
Vanilla extract or bean: Both work well, use whichever you prefer.
Almond butter: Gives this smoothie its almond flavour and adds a rich creaminess when combined with the frozen ingredients. Don’t skip it!
Protein powder: Any favourite almond vegan protein powder. Vanilla flavour protein powder also tastes great!
Frozen bananas: Creates the thick, creamy base of the smoothie bowl. Make sure to freeze the bananas when perfectly ripe for a nice and sweet smoothie bowl.
Coconut milk: The liquid that brings all of the other ingredients together to blend smoothly and adds a creamy consistency.
For ingredient amounts and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Benefits
High fibre
Easily get more fibre in your every day diet! In addition to being generally healthy, getting enough fibre can be extremely helpful for weight loss as it helps keep you feeling full for longer, without adding calories. Fibre also helps improve our gut health.
Nutrient dense
Vegan smoothie bowls are a great way to get more nutrient rich foods in each day. By blending them into a single meal, it’s super quick, easy and fun! Choose ingredients like dark leafy greens, berries, nuts, seeds and fruits to make your smoothie bowls nutrient rich.
Quick and easy
It’s incredibly fast to make a yummy smoothie bowl. Gather your ingredients and toss them in the blending container, blend, and you’re already done! Rinse the blender container. It doesn’t get much more simple than that. Smoothie bowls rarely take more than 5 minutes to make. This makes them a great option if you find yourself short on time for a healthy meal.
Variations
Try an alternative plant milk
This recipe uses coconut milk but you can try using any plant based milk you prefer. Some alternatives include soy, almond or cashew! You can also make your own plant milk from scratch.
Adjust the consistency
If you prefer a thicker consistency you can try the recipe using a bit less liquid than what is suggested. If you want a thinner consistency, try adding a bit of extra liquid to the recipe.
Experiment with toppings
Finding the perfect combination of toppings is one of the best things about smoothie bowls. The right toppings will add wonderful texture and flavour to your already delicious smoothie base. Keep things interesting and try new toppings often!
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to blender.
- Start blending at low speed for 5-10 seconds. Increase to high speed and blend for 1-2 minutes. Use the blender tamper to push ingredients down towards the blades.
- Scoop into a bowl and add desired toppings. Serve your banana almond smoothie bowl immediately!
Prep & Blending
Add ingredients in the correct order
Always add liquid ingredients to your blender first. Then add powders, nut butters, nuts and seeds. Then add fresh greens and fresh fruit. Finally add your solid ingredients like frozen fruit. If using a small blender container with a twist on lid, reverse the order so that when you turn the container over to blend the frozen ingredients are farthest away from the blades.
Use a tamper
Push ingredients down towards the blades while blending using the tamper that comes with your blender. This helps to avoid thick smoothie bowls from getting stuck, so you don’t have to stop blending and scrape down the sides of the container.
Avoid over blending
Try to blend your smoothie bowl for less than a couple of minutes. If blended for too long, even thick smoothie bowls will become thin. This is because the heat generated by the blades and motor of the blender heat up your ingredients while they are being blended.
Use a high power blender
For smoothie bowls that have a perfectly smooth and creamy texture use a high powered blender such as a Vitamix. A Vitamix can break down any ingredients to much finer particles than standard blenders, and more nutrients are released. A high speed blender also reduces the time you need to blend your recipe, which helps keep it nice and cold.
Chill your bowl
By placing your bowl in the freezer for a few moments you can help your smoothie bowl stay cool for longer. This way it won’t start melting instantly while you are eating it. This is especially helpful if you’re in a hot climate. Pop it into the freezer while you are prepping and blending, then take it out when it’s time to pour your finished smoothie bowl!
FAQ’s
Are vegan smoothie bowls healthy?
Yes! Generally smoothie bowls are very healthy to consume, depending on what ingredients are used. Plant based smoothie bowls are rich in fibre and nutrients.
Can I lose weight with smoothie bowls?
Smoothie bowls are an excellent weight loss food! This is because they are generally healthier and higher in fibre and nutrients. Due to high water content, the large volume of a smoothie bowl helps your stomach to feel satiated. And the fibre keeps you feeling full for longer, without feeling weighed down or tired.
Can smoothie bowls be refrigerated?
Smoothie bowls are best enjoyed immediately after blending, while they are freshest. However you can refrigerate most smoothie bowls for 1-2 days in an airtight container such as a jar. Be aware the consistency will not be as thick as a fresh smoothie bowl.
Can I make smoothie bowls without a high speed blender?
Yes, you can still make smoothie bowls with a regular blender. It might take more patience depending on the recipe, but it can work. Turn off the blender to scrape down the sides of the container, and secure the lid before continuing to blend. Repeat as needed. Alternatively you can add a small amount of additional liquid to the recipe, which should help.
How can I increase the protein?
If you wish for your smoothie bowl to have a higher protein content, you can simply add (more) protein powder to the recipe. Plain unsweetened plant based protein will work in any smoothie bowl. Alternatively you can try adding hemp seeds or even silken tofu.
Related
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High Protein Banana Almond Smoothie Bowl
Equipment
- high power blender
Ingredients
- ½ cup coconut milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or ½ vanilla bean
- 2 tablespoon almond butter
- 1 pinch Himalayan salt
- 2 scoop almond vegan protein powder
- 4 frozen bananas
Toppings Pictured
- banana slices
- almond slices
- almond butter
- puffed quinoa
- cacao nibs
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to blender.
- Start blending at low speed for 5-10 seconds. Increase to high speed and blend for 1-2 minutes. Use the blender tamper to push ingredients down towards the blades.
- Scoop into a bowl and add desired toppings. Serve immediately.