Pink Banana Protein Smoothie Bowl

This pink banana protein smoothie bowl is naturally sweet and has 27 grams of protein! It’s bursting with tropical vanilla flavour and is rich in antioxidants. Easy to make with just 5 healthy ingredients in 5 minutes! Vegan, gluten free, nut free and soy free.

Why You’ll Love This Smoothie Bowl

• Naturally sweet
• Has 27 grams of protein
• Super thick & creamy

This pink banana protein smoothie bowl is a delicious and vibrant way to start the day! It has 27 grams of plant protein and an ultra thick and creamy consistency. The flavour is sweet, tropical vanilla! Depending on which toppings are added this smoothie bowl can be a super healthy breakfast or a high protein dessert.

Frozen bananas create the base of this thick smoothie bowl. Bananas are one of the best sources of potassium, which protects bone, heart and kidney health. When freezing bananas for this smoothie bowl remember to let them ripen fully first! When the banana peels have little black spots they are ready to peel and freeze. Banana is also great for gut health as it encourages good gut bacteria levels.

This smoothie bowl includes hemp seeds which are nutrient-rich and high protein. Hemp seeds are very anti-inflammatory because they contain omega-3 and gamma-linolenic acid. They are also great for skin and hair health!

Pitaya for Health

Pink pitaya (also known as dragon fruit) is a healthy addition to any smoothie bowl. The taste is often described as mildly sweet, tangy, and similar to kiwi! The most convenient way to include pitaya in smoothies is in the form of freeze dried powder.

Pitaya fruit has powerful anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants. This can slow aging and even reduce the risk of cancers. Many of the anti-inflammatory compounds are found in the tiny black seeds of the fruit! This tropical fruit is also helpful in controlling blood sugar levels as it is low on the glycemic index. Pink pitaya is a great source of beta-carotene, which protects eye health.

Ingredients Needed

These are the ingredients you will need to make this pink banana protein smoothie bowl.

Hemp seeds: Adds a subtle nutty flavour and increases the protein. Use hulled hemp seeds for smooth blending.

Protein powder: Use your favourite vanilla vegan protein powder. Both sweetened or unsweetened types work well in this recipe.

Pink pitaya powder: The key ingredient to the bright pink colour! High quality pitaya powders will be extremely vibrant even before blending.

Frozen bananas: The thick, creamy base of the smoothie bowl. Adds natural sweetness.

Coconut milk: The liquid that brings all of the other ingredients together to blend smoothly and adds a creamy consistency. Use the type of coconut milk that comes in a carton. The coconut milk in cans tends to be too thick.

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.

Topping Ideas

There are almost endless topping options for this pink banana protein smoothie bowl! They can be super healthy or slightly more indulgent. Here are some delicious topping ideas:

• Dark chocolate shavings
• Pink pitaya chunks
• Banana slices
• Dried mulberries
• Chia seeds
• Hemp seeds
• Cashew butter
• Almond butter
• Mango chunks
• Star fruit slices
• Passion fruit
• White chocolate chips
• Granola
• Strawberries
• Toasted coconut chips

Variations

Coconut milk alternatives

This recipe uses coconut milk but you can try using any plant based milk you prefer. Some alternatives include soy, almond, hemp or cashew! You can also make your own plant milk from scratch in a blender. The key is to avoid using just water to blend. We want to use something more creamy, it makes the smoothie bowl thicker in texture.

Adjust the consistency

If you prefer a thicker consistency you can try the recipe using a bit less liquid than what is suggested. For a thinner smoothie bowl, try adding a bit of extra liquid to the recipe. Add extra liquid in very small amounts to avoid overdoing it.

Boost the tropical flavour

For an extra tropical tasting version of this pink smoothie bowl try replacing one half of the frozen bananas with frozen mango chunks! It’s a delicious blend with a bit more tanginess and fruity flavour. Frozen pineapple chunks also work well!

Add extra sweetness

This smoothie bowl is naturally sweet but can be made extra sweet if you prefer. Especially if using an unsweetened protein powder, you may wish to add some sweetening ingredients. The easiest way to add sweetness is with 1-2 tablespoons of agave syrup. It blends perfectly with the tropical vanilla flavour. Another option is adding 1-2 medjool dates (pitted).

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 pink banana protein 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!

How to Freeze Bananas

There are different ways to freeze bananas for making smoothie bowls. This method is the simplest way to freeze plenty of ripe bananas for smoothie bowls at one time.

1. Peel your fully ripe bananas.
2. Break each banana into two or three pieces.
3. Freeze the banana pieces overnight in a reusable freezer bag.

FAQ’s

Can I use fresh bananas instead of frozen?

For a super thick smoothie bowl the bananas have to be frozen. Making this recipe with fresh bananas will result in a delicious smoothie you can drink with a straw! Be sure to freeze bananas overnight before using them. Bananas frozen for only a few hours might seem frozen, but will result in a much warmer, thinner smoothie bowl.

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 thick, but you will have a drinkable smoothie to enjoy later.

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. 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 pink banana protein smoothie bowl to have more protein you can add 1 extra scoop of protein powder to the recipe. Avoid adding more than this as it may change the texture of the smoothie bowl! Instead try adding other high protein ingredients like extra hemp seeds, almond butter or vegan greek yogurt.

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