Creamy, chocolatey, and ridiculously indulgent, this Funky Monkey Smoothie tastes more like ice cream than a protein shake. With 19 grams of protein, it's easy to whip up after a workout, and can be topped with sticky-sweet homemade caramel sauce for total dessert-level taste.
"Tastes like dessert and doesn't even feel like I'm drinking a protein shake! I tried this as a post-workout treat and now that I'll be looking forward to making this again after hitting the gym." -Maida
A Quick Look At The Recipe
- ⏲️Ready In: 5 Minutes
- 👪Serves: 2
- 🍽 Calories and Protein: 244 kcals and 19 grams of protein
- 📋Main Ingredients: Frozen banana, protein powder, cacao powder, almond butter, and dairy-free milk.
- 📖 Dietary Notes: Dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan but can be made paleo as well.
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: Creamy, chocolatey, and dessert-like, this high-protein smoothie feels indulgent while still fueling your day.
SUMMARIZE & SAVE THIS CONTENT ON
If you’re bored with the same old post-workout shake, this chunky monkey smoothie recipe is a total game-changer (along with a cookies and cream protein shake, of course). It tastes like dessert but is loaded with protein, just like my dairy-free protein ice cream and coffee protein shake. I started making it on days when I wanted something that felt indulgent but still helped me hit my protein goals, and now my kids request it more than our actual desserts.
This healthy chunky monkey smoothie was designed with recovery in mind, giving you a satisfying mix of protein, carbs, and a little healthy fat for flavor and staying power (similar to the recipes in my Strong and Sweet Protein Guide). Top it with my homemade three-ingredient caramel sauce, and you’ve got a smoothie that feels wildly decadent yet totally goal-friendly, just like this single-serve protein banana bread, and consider your cravings handled.
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💭Why You'll Love This Recipe
Easy to make: Whipped up in about 10 minutes, this funky monkey smoothie is perfect at the end of your workout.
Allergy-friendly: Not only is it high in protein, but it's also dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan, and it can be made paleo as well, depending on the protein powder you choose.
Delicious: With a rich chocolate banana flavor, the smoothie is thick in texture and drizzled with a homemade caramel sauce.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Frozen bananas: Make sure the banana is frozen prior to blending it, as this will make the chunky monkey smoothie much more creamy. This is one of the hacks in how to make a balanced smoothie.
- Protein powder: The protein powder you choose will affect the taste and texture of the smoothie. Learn more about how to choose a vegan protein powder or why I made the switch to beef isolate protein for health reasons.
- Cacao powder: This is the purest form of chocolate. Which means it's also loaded with benefits of raw cacao powder. Unsweetened cocoa powder will work but you won't reap as many perks.
- Make it paleo: To make this funky monkey smoothie recipe paleo, omit the oats and use a paleo protein powder like my favorite tasting one Equip Protein.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Flavor Variations
- Nut butter: Though I find that almond butter or almond hazelnut butter makes the bestdairy-free caramel sauce, peanut butter could be used as well.
- Vanilla swirl: You could make this chunky monkey smoothie recipe vanilla-based by eliminating the cacao powder, using a vanilla protein, and then swirling it with the caramel and some chocolate chips.
- Toppings: Use any of the best toppings for smoothie bowls to create new flavors and textures.
How To Make a Funky Monkey Smoothie
Expert Tips
The chunky monkey protein shake is best when enjoyed as soon as it’s made. It will thin out if stored.
Likewise, you can store the homemade, healthy caramel sauce however, it will harden slightly.
If you need to omit the protein powder, opt for collagen powder (learn what is collagen) and add 1-2 dates to adjust the sweetness of the smoothie.
For the dairy-free caramel sauce, make sure to use a runny nut butter, or it won't blend well.
If using beedf-based protein powder, try using either Equip Protein, which has the best-tasting flavors I've ever tried. Or, Paleo Pro Protein, which is the cleanest powder I've found. Both are on my list of favorite beef-based protein powders. Save money using the code mamabear if you give it a try.
Funky Monkey Smoothie FAQs
Frozen bananas are what make a smoothie thick and creamy. Though anytime you use bananas in a smoothie it will be thick, only frozen banana gives it that "ice cream-like" feel.
You never need to add protein powder to smoothies. However, removing it will alter the texture and flavor. If you want to switch to a more natural protein, use collagen powder instead.
To make a smoothie thicker, reduce the liquid in the smoothie or add in more of an item like avocado, frozen banana, or coconut milk that makes a smoothie creamy.
A funky monkey smoothie is made by blending frozen banana, nut butter, cocoa or protein powder, and milk until smooth.
More High-Protein Snack Recipes
If you tried this Funky Monkey Smoothie Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes!
Healthy Funky Monkey Smoothie
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
Funky Monkey Smoothie
- 1 banana frozen
- ⅓ cup vanilla or chocolate protein powder
- 5 ice cubes
- 3 tablespoons raw cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1 date
- ¼ cup oats
- ¾ cups almond milk
Caramel Topping
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a blender, combine everything but almond milk.
- Pour milk over top.
- Blend on high until combined and smooth.
- You may need to use a tamper as the smoothie is thick.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the healthy caramel topping.
- Pour the smoothie into a glass.
- Place the caramel drizzle into a ziplock bag, cut the corner tip off and drizzle over smoothie.
Notes
- This recipe makes 1 super large indulgent smoothie or two small ones and the nutrition does not include the caramel.
- This protein chocolate smoothie is best when eaten as soon as it’s made. It will thin out if stored.
- Make sure t use frozen bananas to make sure it's super creamy.
- If you need to omit the protein powder, opt for collagen powder and add 1-2 dates to adjust the sweetness of the smoothie.
- If using beedf-based protein powder, try using either Equip Protein, which has the best-tasting flavors I've ever tried. Or, Paleo Pro Protein, which is the cleanest powder I've found. Both are on my list of favorite beef-based protein powders. Save money using the code mamabear if you give it a try.
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
Jennifer says
This looks so delicious and satisfying! And that caramel drizzle takes it to the next level. Yum!
fitasamamabear says
You can NEVER go wrong with caramel drizzle 😀
Lhourdes Mercadero says
This recipe looks so yummy. I always have a cocoa in my kitchen.we call it it Tablea. I used for our breakfast like champorado ( rice with cocoa then drizzled with some milk )
fitasamamabear says
Oh my lord, Chmporado sounds so yummy! I need to try this!
Mama in Heels says
Looks so yummy. I need to try this recipe for sure!
xo,
Mama in Heels
fitasamamabear says
Such an addictive one! I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Renee says
I love how thick this is!! It looks absolutely delicious!
fitasamamabear says
Thanks! Definitely a tasty and addictive one!
Jamie says
Omg yum!! Before my daughter was born I used to be a smoothie/shake queen but I've been super lazy about it now but now you have me wanting to make this!!
fitasamamabear says
Maakkkee it 😉 My two year old and I share smoothies everyday and I love it! Makes life easy for us lol
Christie Moeller says
Oh my gosh this sounds AMAZING! Totally making this.
xoxo Christie
fitasamamabear says
Umm yea, it's awesome! One of our new addictions 😀
Emily says
This sounds better than a DQ blizzard! Sounds like my mid afternoon snack. 🙂
fitasamamabear says
It'll definitely hurt your tummy less than a Blizzard haha make it and let me know what you think!
Cristine says
Great idea. I crave milkshakes but they don’t have nutritional value. Your protein shake is a great alternative
fitasamamabear says
I'm the same.. sometimes you just need a good milkshake! I hope this helps curb your cravings!
The Food Hunter says
this sounds amazing...I may try it tonight.
fitasamamabear says
Ohhh do it and let me know what you think!
Marriah Tarango says
Oh my gosh, that looks absolutely delicious! I must try, thank you!
Marriah
TarangoVisualStudio.com
fitasamamabear says
Thank you- it's a super yummy one!
Shannon says
This looks absolutely amazing! It is on my list of things to try as soon as possible!!
fitasamamabear says
Awesome, let me know how you like it!
Alicia says
I never knew the vast difference in health benefits between cocoa and cacao until last year! That's all I use now, and this protein shake is going on my list!
fitasamamabear says
It's crazy right!? I didn't know for a long time either but now It makes me feel so good to eat it haha
Melissa @Real Nutritious Living says
YUM! This is so pretty too 😉
fitasamamabear says
Thank you! I worked really hard on that prettiness haha I appreciate the compliment!
linda spiker says
That's my kind of shake!
fitasamamabear says
The delicious kind??! 😉
Kelsee says
This recipe sounds AWESOME! I'm looking forward to trying it soon! Great combo of flavors...and nutrients, obviously!
fitasamamabear says
😀 It's an addictive one. Mainly because.... chocolate and banana are the best thing ever!