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Have you ever tried that delicious Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor called “Chunky Monkey?” It’s a banana ice cream studded with chocolate chunks and walnuts. And while it’s amazingly delicious, I wouldn’t exactly call it health food. That’s why I took the same flavors and combined them into a nutritious and easy-to-prepare beverage that tastes like dessert but is healthy enough for breakfast!

Chunky Monkey Smoothie

With the arrival of warmer weather, my blender has been making an appearance on my counter just about every day. When hibernating for the winter, ice-cold smoothies just aren’t very appealing. But as soon as the temps rise, I love to incorporate some blended drinks into our snack and breakfast routines.

A couple of weeks ago, I was sipping on a fruity concoction that I had mixed together. Gibbs asked for a sip, told me that it was “good,” but said that he would really like me to make him a chocolate smoothie…because, “you know, Mom — Chocolate is my favorite for everything.”  Hah! I couldn’t have said it better myself!

But despite my love for chocolate, I had never created a chocolate smoothie for the kids. After all, the first thing that comes to mind is a chocolate milkshake, and that doesn’t exactly satisfy my criteria for a nutritious way to start the day. His request got my wheels turning, though, and this little creation was born…A Healthy Breakfast Smoothie: the Chunky Monkey!

Chunky Monkey Smoothie 3

When I was doing my weekly grocery shopping at Kroger, I picked up some Carnation Breakfast Essentials Powder in the Milk Chocolate flavor, knowing that it would be the perfect foundation for the smoothie that Gibbs had requested.

photo-6

This recipe just adds some frozen banana, milk, peanut butter, and ice, creating a complete meal in one tasty glass.

With the vitamins from the fruit, the healthy fats from the peanut butter, and the calcium and protein from the milk, your little ones will be powered throughout their morning. Plus, the added bonus is the Carnation Breakfast Essentials Powder, which not only tastes delicious, but includes 21 vitamins and minerals, 13 grams of protein, and as much calcium as a 6 ounce cup of yogurt!

You know what else is great? Carnation Breakfast Essentials Powder comes in a variety of flavors, so if chocolate isn’t your thing, you can also pick up Classic French Vanilla, Strawberry Sensation, or even a Variety Pack. There are so many options to choose from, you and your kids will never get bored and everyone will be happy!

Gibbs with Blender

When Gibbs heard that a chocolate smoothie was on the breakfast menu, he was by my side and ready to help…instantly!

It probably comes as no surprise that the blender is one of the boys’ favorite kitchen appliances (second only to the Kitchen Aid stand mixer). Anything that makes a loud noise and chops stuff up is bound to be fun!

Gibbs making smoothie

I also love this recipe because it’s another fun way for the kids to join me in the kitchen. Gibbs can help dump all of the ingredients into the blender, which gives him that much more incentive to actually consume the meal. After all, if he made it, it MUST be good!

For any smoothie that I make at home, I like to use frozen bananas. It’s a great way to take advantage of those over-ripe bananas that would otherwise be tossed in the trash or baked into a loaf of banana bread. Just peel the fruit, slice it into coins, and stick it in a plastic bag in your freezer. When you’re ready to make a smoothie, just pull out a bag with one banana in it, add it to the blender, and you’re ready to go! The frozen banana makes the consistency of the smoothie so much creamier and thicker.

Gibbs with Blender 2

And when the blending was done, who magically appeared? Little Brother, who was eager to get a taste of the healthy breakfast smoothie as well!

Casey drinking smoothie

This was a big hit, and both boys gave it the thumbs up!

Gibbs thumbs up

Are you ready to try one for yourself? Look for Carnation Breakfast Essentials offers Here, and check out the Carnation Breakfast Essentials website for more great smoothie recipes.

And here’s the super-easy, super-fast, and super-delicious recipe:

Healthy Chunky Monkey Breakfast Smoothie

5 from 2 votes
Prep: 2 minutes
Total: 2 minutes
Servings 1

Ingredients
  

  • 1 packet Carnation Breakfast Essentials Powder in Rich Milk Chocolate Classic Chocolate Malt, or Dark Chocolate flavor
  • 1 Tablespoon smooth peanut butter
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup ice cubes
  • 1 banana sliced into coins and frozen in advance
  • Whipped topping and/or mini chocolate chips for garnish optional

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to blender and process until smooth. Serve immediately and garnish with whipped topping and chocolate chips if desired.
Author: The Seasoned Mom

Chunky Monkey Smoothie 2

blair

Hey, I’m Blair!

Welcome to my farmhouse kitchen in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Inspired by local traditions and seasonal fare, you’ll find plenty of easy, comforting recipes that bring your family together around the table. It’s down-home, country-style cooking!

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Comments

  1. This looks so yummy! I’m making lots more smoothies now too since the weather is heating back up. I’m pinning yours and will be adding it to our smoothie menu. Can’t wait to give it a try – I am certain it will be a huge hit around here. Thanks for sharing.

    1. Hi, Karen! Thanks so much for visiting. Hope you get to try the smoothie! Just made another one this morning for my boys. 🙂

  2. This looks so delicious! You’re making me crave smoothies. I’d better go and make one for morning tea.

  3. Blair, this really does sound delicious- and all you have to do is look at Gibbs’ adorable face and know it’s true! 😉 Thank you for sharing this with us at Treasure Box Tuesday- pinned! 🙂

  4. Cute post! I actually think my husband would like this as much as your kids. Love a healthy easy breakfast!

    1. Hi, Morgan! I’m not sure! I would think so, although I’ve never tried it myself. It wouldn’t contain all of the protein, vitamins, and minerals that you get in the Breakfast Essentials, but it would probably add that great chocolate flavor. 🙂 I say give it a shot, and let me know how it turns out!