Funky Monkey Smoothie Recipe

There are certain flavor combinations that just work, clicking together like old friends. Peanut butter and banana? Classic. Banana and chocolate? Divine. Peanut butter and chocolate? Legendary. Put all three together, and you enter a realm of pure, unadulterated bliss. That’s exactly where the Funky Monkey Smoothie lives. I first whipped this up on a hectic weekday morning, desperate for something quick, filling, and appealing enough to tempt my notoriously picky eaters (and, let’s be honest, myself). I needed energy, but craved indulgence. Skeptical little faces watched as I tossed frozen bananas, peanut butter, cocoa, and almond milk into the blender. The whirring sound drew them closer, and the rich, chocolatey aroma sealed the deal. The first sips were met with wide eyes and enthusiastic “Mmmms!” – success! Since then, the Funky Monkey has become a bona fide staple in our household. It’s our go-to weekend treat breakfast, our favorite post-sports refuel, and sometimes, just the perfect antidote to a long day. It feels incredibly decadent, like drinking a melted peanut butter cup milkshake, yet it’s packed with wholesome ingredients we can all feel good about. It’s creamy, rich, satisfying, and carries that playful name that always brings a smile. Sharing this recipe feels like sharing a little bit of our family’s happy place, one delicious, funky sip at a time.

The Ultimate Funky Monkey Smoothie Recipe

This recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients into a blender; it’s about creating a perfectly balanced symphony of flavors and textures. The frozen banana provides an incredibly creamy base, eliminating the need for excessive ice which can water down the taste. The peanut butter brings nutty depth and healthy fats, while the cocoa powder delivers that essential chocolatey richness without refined sugar. A touch of sweetness enhances the experience, and the milk binds it all together. Get ready to experience smoothie perfection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple yet powerful ingredients to create your Funky Monkey masterpiece. Using quality ingredients, especially ripe, frozen bananas, makes a significant difference in the final taste and texture.

• Frozen Bananas: 2 medium, ripe bananas, peeled, sliced, and frozen solid. (Using frozen bananas is key for a thick, creamy, ice-cream-like texture without diluting the flavor with ice). Ripe bananas offer the most natural sweetness.
• Peanut Butter: 2 generous tablespoons (creamy or crunchy, natural recommended for less added sugar/oil). Feel free to substitute with almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter (for nut-free), or tahini for different flavor profiles.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 1.5 tablespoons. Use good quality cocoa (or cacao powder) for the best rich, deep chocolate flavor. Adjust amount to your desired level of chocolatiness.
• Milk: 1 cup (approx. 240ml). Your choice! Dairy milk (whole, 2%, skim), almond milk (unsweetened vanilla or plain), soy milk, oat milk (extra creamy!), or even coconut milk beverage all work wonderfully. Adjust the amount slightly to reach your desired consistency. Start with slightly less and add more if needed.
• Sweetener (Optional, to taste): 1-2 teaspoons Maple Syrup, Honey, Agave Nectar, or 1-2 pitted Medjool Dates. The ripeness of your bananas will determine how much, if any, extra sweetness you need. Taste before adding!
• Pure Vanilla Extract (Optional but Recommended): 1/2 teaspoon. Vanilla enhances the chocolate and peanut butter flavors beautifully.
• Ice Cubes (Optional): 3-5 ice cubes. Only needed if your bananas aren’t fully frozen or if you prefer an extra-frosty, thicker smoothie. Adding too much ice can dull the flavors.
• Pinch of Salt (Optional but Recommended): A tiny pinch (less than 1/8 tsp) can actually enhance the sweetness and round out the flavors, especially the chocolate and peanut butter.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this smoothie is incredibly simple. The key is the order of ingredients in some blenders and blending until perfectly smooth.

1. Prepare the Bananas: Ensure your bananas are properly frozen. Peel ripe bananas, slice them into 1-inch chunks, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid (at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight). Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for easy storage. This pre-freezing step is crucial for optimal creaminess.
2. Load the Blender: Add the ingredients to your blender jar. A common recommendation for many blenders is to add liquids first to help the blades move freely. Pour in your chosen milk (start with slightly less than 1 cup if unsure about desired thickness).
3. Add Solids: Add the frozen banana chunks, peanut butter, unsweetened cocoa powder, optional sweetener (if using), optional vanilla extract, and optional pinch of salt. If using ice, add it last.
4. Blend: Secure the lid tightly on the blender. Start blending on a low speed, gradually increasing to high speed. Blend continuously for about 45-90 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and uniform in color. You shouldn’t see any streaks of peanut butter or chunks of banana.
5. Check Consistency: If the smoothie is too thick and the blender is struggling, add a splash more milk (1-2 tablespoons at a time) and blend again briefly. If the smoothie is too thin for your liking (and you didn’t use fully frozen bananas), add a few more frozen banana chunks or a couple of ice cubes and blend again until smooth.
6. Taste and Adjust: Carefully taste the smoothie. If it’s not sweet enough, add a little more of your chosen sweetener and blend briefly. If you want a stronger chocolate or peanut butter flavor, you can add a touch more cocoa powder or peanut butter, but be mindful this will thicken the smoothie further (add a splash of milk if needed).
7. Serve Immediately: Pour the Funky Monkey smoothie into chilled glasses for the best experience. Enjoy right away while it’s thick, frosty, and perfectly blended!

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that these values are estimates and can vary significantly based on the specific ingredients used (e.g., type of milk, type of peanut butter, added sweeteners). This calculation is based on using 2 medium bananas, 2 tbsp natural peanut butter, 1.5 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, and no added sweetener.

• Servings: Makes 1 large (approx. 16-20 oz) serving or 2 smaller (approx. 8-10 oz) servings.
• Calories per Large Serving (Approximate): 450-550 kcal

Breakdown Considerations:

• Bananas: Contribute carbohydrates for energy, potassium (great for heart health and fluid balance), Vitamin B6, and fiber.
• Peanut Butter: Provides plant-based protein, healthy monounsaturated fats (heart-healthy!), fiber, Vitamin E, and magnesium. Natural peanut butters (just peanuts and salt) are generally preferable to avoid added sugars and hydrogenated oils.
• Cocoa Powder: A source of antioxidants (flavonoids), iron, and magnesium. Unsweetened cocoa allows you to control the sugar content.
• Milk: The nutritional profile varies greatly. Dairy milk provides calcium, Vitamin D, and protein. Plant-based milks like almond milk are often lower in calories but fortified with calcium and Vitamin D. Soy milk offers complete plant-based protein. Oat milk adds creaminess and fiber. Choose based on your dietary needs and preferences.
• Sweeteners: Add calories primarily from sugar (maple syrup, honey) or natural sugars and fiber (dates). Use judiciously or omit if the bananas provide enough sweetness.

This smoothie, while calorie-conscious versions can be made, is generally quite nutrient-dense and substantial, making it an excellent meal replacement (especially for breakfast) or a satisfying post-workout recovery drink due to its blend of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.

Preparation Time

One of the beauties of smoothies is their speed!

• Preparation Time: 2 minutes (gathering ingredients, measuring)
• Blending Time: 1-2 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 3-5 minutes (This assumes your bananas are already frozen. If you need to freeze bananas, factor in at least 2-3 hours freezing time).

How to Serve Your Funky Monkey Smoothie

While delicious straight from the blender, presentation and a few extras can elevate your Funky Monkey experience from simple to spectacular! Here are some ideas:

• Classic Glass:
  • Serve in a tall, chilled glass. A frosty glass makes it feel even more refreshing.
  • Use a wide straw, especially if you’ve made it extra thick. Reusable metal or bamboo straws are a great sustainable choice.
• Garnishes Galore:
  • Drizzle: Swirl some extra melted peanut butter or a drizzle of chocolate syrup (or melted dark chocolate) inside the glass before pouring, or drizzle on top.
  • Sprinkle: Top with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, almonds, walnuts, or pecans for crunch.
  • Seeds: A sprinkle of chia seeds, hemp seeds, or flax seeds adds texture and a nutritional boost.
  • Chocolate: Mini chocolate chips (dairy-free if needed) or cacao nibs add intense chocolate bursts and texture.
  • Fruit: A few fresh banana slices perched on the rim or placed on top.
  • Flakes: Toasted coconut flakes can add a subtle tropical note and crunch.
  • Powder: A light dusting of cocoa powder or cinnamon on top looks elegant.
• Funky Monkey Smoothie Bowl:
  • Make the smoothie extra thick (use less milk, ensure bananas are rock solid).
  • Pour into a shallow bowl instead of a glass.
  • Arrange toppings artfully over the surface. Think sliced bananas, berries, granola, nuts, seeds, coconut flakes, chocolate chips – create patterns!
  • Eat with a spoon. This turns it into a more substantial, meal-like experience.
• Layered Parfait:
  • Alternate layers of the Funky Monkey smoothie with layers of yogurt (Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt work well), granola, or crushed cookies in a clear glass for a visually appealing dessert-style treat.
• With Whipped Cream (Indulgent Treat):
  • Top with a swirl of whipped cream (dairy or coconut-based) and a cherry for a classic milkshake vibe. Perfect for a special occasion or dessert.
• Kid-Friendly Fun:
  • Serve in smaller cups with fun, colorful straws.
  • Let kids help sprinkle their own toppings (controlled amounts!).
  • Freeze leftovers in popsicle molds for a healthy frozen treat.

Pro Tips for Smoothie Perfection

Take your Funky Monkey game to the next level with these five expert tips:

1. Master the Creaminess – Frozen is Key: This can’t be stressed enough. Using room temperature bananas and adding ice results in a colder, but icier and less intensely flavored smoothie. Truly frozen banana chunks create a naturally thick, creamy, almost soft-serve texture that’s unparalleled. Slice the bananas before freezing for easier blending and faster freezing. If you forget to freeze them, you can use fresh bananas and add more ice, but be prepared for a less rich consistency. For an ultra-creamy boost, consider adding 1/4 of a ripe avocado – it adds healthy fats and creaminess without a strong flavor.
2. Liquid Management – Start Low, Go Slow: Always start with the lower end of the recommended liquid amount (e.g., ¾ cup instead of 1 full cup). You can always add more liquid if the smoothie is too thick and your blender is struggling, but it’s much harder to thicken a smoothie that’s become too thin without diluting the flavor further (adding more frozen banana is the best way, but you might not have extra). Blend, check the consistency, and add milk tablespoon by tablespoon until it reaches your perfect desired texture. The type of milk also affects thickness – oat milk tends to be creamier than almond milk.
3. Boost Your Blend – Nutritional Power-Ups: This smoothie is a fantastic vehicle for hidden nutrition. Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flax seeds for omega-3 fatty acids and fiber (they will also thicken the smoothie slightly). Toss in a large handful of fresh spinach – the dark color of the cocoa powder completely masks the green, and the flavor is virtually undetectable, adding vitamins and minerals effortlessly. A scoop of your favorite protein powder (chocolate, vanilla, or unflavored whey, casein, or plant-based) transforms it into a serious post-workout recovery shake or a more filling meal replacement. Adjust liquid accordingly if adding powders.
4. Flavor Balancing Act – Taste and Tweak: Don’t just follow the recipe blindly – taste it before you serve! The sweetness of bananas varies greatly. You might find it perfect without any added sweetener, or you might prefer it sweeter. Add sweeteners gradually and blend briefly after each addition. Want more intensity? A tiny bit more cocoa makes it richer, a smidge more peanut butter enhances the nuttiness. The optional pinch of salt is surprisingly effective at making the sweet and savory notes pop – don’t skip it if you want a well-rounded flavor profile! A splash of cold brew coffee instead of some of the milk can also add a delicious mocha twist.
5. Smoothie Prep Packs – Grab and Go: For busy mornings, assemble smoothie packs ahead of time. In individual freezer-safe bags or containers, combine the pre-sliced frozen banana chunks, cocoa powder, optional seeds, and optional sweetener (like dates). Store these packs in the freezer. When ready to blend, simply dump the contents of one pack into the blender, add your peanut butter and milk, and blend away! This cuts down prep time to virtually zero, making a healthy, delicious smoothie achievable even on the most chaotic days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to some common questions about making the perfect Funky Monkey Smoothie:

1. Q: Can I make this smoothie vegan?
   • A: Absolutely! This recipe is very easily made vegan. Simply ensure you are using a plant-based milk (like almond, soy, oat, cashew, or coconut milk beverage) and choose a vegan sweetener like maple syrup, agave nectar, or Medjool dates instead of honey (which is not considered vegan). Also, double-check that your cocoa powder and any optional add-ins like chocolate chips are dairy-free. The core ingredients (banana, peanut butter, cocoa) are naturally vegan.
2. Q: I don’t have frozen bananas. Can I use fresh bananas instead?
   • A: Yes, you can use fresh (room temperature or refrigerated) bananas, but you will need to compensate to achieve a thick, cold smoothie. Add about 1 to 1.5 cups of ice cubes along with the fresh bananas. Be aware that this will result in a slightly icier, less intensely creamy texture compared to using frozen bananas, as the ice dilutes the flavors somewhat. The smoothie might also be a bit thinner overall. Using frozen bananas is highly recommended for the signature thick, milkshake-like consistency.
3. Q: I’m allergic to peanuts. What can I use instead of peanut butter?
   • A: You have several great options for a nut-free Funky Monkey!
     • Sunflower Seed Butter (Sunbutter): This is probably the closest H3 substitute in terms of texture and nutty flavor profile, making it an excellent direct swap.
     • Tahini (Sesame Seed Paste): Tahini offers a different, slightly more earthy and less sweet nutty flavor that pairs surprisingly well with banana and chocolate. Ensure it’s well-stirred as it can separate.
     • Wowbutter (Toasted Soy Butter): Another nut-free alternative designed to mimic peanut butter.
     • Seed Butters: Pumpkin seed butter or watermelon seed butter could also work, though their flavors are more distinct.
     • Skip it: You could omit the nutty spread altogether and perhaps add a little more banana or a scoop of protein powder for substance, though it will change the core “Funky Monkey” flavor.
4. Q: How can I make this smoothie healthier or lower in calories?
   • A: You can definitely tweak it!
     • Sweetener: Omit the added sweetener entirely and rely on the natural sweetness of ripe bananas.
     • Peanut Butter: Use a powdered peanut butter (like PBfit or PB2), which has significantly fewer calories and fat when reconstituted with water, though the texture might be slightly less rich. Or, simply reduce the amount of regular peanut butter used (e.g., use 1 tablespoon instead of 2).
     • Milk: Choose a lower-calorie, unsweetened plant-based milk like unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk. Water can even be used in a pinch, but will result in a less creamy taste.
     • Cocoa: Stick to unsweetened cocoa powder rather than chocolate syrups or sweetened mixes.
     • Add Greens: Bulk it up with nutrient-dense, low-calorie spinach or kale.
     • Portion Size: Simply make a smaller portion. Share the recipe yield between two people instead of having one large serving.
5. Q: Can I prepare this smoothie ahead of time or store leftovers?
   • A: Smoothies are generally best enjoyed immediately after blending for optimal texture, flavor, and nutrient retention. However, if you must store it:
     • Short Term (Fridge): You can store leftovers in an airtight container (like a mason jar filled to the very top to minimize air exposure) in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be aware that separation will likely occur, and the texture won’t be as thick or frosty. Stir or shake well before drinking. The color might also darken due to oxidation.
     • Long Term (Freezer): The best way to store leftovers is to freeze them. Pour the leftover smoothie into ice cube trays or popsicle molds. Once frozen solid, transfer the smoothie cubes/popsicles to a freezer bag. Smoothie cubes can be re-blended later (you’ll need to add a splash of milk). Popsicles make a fantastic healthy frozen treat – no re-blending needed! Making freezer prep packs (as mentioned in the tips) is a more effective way to “prepare ahead” than blending the entire smoothie in advance.