Thick and creamy, with a coffee kick, this Coffee Smoothie will surely energize you. It's packed with natural sweetness, hearty oats, and dark chocolate flavor. It's also easy to make with only 7 simple ingredients and has no added sugars. Filling, healthy and so delicious!
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Let's all admit it. Caffeinated mornings are so much better. And coffee added in a smoothie makes morning even better.
This coffee smoothie recipe is an oldie but goldie from my recipe book. I've been making it for many years and it surprises me with its taste every time.
It's creamy, silky smooth, and lightly sweet. Full of coffee and dark chocolate flavor. It's so delicious and addictive. Cooling, refreshing, and energizing.
BONUS: The smoothie is ready in 5 minutes and is super healthy. It's packed with heart-healthy oats and has no added sugars whatsoever. It's a nutritious meal - coffee and breakfast in one. Perfect for busy coffee lovers.
Ingredients used
For this coffee smoothie recipe you will need only 7 pantry ingredients:
- Milk of choice. I used oat milk, but you can use any milk.
- Banana. The riper the better for natural sweetness. And for an extra creamy texture, it's best to use a frozen banana.
- Coffee. I used cold-brewed but you can use whatever coffee you like and prefer. Just make sure it's chilled.
- Oats. They are packed with fibers and make the smoothie more filling, balanced, extra thick, and creamy. I used rolled oats here, but quick oats are also good here.
- Cacao powder. I always use unprocessed raw cacao powder that is bitter, deep-flavored, and so incredibly healthy. Cacao powder is packed with powerful antioxidants that have been linked to many health benefits.
To give this coffee banana smoothie some extra flavor and more boost, I also tossed in:
- Hemp seeds. They are an excellent source of heart-healthy Omega-3 and proteins. A great addition to smoothies, making them more nutritious.
- Vanilla. For extra flavor and deliciousness.
How to make Coffee Smoothie
Making this thick chocolaty coffee smoothie is quite easy. It will take you 5 minutes and all you need is a good blender.
- Start with preparing and measuring all the ingredients. I like to use measuring cups.
- Take the blender and add all ingredients. Note: add wet ingredients first for easier blending. Also, add in ice cubes, if using.
- Mix everything at high speed until you get a smooth silky texture.
- If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more liquid – milk or coffee. Blend again until everything is well combined.
- Taste the smoothie and add additional sweetener if the smoothie is not sweet enough to your taste. (See "Recipe tips" section for sweetener recommendation)
- Transfer the smoothie into a smoothie glass.
- ADD TOPPINGS: I used chopped dark chocolate, oats, and cacao powder. Be creative here and add toppings you like.
- Serve and enjoy!
- Makes 1 serving that serves 1 person as a full meal, or 2 servings as a snack.
Substitutions
- Substitute oat milk with any plant-based milk except coconut milk. Coconut milk won't work well here. Cow's milk is fine.
- Substitute hemp seeds with ground flax seeds or chia seeds.
- Use the whole banana if you're not on a restricted-calorie diet.
Coffee smoothie variations
- Make it without banana: Substitute banana with ½ avocado or coconut cream. They make smoothie creamy.
- Make it keto-friendly: Use ½ avocado or ¼ cup coconut cream instead of banana. Add in 1 teaspoon of MCD oil or coconut oil if desired.
- Make it weight loss friendly: Use only ½ banana to cut down calories.
- Make it protein-packed: Add a scoop of protein powder. This will transfer smoothie into a great protein-packed, post-workout coffee shake.
- Make it gluten-free. Use certified gluten-free oats.
Tips for storing
- Store in a glass jar with a lid or shaker and keep refrigerated for up to one day.
- Don't forget to shake it or stir it before enjoying.
- Remember, all smoothies oxidate when left standing. That's not bad, but to reap all benefits from ingredients, it's best to have this protein shake freshly made.
Recipe tips
- To make this coffee breakfast smoothie more refreshing, use a frozen banana. Alternatively, you can use fresh banana and add ice cubes or use ice coffee cubes.
- To make ice coffee cubes: Brew coffee. Place coffee in ice packs. Let it freeze.
- When adding ingredients to a blender, always add the liquids first. Doing this will help your blender run easily and this will prevent making lumps.
- Use a high-power blender to ensure everything blends well and the smoothie is silky smooth.
- Additional sweetener recommendation:
- I recommend using 1-2 dates, date syrup, raw honey or maple syrup, stevia, or any low-carb sweetener. This is totally based on your preference.
- If you are using dates, make sure you soak them in warm water for at least 10 minutes. Drain them before using them.
- Make sure you use ripe bananas. They have more sweetness.
Faq
Peel bananas and cut them crosswise, creating thick slices. Lay the banana slices out in a single layer on a serving plate lined with wax paper. Freeze for about two hours, or until the slices are solid. Store banana slices in plastic resealable bags or airtight containers. Keep them in the freezer for up to six months.
More smoothie recipes to try
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie
- Peanut Butter Protein Shake
- Chocolate Avocado Smoothie
- Strawberry Oatmeal Smoothie
- Cherry Chocolate Smoothie
📖 Recipe
Coffee Smoothie
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup milk I used oat milk
- ¾ cup coffee chilled
- 1 banana frozen
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ice cubes optional
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into blender. Note: add wet ingredients first for easier blending. Also, add in ice cubes, if using.
- Mix everything at high speed until you get a smooth silky texture.
- If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more liquid – milk or coffee. Blend again until everything is well combined.
- Taste the smoothie and add additional sweetener if the smoothie is not sweet enough. (See "Recipe tips" section for recommendation)
- Transfer the smoothie into a smoothie glass.
- ADD TOPPINGS: Be creative here and add toppings you like.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute oat milk with any plant-based milk except coconut milk. Coconut milk won't work well here. Cow's milk is fine.
- Substitute hemp seeds with ground flax seeds or chia seeds.
- Use half the banana if you're on a restricted-calorie diet.
Nutrition
This post is originally published in March 2017. It's updated with new information, new photos and republished in June 2021. The recipe is changed slightly as I tested it more during the years.
Thank you so much for this smoothie recipe! the fam loves it and wanted to have more every time! thanks a lot!
What almond milk do you use that’s rich in protein?
Alpro is the brand I'm using. But any almond milk is ok.
That’s quite low in protein it seems. 0.4 grams for 100 ml.
Calculation says 13g per cup.
Do you think peanut butter would taste good in this? Or know of a smoothie with PB in it, and chocolate of course?
If you like peanut butter + chocolate combo, try this one ---> https://www.natalieshealth.com/chocolate-peanut-butter-smoothie/ It's one of my favorite :)
I love it! Didn't want to wait for the ccoffee to cool of so threw two ice cubes in the blender ;)
Hehe :))) Glad you like it! Thanks for your feedback and lovely comment.
this coffee breakfast smoothie is something that I definitely should have tomorrow morning! it looks so delicious! <3 I also love the fact that you posted the nutrition information here, so that readers know what they'll be getting. thanks for sharing!
can this be made this successfully without the banana?
Yes. Make sure to add some sweetener then.
What can I use in place of date syrup?
Maple syrup, raw honey, stevia. Sugar alcohols are ok also, altho I don't use it - like Erythritol or Xylitol.
Does the coffee need to be made and sit in fridge cold before putting it into the blender
Yes. Cold coffee is the best here.
Wonderful ..?? I will make this with banana bread so I could be weirded out some more then
Just made this, after finding it on Pinterest. Wow, is that good. Was worried it wouldn't make a large glassful, but it did. Had all the ingredients, just had to freeze a banana. Thanks for this recipe...never thought to make a smoothie that involved coffee. I am an avid iced coffee drinker, it does have less acidity if you steep it for 12 hours as a cold brew...maybe that would help you with the tummy issues, Natalie? And, gave a sample to the BF, he likes it, too!
I'm glad you like it Jeanne. Thank you so much for this lovely comment. I haven't tried a cold brew coffee but now that you've mentioned, I think I heard it's less bad for tummy. I definitely need to try it.
Wow!!! Even my husband loved this. I substituted honey for the date syrup and organic milk and instant coffee (Starbucks) for the coffee and almond milk. I feel like zipping around now :)
Woohoo I'm glad you both like the smoothie. :) Thanks for feedback and lovely comments :*
Thanks for sharing your passion! Looking forward to following you on Pinterest :)
Thank you so much for this lovely comment <3
Made the smoothie this afternoon and it is okay. However it’s good to see a recipe that is vegan and gluten free. Just wish commenters would try the recipe first before gushing about it.
A new fav, thx! Always looking for the perfect blend of chocolate and coffee in a smoothie. Found this yesterday when I was looking for an afternoon pick me up after a long day with the littles. Made it again for my hubby after his run this morning. Don't have date syrup, so subbed maple (probably not as healthy) and added a handful of greens.
Swelterimg hot day and needed a caffeine hit before taking my mother in law for a day of errands. This was AMAZING! No need to ever go to Starbucks again....and this is way healthier. Substituted 3 dates for the syrup as I didn’t have the syrup. It’s a keeper. Thanks Natalie.
I'm soooo glad you liked it Jane. Thanky you SO MUCH! Yes, it's so much healthier than Starbucks... and it will save you some $$$.. and some calories too hehe ;) It's def one of my favorites.
They look wonderful and I think would help with my Fibro chronic fatigue. What is your charge for these recipes ? Does the newsletter contain recipes?
Hi Lera. Thank you so much for stopping by and your comment. I'm glad you like my coffee smoothie.
ALL my recipes and everything on my blog is completely FREE. If you sign up to my newsletter you will receive via email a notification of new recipe when I publish it. Again, completely FREE!
Do you have an idea of what to sub for the banana?
They are one of my migraine trigger foods. So many smoothies have them and this one sounds so luscious.
You can substitute banana with nut butters or applesauce. Avocados can be a good substitute for bananas to create a creamy texture but since avocado isn't sweet you may need to add some syrup to the mixture.
I just finished my first one and it was super good! Definitely way more energizing than a cup of coffee. I ran out of date paste so I threw in a pitted date and it turned out great. This will be one of my go to smoothies, thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for lovely feedback. I'm soooo glad you like it! ;) Enjoy!
Made this today, so delicious!
I'm soooo glad you like ti :) Thanks for leaving comment.
Hi Natalie this coffee smoothie sounds amazing and I love coffe, does this really help in aid of helping me to loose mt baby belly fat if I would drink this as my breakfast? I usually eat a salad for lunch and small portion of what I make my husband and Kids for supper. But sometimes I make another smoothie if I think the supper is too farting for me. Do you happen to have any opinions for me regarding this or any of your other smoothie recipes in regards to helping me with the weight loss? I hope I haven't bothered you at all with the Mia thank you so much.
Hi Lindsay. This smoothie is very nutritious so you definitely don't need to eat the breakfast afterwards. It has everything your body needs to start the day - a good amount of dietary fibers (that keeps you full longer), proteins (essential for the body) and healthy fats (for boosting the energy level and all necessary body functions). It also contains NATURAL SUGARS (not added, refined ones that are definitely bad for our health .. and our waist) and caffeine that will boost you up a bit more ;) This smoothie will fill you up and keep you well fed for at least 3-4 hours. IT should.. at least that's case with me.
If you're trying to lose weight and you love smoothies, than my BIGGEST advice is to don't overdo with fruits when you making smoothies. Also skip adding honey or syrup - use banana or dates to sweeten up your smoothie. :)
I usually have ONE smoothie (like this one) a day. I drink half for my breakfast and other half I sip between meals during day.
Tried this this morning and I'm really pleased with the result! Added some plain yoghurt in it to get it super duper creamy. Thank you for this recipe!
Thank you, Lena. I'm glad you liked it. Oh, my, yogurt is such a great addon. I didn't think of that, THANKS. :)
This smoothie was sooo good! Making it again today. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks! I'm glad you liked it :)
This recipe is delicious! I made this smoothie for breakfast but still ended up eating a Dave's Killer Bread bagel with cream cheese a half hour later because I was still hungry. I used coconut milk (didn't have almond milk),omitted the date syrup (didn't need, sweet enough with the banana) and coconut whipped cream (didn't want).
Thanks Vicky for feedback. I'm glad you like it. Hehe yes this smoothie leaves me sometimes hungry too.
This is not paleo - oats are grains, and absolutely not allowed. Wish it was compliant - it sounds lovely.
Thank you for pointing that out. I'll replace the graphic. If you omit oats, it still would be very creamy and still super tasty smoothie. My husband doesn't like oats so I sometimes make him this smoothie without oats. ;)
i love the idea of this smoothie! frozen bananas make everything so thick and tasty.
Thanks Dixya! Frozen bananas are the BEST! ;)
Wow, this smoothie seems incredible ! I need to try it ! Thanks a lot for the idea, the recipe, and the mouth-watering pictures !
Thank you Tiffany! I'm so glad you like ti! :)
Oh man, that looks decadent and delicious! Like I would be eating dessert at breakfast time. I'm ALL FOR IT!
Thanks Kylee! You're right... It looks like dessert :)
Growing up in Jacksonville, I was also greeted with the smell of freshly brewed coffee as we have the Maxwell Hosue factory downtown. I used to smell it every morning on the way to school and then when I worked downtown as an adult. I am not a big coffee drinker (has to have lots of cream and sugar) but this smoothie is right up my alley! I love the healthy oats and chia seeds in it too!!
This is than perfect for you Jennifer ;) I hope you'll have a chance to try it!
I love coffee and so I can tell you this is definitely going to happen! Such a delicious way to start the day!
Perfect :) Thanks!
What a great way to start the day. I usually stick to fruit smoothies but this looks like a nice change of pace for breakfast. Love the addition of oats and chia to give it a boost of healthy sustenance. Delish!
Thanks Ali ;)
Oh, wow! As a coffee and smoothie lover myself, I'm over the moon to find this! Unfortunately I just made my morning smoothie, but this is on the menu for tomorrow! Love it!
Thanks Patricia! I hope you'll like it ;)
I wish I was drinking this instead of tea right now. I have a love/hate relationship with almond milk so maybe this will be enough of a reason to pull me over to the dark side and fully commit. :)
Well you can use any milk you like. Almond milk is creamiest and has deep nutty flavour. Goes well with banana and coffee ;)
I don't drink coffee either, but gosh this looks scrumptious and I love the things you added to the smoothie! And it definitely would be perfect for guests!
Thanks Amy :)
It's hard to believe something so decadent looking is good for you. I am love that it contains my two favorite things: coffee and chocolate!
Yeah, right?! :D Choco and coffee is my fav too :)
OMG, I am IN love. This coffee smoothie is right up my alley. I'm not even sure which element I'm in love with first. I cannot wait to make this!
Hehe I SO understand how you feel about it! ;)
Wonderful way to start the day or end a meal. I am a coffee lover so this is right up my ally =)
Thanks Adriana. I'm so glad you like it!
I had just commented on someones post about how much I ignored my breakfast which happens to be the most important meal of the day. I only drink coffee in the mornings and carry out with it most of the days. This smoothie would fit my needs perfectly as it has the coffee and also all the other breakfast ingredients. The smoothie looks great and I love the color of it.
Thanks a lot! This smoothie is perfect for coffee lovers / breakfast skippers ;)
Now this is one smoothie I wouldnt mind having everyday ;) I absolutely love the pictures, they are literally making me drool.
Hehe thanks Molly :) Hope you'll have a chance to try it.
Now this coffee breakfast smoothie is how I want to begin my day! Love that it's refined sugar-free too and I am intrigued by the taste of the date syrup! Have to find that and try it.
Thanks! I'm so glad you like the smoothie. Date syrup taste similar to caramel. Goes perfectly with coffee flavour.
Coffee breakfast smoothies are the BEST! It's a one stop shop for caffeine and breakfast. Love it!
This coffee breakfast smoothie is calling my name, it has all the favorite ingredients, especially coffee, oats, chia. you name it.
This has my name written on it. I don't normally substitute smoothies for food but I could use this for dessert. Or I could make this as a perfect afternoon pick me up. YUM! Thanks for the idea :-)
I've never hopped on the smoothie bandwagon, but if I ever did, you can bet your last dime that I'd want my smoothie to be coffee flavoured. Seriously, Natalie, you might have just convinced me to dive into the popular world of smoothies.
Oh, you have to start making smoothies! You gonna LOVE this one, trust me ;)
This sounds like the perfect breakfast smoothie. It has everything in it I love. Frozen bananas for natural sweetness is perfect and of course the cocoa for the chocolate flavor. Will definitely be trying this one :)
Thanks friend ;) Frozen banana gives that special creaminess... just yum!
Oh my - yum! I am addicted to coffee and am always trying to reign back in my intake but I could easily replace one of my morning americanos with this wonderful smoothie. I'd feel much better about the caffeine with all the extra goodies in here :D
Thank you Jo! Oh, you gonna feel GREAT after just few sips ;)
Well doesn't this sound totally delicious. We love smoothies...especially for lunch. Love anything with coffee. I might just have to give this a try.
Thanks Gloria. Let me know how you liked it ;)
Natalie, this smoothie looks amazing! I love all the healthy ingredients you used, too.
Thanks Amy! :)
I only drink coffee in my smoothie so I'm definitely going to make this one. Sounds so delicious and looks so creamy. My kinda drink.
Glad you like it Veena :) Thanks!
This smoothie looks so incredibly creamy and delicious! Wishing I was drinking this for breakfast! :)
Thanks Marsha! Yes it's soooo creamy. Well you can stop by at my house any time. I'll make you one ;)