Save Last summer morning, my blender sat on the counter like a challenge. I'd promised my niece something special for breakfast, something that felt like dessert but would actually fuel her for a day at the pool. The Chunky Monkey idea hit me while I was staring at our freezer stash of overripe bananas, and honestly, I winged the ratios entirely. That first batch was so thick we had to eat it with spoons, which turned out to be exactly the point.
My niece still talks about that morning, how we ate our bowls on the back steps watching the fog burn off the mountains. I've made it dozens of times since, tweaking the liquid amounts and testing different nut butters, but the real magic is in the toppings. Something about the contrast between the frozen, velvety base and the crunch of granola and cacao nibs makes every spoonful interesting.
Ingredients
- Frozen bananas: The base's creaminess comes from these being frozen solid, so slice them before freezing and you won't strain your blender
- Peanut butter powder: Gives that classic Chunky Monkey flavor without making the base too heavy, though regular peanut butter works if you add less liquid
- Cocoa powder: Don't skip this, it's what makes the chocolate flavor deep rather than just sweet
- Coconut water: Start with less than you think you need, you can always add more but you cannot take it back
- Fresh banana: A fresh sliced banana on top adds a totally different texture from the frozen ones in the base
- Granola: Maple cinnamon is perfect here but whatever you have in your pantry will work beautifully
Instructions
- Blend the base:
- Start on low speed and let the frozen bananas break down before you increase to medium-high, using your tamper or scraping down the sides if it gets stuck.
- Check the consistency:
- You want it thick enough that a spoon stands up in it, like soft serve, so add more coconut water only if absolutely necessary.
- Divide and conquer:
- Pour the mixture into two bowls immediately, working quickly because it melts faster than you would expect.
- Load the toppings:
- Arrange them in sections or go wild and mix everything together, whichever feels more satisfying to you.
Save These bowls became our post-swim tradition all summer long, the kind of thing that makes a regular Tuesday feel like a tiny celebration. I've started freezing banana slices in bulk just so I am never more than five minutes away from making one.
Making It Your Own
The formula is basically frozen fruit, nut butter, and enough liquid to get things moving. I have made amazing variations with frozen strawberries and almond butter, or mango with cashew butter and a pinch of cardamom. The toppings can switch up the whole mood too, fresh berries in summer or toasted coconut and pecans when you want something richer.
Texture Secrets
What separates a smoothie bowl from a regular smoothie is that ratio of frozen base to liquid. You need way less liquid than you would think, and you have to be patient with the blending process. Letting the machine run longer on low speed does more work than cranking it up immediately.
The Toppings Game
This is where you make it your own and the combinations are endless. I keep a variety of things in small jars so whoever is eating can build their own perfect bowl.
- Chopped nuts add great crunch if you do not have granola
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup takes it over the top if you have a sweet tooth
- Fresh berries cut through the richness perfectly
Save There is something about eating breakfast from a bowl that feels a little special, like you are treating yourself even when it is just a Tuesday.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What if my smoothie bowl isn't creamy enough?
For an extra creamy texture, ensure your bananas are thoroughly frozen. You can also add a splash of almond milk while blending, or use an additional frozen banana specifically for the topping, allowing it to slightly thaw before slicing.
- → Are there any substitutions for peanut butter?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can easily swap peanut butter powder or peanut butter for almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
- → How can I make this bowl suitable for different diets?
This bowl is naturally vegetarian and dairy-free. To make it gluten-free, simply ensure you use a certified gluten-free granola for your toppings. For a completely nut-free version, opt for sunflower seed butter and nut-free granola.
- → What's the best way to blend for optimal smoothness?
A high-powered blender or food processor is recommended for the smoothest consistency. Start on low speed, gradually increasing, and use a tamper if available to keep ingredients moving. If using a food processor, pulse and scrape down the sides frequently until a creamy texture is achieved.
- → Can I customize the toppings?
Certainly! While the recommended toppings complement the Chunky Monkey theme, feel free to get creative. Consider adding fresh berries, shredded coconut, chia seeds, or even a drizzle of dairy-free chocolate sauce. A scoop of protein powder can also be blended in for an extra boost.
- → How can I adjust the sweetness of the bowl?
The sweetness primarily comes from the frozen bananas. If you desire a sweeter bowl, you could add a date or a small amount of maple syrup while blending. For less sweetness, ensure your bananas are ripe but not overly so, and consider reducing the amount of chocolate chips if using.