Chunky Monkey Smoothies

Chunky monkey smoothies are a quick and easy breakfast or snack. Who can resist peanut butter, banana, and chocolate?

When you’re about to have kids, people give you tons of advice. Maybe not all of it qualifies as advice, but it’s well-meaning, at least. Feeding is a frequent topic, of course.

But I’ve found the struggle in our house to be not so much what the kids will eat, but how much.

While we certainly have days my boys take a few bites and declare themselves done, for the most part they put away more food than I do. And then request a snack 30 minutes after dinner. Keeping them full is a task, to say the least.

One way I manage it is to serve up smoothies on the regular. I have smoothies nearly every day, and we all know the kids always want what we’re having, especially if it looks cold and chocolaty.

I have my own go-to flavor blends, but I decided to make one for the kids that would be satisfying but also a bit healthy, without loading it up with spinach. (Though I’ve done that, too.)

The boys love Chunky Monkey Muffins, so making a smoothie with those flavors was a logical decision. Plus, it would help us take care of all those bananas they insist on buying and then ignoring.

Slicing and freezing your bananas in advance makes this a cinch to put together. Freezing the bananas isn’t required since you’re adding ice as well, but I like how the frozen bananas blend. Your choice!

I use Greek yogurt instead of milk in this recipe to make it extra creamy and add more protein. If you like more liquid-y smoothies, feel free to use milk. In my house, we like milkshake-style smoothies!

I made the protein powder optional, because kids don’t usually need that extra boost. If you’re making it for yourself, go ahead! You can skip the cocoa powder if you’re using chocolate protein powder, or keep it in if you’re using vanilla.

Drink the smoothies as they are, or top with whipped cream and chocolate chips for an extra treat. No kid can resist them!

If you need other ways to use bananas, why not try these banana split popsicles?