This Cacao Coconut Cashew Smoothie recipe is a creamy treat, as it tastes like a chocolate milkshake. It’s packed with plant protein, healthy fats, and electrolytes, to keep you fully nourished. Healthy enough to have as a post workout protein smoothie, but indulgent enough to be considered as a dessert!

I’ll be the first to admit that my favorite kind of smoothies are ones that tastes like a dessert and in this case, this Cacao Coconut Cashew Smoothie recipe can definitely pass as milkshake. 

While I have posted a peanut butter version of this creation, the raw cashew butter completely transforms it, in a delicious way.

It’s perfectly rich, creamy, and thick, one found in a milkshake, but it’s made with wholesome ingredients.

Created with rich cacao plant protein, shredded coconut, raw cashew butter, and blended up with creamy coconut milk, as well as hydrating coconut water. So you can have your milkshake and drink it too. 

No matter if you’re indulging in a healthy treat or need to recover from a weightlifting series, this protein dessert smoothie, will hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Cacao Coconut Cashew Smoothie

• Loaded with Superfoods: A big scoop of cacao protein powder does the trick to add some superfood nutrients to this smoothie.
• Perfect Protein Smoothie: Fully packed with plant-based protein from the raw cashew butter & cacao protein powder to keep you satisfied. 
• Tastes like a Dessert: Although this smoothie is post workout approved, it’s decadent enough to be considered a protein dessert smoothie.

Cacao Protein Health Benefits & Nutrition 

To make this cashew smoothie chocolatey, we’ll be adding in a scoop of cacao protein powder. Cacao is full of rich chocolate flavor & is loaded with powerful nutrients. Here are just a few incredible health benefits of cacao protein:

• High-Vibrational Energy
• High in Magnesium
• Relieve Mild Stress & Promote Relaxation
• Reduce Inflammation
• Full of Antioxidants
• Hormonal Balance

Ingredients

• Organic Full-Fat Coconut Milk: I love adding creamy organic coconut milk to my smoothies & shakes, because it transpires a super creamy texture & delicious flavor. I highly recommend chilling it overnight so that your smoothie is cold! My favorite brand is Native Forest, as it is made with simple, organic ingredients, without the guar gums. Just organic coconut milk!
• Organic Coconut Water: To get things blended we’ll be using coconut water. It’s honestly the perfect addition to achieve the perfect coconut flavor. Not only is coconut water super delicious, but is also full of electrolytes – which is great post workout. My favorite brand is Harmless Harvest. It’s just one ingredient, organic coconut water. Oh & it’s pink! So cute.
• Organic Raw Cashew Butter: Cashew butter adds some extra cramines & healthy fats to this chocolate smoothie. Be sure that your cashew butter is organic, raw, & unsalted. 
• Organic Chia Seeds: Adds some omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, selenium, phosphorus, calcium, etc. + it helps thicken this protein smoothie.
• Organic Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: Another essential ingredient to this cacao protein smoothie is shredded coconut. OBSESSED!
• Organic Cacao Plant Protein: To make the smoothie chocolatey! Adding a scoop of protein powder helps to keep you full and satisfied longer too. I love Four Sigmatic’s Creamy Cacao Plant Protein for this recipe. It’s ​​made with real unrefined cacao with no grains, gums or fillers. Oh & it’s super delicious. Nevertheless, if you have yet to try Four Sigmatic’s Creamy Cacao Plant Protein, add your favorite chocolate plant protein.
• Sea Salt: A healthy pinch of sea salt is rich in a ton of minerals and beautifully enhances the flavor.
• Organic Frozen Banana: It’s best to use frozen bananas to create that super thick & creamy texture. 

How To Make

• Blend the Liquids & Powders. First, add the liquids, cashew butter, seeds, shredded coconut, cacao plant protein, and sea salt, to a high-speed blender. Blend these ingredients until smooth.
• Blend the Frozen Ingredients. Next, add in the frozen banana. Blend until smooth and creamy. If needed, you can pause the blender, remove the lid, and scrape down the sides so that everything is fully incorporated. You may need to add a little more liquid depending on how thick/thin you like your smoothies
• Serve. Pour into a chilled glass and enjoy immediately.

Optional Smoothie Add-Ins

Feel free to truly make this smoothie your own! Here are a few suggestions to amp-up this chocolate coconut smoothie recipe:

• Organic Ground Flax Seeds: Add a tablespoon of organic ground flax seeds to increase the fiber & minerals to this smoothie.
• Organic Hemp Seeds: To increase the amount of healthy fats, protein, omegas & minerals to this hot chocolate smoothie, add a tablespoon of organic hemp seeds.
• Organic Coconut Yogurt: Add some creaminess to this smoothie with a scoop of coconut yogurt. You may have to reduce the liquid to ½ cup in this smoothie when adding yogurt.
• Organic Cold Brew: Need a boost? Use half organic non-dairy milk & half cold brew. 
• Organic Greens: You can get your greens in too in this chocolate cashew milk. They blend easily & you can’t taste them. Plus, greens are packed with so many minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Spinach, kale, swiss chard, mustard greens, collard greens, or mixed greens all work. 

Tips for Making the Perfect Smoothie 

Interested in how to make the absolute perfect protein dessert smoothie? As someone who makes smoothies daily, here are my TOP tips:

1. Adjust Liquid Amount: If you find that your smoothie is too thick to blend, not to worry! Just add a bit more milk, blend, open the cover, scrape down the sides if needed, and blend again. And when possible, always use a larger high-speed blender instead, as it will blend the ingredients much better.
2. How To Make: Blend your liquid first & blend your powders first, before blending your frozen ingredients. This is my personal favorite way of preparing my smoothies. By blending the liquid & powders first, it ensures that your powders blend completely.
3. Smoothie Blending Tip: Start your blender on low to medium speed. If you blend the smoothie too quickly from the beginning, it’s really hard for the blender to properly blend the frozen ingredients – so start lower and then gradually increase the speed.
4. Chill Your Glass: There’s nothing better than a cold smoothie, in this case, a chocolate coconut cashew milkshake. Put your serving glass in the fridge or freezer while you’re making your smoothie to ensure a chilled smoothie with every sip.

Healthy Smoothie FAQ’s

Do I have to use a frozen banana?

The frozen banana in this recipe gives the smoothie a thick & creamy texture. If using a fresh banana, be to add a handful of ice cubes to achieve a cold, thick smoothie. However, if you’re looking to remove the banana altogether, because you’re allergic or simply don’t like them, you can replace it with ½ cup of frozen zucchini, frozen cauliflower, or frozen avocado chunks. 

Is it healthy to have a smoothie?

Duh! I wouldn’t post something that was unhealthy. Having a smoothie full of protein, healthy fats, & superfoods for a post workout breakfast is great because you’ll be getting essential vitamins, nutrients, & protein, first thing. However, some smoothies on the market or on the web can be loaded with tons of fruit, added sugar, & nonsense, making them a less healthy option. 

What is the best protein powder to use?

For this particular protein smoothie, I love using Four Sigmatic’s Cacao Plant Protein. It’s ​​made with real organic ingredients with no grains, gums, or fillers. When selecting a plant protein, it’s crucial to look at the protein content and most importantly, the ingredients. 

How can I add protein without using protein powder?

If you don’t have cacao protein powder on hand, no worries! You can add 4 teaspoons of organic cacao powder. To increase the protein content, you can add a tablespoon or two of organic hemp hearts, without changing the taste too much.

Can I make this protein smoothie recipe in advance?

Yes! Feel free to make this creamy protein smoothie as is or double it for later. Check out this “How to Prepare Smoothies in Advance” post to achieve the best results.

More Cacao Coconut Smoothie Recipes You’ll Love

• Cacao Coconut Peanut Smoothie
• Chunky Monkey Smoothie
• Mocha Cashew Coconut Date Shake
• German Chocolate Cake Smoothie
• Almond Joy Smoothie

Sharing Is Caring!

If you make this recipe, please leave a review & rating below! I love hearing from you and it helps others learn more about the recipe too. Lastly, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, & TikTok for even more deliciousness & wellness tips!

Xoxo.

Christin.

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