Coffee Smoothie

This 5-minute banana coffee smoothie makes the perfect breakfast smoothie or afternoon snack – combining coffee, banana, and just a hint of chocolate flavor for a tasty and satisfying pick-me-up!

Creamy Kickstart Coffee and Banana Smoothie

If you love a delicious smoothie but also need a morning caffeine kickstart, why not combine the two and create the ultimate breakfast coffee smoothie?! Combing the coffee with wholesome ingredients like frozen banana (with potassium, several vitamins, and natural sugars), plant milk, oats, cocoa powder, and ice make a healthy Frappuccino-style coffee smoothie that’s thick, creamy, filling, and delicious.

Even better, this coffee and banana smoothie takes just minutes to throw together with 6 ingredients and can be customized in several ways – whether you want to add more flavor or nutrients. Pair it with fruit (or don’t) for a versatile, portable breakfast, perfect for busy mornings at home or on the go.

Looking for more ways to introduce coffee into your eats? You might enjoy easy coffee oatmeal or overnight oats, vegan coffee cake, a coffee walnut loaf, or even a healthy coffee milkshake.

The Ingredients and Substitutes

• Coffee: We used instant coffee combined with water, but you can use one cup of brewed and cooled coffee using any method (regular or decaf) for this coffee breakfast smoothie.

There are several ways to add coffee to a smoothie. You can brew a pot of coffee and leave a portion to cool, make strong instant coffee, use cold brew coffee (or cold brew concentrate), espresso shots, or even brew it in advance and freeze it into ice cubes to add to smoothies.

• Plant-based milk: I.e., soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, cashew milk, etc. For a more decadent option, use canned coconut milk.
• Banana: To make a thick, creamy coffee smoothie, use frozen bananas (which we love keeping on hand for vegan milkshakes, smoothies, and nice cream). For the sweetest natural flavor, use overripe bananas. Refer to FAQs for substitutes.
• Rolled oats: (old-fashioned oats) use gluten-free if necessary. These add bulk, fiber, ‘filling power,’ and long-lasting energy to the healthy coffee smoothie. Don’t use steel-cut oats.
• Sweetener: (optional) We prefer liquids, as they dissolve easily. I.e., maple syrup, agave, date syrup, etc. Alternatively, blend in 1-2 Medjool dates. Sugar alternatives work, too.
• Cocoa powder: To enhance the coffee flavor with a mocha twist. Omit it, if preferred, though, for a plain coffee oatmeal smoothie.
• Ice: (optional) This adds bulk and makes a thick, refreshing coffee and banana smoothie. To avoid watering down the smoothie, use coffee and/or plant milk ice cubes.

Coffee Smoothie Recipe Variations

• Vanilla extract: A little pure, natural vanilla is great with any coffee-based beverage.
• Cinnamon: To add warm depth. Pumpkin pie spice would also taste delicious.
• Cauliflower: Frozen cauliflower can replace some banana or ice for a fairly neutral-tasting thickener loaded with extra nutrients.
• Peanut butter: Just a tablespoon of peanut, hazelnut, cashew, or almond butter adds a rich, creamy flavor and adds healthy fats and protein to the smoothie. We particularly like coffee peanut butter smoothies with natural peanut butter.
• Seeds: Add heart-healthy omegas and protein to the coffee banana smoothie with 1 tbsp hemp seeds, flaxseed, or chia seeds.
• Hemp seeds: (optional) For creaminess, protein, and heart-healthy omegas.
• Protein powder: Add ½-1 scoop plain, vanilla, chocolate, or coffee vegan protein powder for a coffee protein smoothie. Add more plant milk if needed.
• Leafy greens: The color won’t be great, but a handful or two of spinach/kale will help sneak in plenty of extra nutrients and antioxidants to the coffee oat smoothie.

How to Make a Coffee Smoothie

• First, prepare the cup of coffee using your preferred method and leave it to cool. We save time by combining instant coffee in cold (or room temperature) water.

Doing this with a frother or in the blender can help to dilute it thoroughly.

• Add the plant milk, oats, banana, cocoa powder, and sweetener to the blender with the coffee and blend until smooth and creamy (about a minute).

• Taste and adjust any ingredient, then add the ice and pulse until it’s finely crushed but not melting/dissolving into the smoothie.

• Divide the banana and coffee smoothie between the glasses, optionally add your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

FAQs

Pro Recipe Tips

• For the easiest blending: Place the soft ingredients and liquids closest to the blades and the frozen ingredients last. If you’re using a lower-speed blender, it’s best to use thinly sliced frozen bananas (rather than bigger chunks).
• Tweak the flavors: Taste it after blending and adjust any ingredient.
• Adjust the consistency: If it’s too thick, add a little more plant-based milk. If it’s too thin, add more oats, frozen bananas, or ice.
• Use cold/chilled coffee: If you’ve got hot coffee to hand, try placing it in the freezer for about 20 minutes for a quick chill.

Topping Ideas

There are several ways to garnish this Frappuccino-style iced coffee smoothie, including:

1. Coconut whipped cream
2. A sprinkle of crushed instant coffee
3. Caramel sauce or vegan chocolate syrup
4. Shaved vegan chocolate or chocolate chips
5. Dark chocolate-covered coffee beans

More Vegan Smoothie Recipes

• Chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie
• Mango avocado smoothie
• Easy raspberry smoothie
• Cherry chocolate smoothie
• Strawberry kale smoothie
• Beet smoothie bowl
• Kale Pineapple smoothie

Photos by Alfonso Revilla