Chocolate Banana Mocha Smoothie Recipe (5-Minute Coffee Smoothie!)

This Chocolate Banana Mocha Smoothie combines frozen banana, brewed coffee, cocoa powder, and almond milk into a thick, creamy breakfast drink that's ready in just 5 minutes. It's the perfect way to get your morning coffee and a nutritious breakfast in one delicious glass.

⏱️ Prep Time: 5 minutes  |  Servings: 1  |  Difficulty: Easy

Updated January 15, 2026: Added FAQ section, protein powder variation, and storage tips based on reader feedback. Originally posted on April 18, 2016.

As someone who has been developing smoothie recipes for over a decade, I've tested countless flavor combinations. This mocha smoothie is one of my all-time favorites for busy mornings when I need both energy and nutrition. The secret? A touch of allspice that smooths out the flavors and brings everything together perfectly.

If you love this recipe, you'll also enjoy my Almond Milk Frappuccino for another coffee-based treat, or try my Strawberry Smoothie if you're looking for a protein-packed option.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this chocolate banana mocha smoothie comes from the combination of complementary flavors. The frozen banana provides natural sweetness and a thick, creamy texture without any dairy. The brewed coffee adds a caffeine boost and that distinctive mocha flavor, while the cocoa powder brings rich chocolate notes. My secret ingredient, a touch of allspice, ties everything together and adds warmth that makes this smoothie taste like something from a coffee shop.

Unlike many smoothie recipes that leave you hungry an hour later, this one is genuinely satisfying. The banana provides fiber and potassium, the coffee gives you energy, and you can easily add protein powder to make it even more substantial.

Ingredient Notes

1. Frozen Banana - A frozen banana is essential for achieving that thick, creamy milkshake-like texture. Peel and slice ripe bananas, then freeze them in a zip-top bag for at least 4 hours before making this smoothie.
2. Brewed Coffee or Espresso - Use strongly brewed coffee that's been cooled, or a double shot of espresso. Cold brew coffee works wonderfully here since it's naturally less bitter. This provides about 65mg of caffeine per serving.
3. Cocoa Powder - Unsweetened cocoa powder gives this smoothie its rich mocha flavor. You can also use cacao powder for additional minerals and a slightly deeper chocolate taste.
4. Milk - Any milk works here. I prefer almond milk for a lighter smoothie, but oat milk, whole milk, or any plant-based milk will work great.
5. Brown Sugar - Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the coffee and cocoa. You can substitute maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar. If your banana is very ripe, you may be able to reduce or omit the sweetener entirely.
6. Allspice - This is my secret ingredient! A small amount of allspice adds warmth and depth, bringing all the flavors together. If you don't have allspice, use a pinch each of cinnamon and nutmeg.
7. Ice - Makes the smoothie cold and extra thick. If your banana is frozen solid, you can reduce the ice.

👉🏾 See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.

Expert Tips for the Best Mocha Smoothie

• Use very ripe bananas. Bananas with brown spots are sweeter and blend more smoothly. I buy extra bananas each week specifically to freeze once they're ripe.
• Chill your coffee first. Adding hot coffee will melt the ice too quickly and result in a thin smoothie. Brew your coffee ahead of time and refrigerate it, or use cold brew.
• Add liquid gradually. Start with less milk than you think you need. You can always add more to thin it out, but you can't thicken it once it's too thin.
• Blend in stages. If your blender struggles with frozen ingredients, blend the liquids and cocoa powder first, then add the frozen banana and ice.

How to Make a Chocolate Banana Mocha Smoothie

Step 1: Add all ingredients to your blender: frozen banana, coffee, milk, cocoa powder, brown sugar, allspice, and ice.

Step 2: Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes depending on your blender's power.

Step 3: Pour into your favorite glass and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Variations

• High-Protein Mocha Smoothie: Add one scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder for an extra 20-25g of protein. This makes the smoothie more filling and perfect for post-workout recovery.
• Dairy-Free/Vegan: Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk and substitute the brown sugar with maple syrup or agave.
• Decaf Version: Use decaf coffee or decaf espresso for all the mocha flavor without the caffeine.
• Extra Chocolatey: Increase the cocoa powder to 3 tablespoons or add a tablespoon of chocolate chips before blending.
• Peanut Butter Mocha: Add 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter or almond butter for a nutty twist and extra protein.

Equipment

You'll need a blender to make this smoothie. Any blender works, it doesn't have to be expensive or high-powered. I use a Vitamix Professional Series 750, but I've also made this successfully with a basic personal blender. If your blender struggles with frozen ingredients, just add a little extra liquid and blend longer.

How to Store Leftovers

This smoothie is best enjoyed fresh, right after blending. However, if you need to save some for later, pour it into an airtight container or mason jar and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The smoothie will separate as it sits, this is normal. Just give it a good stir or quick re-blend before drinking.

I don't recommend freezing this smoothie, as the texture becomes icy and unpleasant when thawed. Instead, prep your ingredients ahead: portion frozen banana slices into bags and pre-measure the dry ingredients so you can blend a fresh smoothie in under 2 minutes.

More Banana Recipes You'll Love

• Chocolate Banana Muffins - Chocolate and Banana in a delicious muffin.
• Easy Banana Pudding (No Bake) - Classic and comforting dessert recipe.
• Banana Pudding Tres Leche Cake - A combination of cake and banana pudding.

Have any questions about this Chocolate Banana Mocha Smoothie? Leave a comment below, I read and respond to every one! And if you make this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out. Tag me on social media @simplylakita so I can see your creations!