Banana Date Hazelnut Chocolate Whey Smoothie Bowl
By the QuiteRecipes team (Jamy & Kaïna) | Food Service Professional, Early Childhood Expert & Parents
A thick, dessert-like smoothie bowl blending banana, sweet dates, hazelnut butter and chocolate whey for a protein-packed meal.
A thick, dessert-flavored bowl that's actually a proper meal. Banana and sweet dates bring the sugar, hazelnut butter brings the richness, and a scoop of chocolate whey quietly turns it into a protein-packed breakfast you'll want before and after training.
🥄 Ingredients
- 🫗 2 large frozen bananas, sliced
- 🫗 1/4 cup (60g) pitted Medjool dates
- 🫗 2 tablespoons (30g) hazelnut butter
- 🫗 1 scoop (35g) chocolate whey protein powder
- 🫗 1/2 cup (125ml) whole milk
- 🫗 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (optional, for a deeper chocolate flavor)
- 🫗 1/2 cup (80g) granola
- 🫗 1 tablespoon (15g) dark chocolate chips
- 🫗 1 tablespoon crushed roasted hazelnuts
- 🫗 1/2 fresh banana, sliced (for topping)
Nutrition Facts*
*Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands and portion sizes. Values are provided per serving.
👨🍳 Instructions
Soak the pitted dates in warm water for 5 minutes to soften them, then drain.
Add the frozen bananas, dates, hazelnut butter, chocolate whey, cocoa powder and milk to a high-speed blender.
Blend until thick and completely smooth, scraping down the sides. Add milk only if needed, a tablespoon at a time.
Pour the base into a chilled bowl.
Top with granola, the fresh banana slices, chocolate chips, crushed hazelnuts and an extra drizzle of hazelnut butter.
Serve immediately while thick and cold.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- ✕
Skipping the date soak, which leaves unblended chewy chunks in the bowl.
- ✕
Adding too much milk, thinning the bowl into a drinkable smoothie.
- ✕
Blending too long, which warms the mixture and ruins the thick texture.
🔄 Variations
Swap hazelnut butter for almond or peanut butter.
Use vanilla whey and a pinch of cinnamon for a nuttier, softer flavor.
Top with cacao nibs and coconut flakes for extra crunch.
🧊 Storage
- 📦
This bowl is best enjoyed immediately while cold and thick.
- 📦
Freeze leftovers in ice cube trays and re-blend with a splash of milk for a quick snack.
💡 Chef Tips
Tip 1: Freeze the bananas in slices so they blend quickly and smoothly.
Tip 2: Soak the dates first, they blend into a caramel-like paste instead of leaving chewy bits.
Tip 3: Blend until the base turns slightly glossy, a sign it is perfectly creamy.
Tip 4: Add the whey with the wet ingredients so it dissolves evenly instead of clinging to the blender jar.
❓ FAQ
Is this smoothie bowl high in protein? Yes, about 40g per serving thanks to the chocolate whey and hazelnut butter.
Why are my dates hard to blend? They need a soak in warm water for a few minutes to soften before blending.
Can I make it dairy-free? Use a plant-based protein powder and oat or almond milk.
How many calories does it contain? Around 700 calories, making it a powerful calorie-dense breakfast or post-workout meal.
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About the Authors
This recipe and guide was developed, tested, and approved in our home kitchen and daily life. Jamy is a retired Food Service District Manager and Early Childhood Program Manager who spent his career overseeing multi-site restaurant operations, large-scale culinary production, and daycare menu management. Kaïna brings the ultimate real-world test: making sure it brings ease and joy to our kids on a busy weeknight.
Read more about our professional background and philosophy →