Healthy Almond Joy Smoothie

I’m going to make a confession. Sometimes this job is really hard and creatively challenging, and sometimes I completely run out of ideas, get major writer’s block, and just…struggle.

Other days, it is crazy fun, I don’t struggle, and I get to make a mess (granted, I have to then clean up that mess, but it’s still fun).  Mostly, I can’t believe I’m lucky enough to call this my job? (Ok, I can’t believe that every single day, but hopefully you know what I mean.)

The day that I created and made this Healthy Almond Joy Smoothie was one of those days. I definitely got shredded coconut and toasted almond slices all over my just-cleaned apartment. I most likely burned a batch of shredded coconut–my attention span is that of a three-year-old child at the moment–but everything worked out.

Oh yes, it most definitely worked out. Oh–and it just happens to be vegan and gluten-free! Pretty cool.

[Bonus: I found these pretty striped paper straws–the only ones I even own–that just happened to match this drink, well, perfectly.]

Ok, so before I start talking about today’s incredibly fun and whimsical smoothie, I must give a little disclaimer. I personally hate to label recipes as ‘healthy’ or part of any recipe category, but…I felt like this smoothie needed one. I’m going to come right out and say this:

This smoothie does not taste like the candy bar. I know, I know. I hope you aren’t disappointed! But I felt like that was a necessary statement, as I don’t want anyone to feel deceived or disappointed? Does that make sense?

It’s tasty, delicious, and all that jazz, but it is definitely different. It isn’t crazy sweet, and is more delicate in flavor profile. If you’re looking for a sweeter breakfast smoothie (or a non-chocolate-y one), may I suggest this amazing Rise and Shine Smoothie –> it tastes like banana bread.

As you all know, classic Almond Joys are characterized by the combination of chocolate, shredded sweetened coconut, and whole almonds.

I took that general idea and ran with it. The base of the smoothie is light coconut milk (you could use a combination of almond milk and coconut milk, but the almond milk doesn’t lend as much flavor), and is sweetened slightly with pitted Medjool dates and half of a frozen banana. The almond punch comes from the addition of natural almond butter!

The rest of the flavor comes from unsweetened cocoa powder (which lends a delicate chocolate flavor), toasted unsweetened shredded coconut, vanilla extract, and…coconut water ice cubes!!!! Ok, you could totally substitute normal ice cubes, but coconut water ice cubes are so much more fun and flavorful. I have no idea why I haven’t made coconut water ice cubes before coming up with this recipe.

Oh! Oh! And don’t forget the dark chocolate rim. That is the slightly more indulgent part of this smoothie, but totally worth the extra step. Don’t forget to garnish the top with toasted coconut and sliced almonds! I like to use the honey-toasted sliced almonds from Trader Joe’s–they are great.

Maybe one of these days I’ll create a completely trashed-up version that is completely over the top, and is indulgent–but until that day comes, I’ve made a healthy, naturally-sweetened, candy-bar-inspired smoothie that you can have in the morning, afternoon, or basically every day?

Do it.

Products Recommended for This Recipe: 

• Trader Joe’s Honey Roasted Sliced Almonds
• Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
• Justin’s Classic Almond Butter
• Thai Kitchen Lite Coconut Milk

Healthy Almond Joy Smoothie

4.8 stars (4 ratings)

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Yield: 2 Servings

Prep: 5 minutes minutes

Additional Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total: 10 minutes minutes

A healthy smoothie recipe inspired by Almond Joy candy bars! Made with light coconut milk, cocoa powder, and sweetened slightly with pitted Medjool dates and half of a frozen banana. The almond punch comes from the addition of natural almond butter!

Ingredients

• 1½ cups (360 mL) light coconut milk
• 3 Medjool dates pitted
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons natural almond butter
• 2 tablespoons toasted unsweetened shredded coconut
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ frozen banana
• 4-5 coconut water ice cubes or regular ice cubes

Optional Garnishes:

• melted dark chocolate
• toasted honey-roasted almonds or regular sliced almonds
• toasted unsweetened shredded coconut
• whipped coconut cream

Instructions 

• Combine the smoothie ingredients, by order, in a large high-powered blender container, such as a Vitamix. Blend until very smoothie and no lumps are visible. Pour into a large rimmed glass.
• Optional Garnishes: Place an equal small mixture of chopped toasted sliced almonds and toasted shredded coconut on a small plate. Melt good-quality dark chocolate, and allow it to cool slightly. Dip the rim of the glass into the chocolate lightly. Dip the chocolate rim into the almond-coconut mixture to rim the glass. If it is very runny, you can refrigerate the chocolate to let it set slightly–if not, pour in the smoothie and garnish with additional sliced almonds and shredded coconut (and coconut whipped cream, if using). Serve.

Tips for Success:

• Make Ahead: To make coconut water ice cubes, pour coconut water into an ice tray and allow it to freeze completely before using.

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 520kcal, Protein: 10g, Fiber: 16g

Author: Laura / A Beautiful Plate

Course: Drinks and Smoothies

Cuisine: American