A healthy Chocolate Cashew Smoothie that's full of protein and fiber. The base is made with cashews, along with cocoa powder, oats and maple syrup for a lightly sweetened and delicious smoothie recipe.
Why you'll love this
- Many smoothie recipes use banana as a base, but not this one! If you're looking for a banana-less smoothie, this is it.
- The cashews make this a higher-protein smoothie without any protein powder
- It's lightly sweetened with dates and maple syrup -- definitely one you'll want to make again and again
Ingredient notes:
Cashews - Raw cashews, not salted and/or roasted
Dates - Deglet or Medjool, and make sure they're pitted
Oats - Rolled or old fashioned, not quick oats. If you want to keep this gluten free, be sure to use certified gluten free oats.
Chia seeds - Optional. I like adding chia seeds to smoothies for a little extra fiber, but you don't have to add them.
Tips and Tricks
- You don't have to soak the cashews ahead of time for this smoothie. You can, but it's not a must. With that said, if you do NOT soak them, just be sure to blend the smoothie on HIGH for one full minute.
Substitutions:
Chia seeds, or can use flax seeds, hemp hearts; Maple syrup, or can use honey
Is this smoothie vegan?
Yes! If you make the smoothie as written, it is vegan-friendly.
More smoothie recipes
If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!
Chocolate Cashew Smoothie
Ingredients
- ½ cup raw cashews
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- 3 pitted dates
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 ¼ cup milk any kind
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth, at least 1 minute.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
UPDATE NOTE: This post was originally published in July 2015. It was updated with new text and photos in July 2020.
Denise says
Just made this and Im obsessed with it. So rich and creamy. My daughter loves it- a great meal replacement for breakfast when in a rush.
Silka says
Wow so rich and delicious! Great as a meal replacement!
Erin says
So happy you enjoyed it!
Savannah says
Easy way for this pregnant momma to get protein! Thanks! I just added vanilla to it cuz I’m obsessed 🙂
Jackie Rush says
This looks and sounds AMAZING!!! I can't wait to try it, just one thing first; how long do I soak the Cashews? I can't seem to find the information on it. Thank you so much for sharing! Have a Blessed day!
Erin says
Hi! You should soak them for at least an hour so they soften. OR you can boil them for 15 minutes if you're in a pinch, which is what I normally do because I always forget to soak them 🙂
Alisa @ Go Dairy Free says
This recipe is beyond stunning Erin; just pinned a bunch and stumbled!
Meg @ Noming thru Life says
Uhhh, where do I stand in line for this magnificence? Is it a long line, should I bring a book? Either way I am very dedicated to waiting for one of these beauties! Ohhh man, this is calling my name. LIKE CRAZY!
Jessie says
Sounds like a fun & tasty weekend. We didn't do too much 4th of July celebration in our neck of the woods. For 1) we live in a different country & 2) Joshua worked anyways. I did dress the girls up in cute tutus & took photos. That was fun!
I don't think I've ever told you this before, but I've come to your page multiple times for smoothie inspiration. Your smoothies always look very filling & delicious. This one is no exception :).
Have a fantastic day!
Erin says
Aww thanks Jessie!! You just made my night. Glad you are as smoothie obsessed as I am. I think playing dress up sounds like a great way to celebrate or spend any day for that matter 😀
Ashley @ Fit Mitten Kitchen says
I've been craving super healthy foods these past couple days from all the holiday indulgences. And chocolate... but I always crave chocolate. Good thing this one is super healthy! I love cacao 🙂
Jamie says
Totally overindulged this weekend so I am trying to reign in my eating habits and have a whole foods/natural organic cleanse this week. Let's just say day 2 is already brutal : ) I was on Nantucket for the 4th, so I got to watch the fireworks on the beach! Totally perfect. Thanks for sharing your recipe - your vegan superfood chocolate smoothie is one of my faves!
Erin says
Oh yay I'm so glad to hear! Superfoods ftw 😀
athletic avocado says
I love how this you pretty much make your own cashew milk in this smoothie without an extra step! this looks so thick and creamy 🙂
Emanuele @ guyslovecooking says
SO-MUCH-FOOD weekend are the best, especially if good friends are around. It sounds like you had fun..
Love the pics of the smoothie 🙂
Dani @ DaniCaliforniaCooks says
I have been all about the smoothies recently! Love the idea of using cashews in one. I've been trying out different nut milks recently..sampled a brazil nut milk in NYC this past weekend. Super creamy!
Georgie says
Yum. This looks like the perfect balance of healthy and indulgent. Great for Monday mornings and easing back into the swing of things. Your weekend sounded wonderful. I love having friends visit.... and having an excuse to consume lots of delicious food with good company
lindsay says
i saw that brunch picture. It looked like a blast! But i'm so with you, I just wanted a smoothie this morning. haha. TWIN!
p.s. soaking cashews helps with breaking down phytic acid. so yay!
Jess @hellotofit says
Um, Sienna Mercato sounds AWESOME. I've only used cashews in a dish once - it was a smokey paprika dipping sauce that was supposed to have the consistency of a creamy, cheesy dipping sauce. It was pretty good!
Niki @ Life With Niki says
Goodness this looks like such a treat, I love anything chocolate or cashew related!
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says
Your weekend sounds like a blast! That's awesome that you were able to find your own little spot to watch the fireworks too.
And I'm thinking this smoothie looks like the best possible way to detox after one too many hot dogs and potato salad. The creamy texture is killing me!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
My favorite things! Chocolate and CASHEWS!
Kelly @ Kelly Runs For Food says
I ate and drank all weekend, too. I feel the need to distance myself from burgers and wine this week! Your 4th sounds awesome, though. The rain in Williamsburg scared off just about everyone and Riley and I had a whole beach to ourselves to see fireworks. It was pretty great!