Caroline’s Chocolate Mixed Berry Smoothie

My daughter, Caroline, actually came up with this recipe all on her own when she was 7 or 8 years old. I was hesitant with her ingredient choices, but turns out I had nothing to worry about it. It is sooo tasty!

She insisted I write the recipe down, so I did, and we’ve made it many times over the years.

This recipe has taken on a few different names since it’s inception. For a long time we referred to it as the “bread smoothie.” She finally landed on Caroline’s Chocolate Berry Blast most recently. I’m calling it a Chocolate Mixed Berry Smoothie so people might actually find on Google.

She finally convinced me that it deserves a place on this blog. She helped me make the recipe, take the photos, and even watched as I typed most of this up. A food blogger in the making!

Caroline hopes you love her smoothie as much as we do! Enjoy!

Ingredient notes and substitutions

Berries ~ We like fresh strawberries and raspberries in this mixed berry smoothie, especially in the summer when they’re in season and super sweet. You can use your favorite berry combination. Blueberries or blackberries would both be delicious.

Frozen mixed berries can be used instead of fresh, especially in the winter when fresh berries tend to be more expensive and aren’t as sweet or flavorful. You may need to add additional milk or water to thin out the smoothie.

Milk ~ Canned light coconut milk is our milk of choice for this combo, but any unsweetened, plain, non-dairy milk will work. Light coconut milk doesn’t have a strong coconut flavor. If you want more coconut flavor, you can use full fat coconut milk.

Almond milk, soy milk, cashew milk, oat milk would all be great.

Sweetener ~ A banana and a few dates bring all the natural sweetness you need. The banana also helps create a creamy, thick texture.

Bread ~ I know it sounds weird to add bread to a smoothie recipe, but trust me, it works! Since this is my daughter Caroline’s recipe, it was her idea. I was skeptical at first, but I can’t deny the delicious taste of this smoothie!

Adding a slice of bread is really no different than adding oats, like in my Blueberry Oat Smoothie. It’s perfect for using up that end heel slice that no one wants to eat!

If you don’t have sprouted grain bread, you can use whole wheat or another whole grain bread. Gluten-free bread would also work. Or substitute 2 to 3 tablespoons of old fashioned rolled oats instead.

Chocolate ~ A small handful of chocolate chips brings a subtle chocolate flavor that complements the berries well. You could use a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder if you prefer.

You could also leave the chocolate out all together.

Ice ~ Because we use fresh berries, a handful of ice helps to make the smoothie frosty and thick. If you use frozen berries, you can omit the ice.

Extras ~ You can add a handful of leafy greens, like spinach or kale, to this chocolate mixed berry smoothie recipe. It will make the color darker and may not look as appetizing, but it will still be every bit as delicious!

Add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender.

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Enjoy immediately or pour into an air-tight mason jar. It will keep up to 1 day.

Please note: the smoothie will thicken upon sitting in the fridge, especially if using coconut milk. You may need to add additional liquid and re-blend before serving.

Pro tips and tricks

~ To ensure all ingredients get fully incorporated, add the liquid first, then fresh berries and banana, next the bread, dates and chocolate chips, and lastly ice.

~ If you don’t have sprouted grain bread, use 2 to 3 tablespoons of rolled oats instead.

~ If you are using frozen fruit, omit the ice.

~ To reduce the calorie count, use a tablespoon or two of unsweetened cocoa powder instead of chocolate chips and unsweetened almond milk instead of coconut milk. 

~ If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more milk, or add some water.

~ If the smoothie is too thin, add more banana or the other ½ slice of bread.

More vegan smoothie recipes

• Strawberry Beet Smoothie
• Chocolate Covered Strawberry Smoothie Bowl
• Almond Butter Smoothie
• Strawberry Apple Smoothie
• Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie