Delicious & Allergy-Friendly Chocolate Banana SunButter Breakfast Shake: Your Go-To Vegan & Nut-Free Recipe

Welcome to the ultimate solution for busy mornings and persistent snack cravings! This naturally sweetened breakfast shake is a powerhouse of fruit and protein, conveniently packed into a delicious, drinkable meal. Whether you need a quick breakfast on the go or a satisfying after-school snack, this recipe has you covered. Best of all, it’s crafted with inclusivity in mind, being entirely free of gluten, dairy, egg, soy, peanut, and tree nuts – making it top 8 allergen-free and perfectly vegan. Get ready to blend, sip, and enjoy a refined sugar-free treat that the whole family will love.

Conquering the Breakfast and Snacktime Challenges

As parents, we often face the daily struggle of getting nutritious food into our children, especially during rushed mornings. And just when you think you’ve conquered breakfast, the mid-afternoon hunger pangs strike, leading to a relentless demand for snacks. Kids seem to possess an unending appetite – unless, of course, you’ve spent hours preparing a gourmet dinner, at which point they mysteriously lose interest! This incredible shake recipe is a versatile hero, perfect for either of these challenging times.

In my household, shakes and smoothies are practically a food group. Our trusty blender, a Blendtec, has clocked over 2,000 cycles, a testament to how often we rely on these convenient concoctions. My kids, like many, are often drawn to instant breakfast drinks and soy-protein shakes found in stores. However, these options are typically expensive and often laden with artificial ingredients, excessive sugars, and fillers that I prefer to avoid. My primary goal is to ensure they receive a good dose of protein, essential fruits, and adequate hydration. This homemade chocolate banana SunButter shake masterfully achieves all three, and my kids feel like they’re getting a special treat because it tastes like chocolate! On days when I’m feeling extra generous, a sprinkle of dairy-free chocolate chips on top makes it an even bigger hit.

Elevating Your Shake: Wholesome Add-Ins and Nutritional Boosts

While this shake is fantastic on its own, it’s also incredibly adaptable. If you’re looking to transform it into an even more substantial breakfast, consider adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup of gluten-free rolled oats. The amount depends on your desired thickness. Personally, I love this addition; it infuses the shake with wholesome grains, making it a truly complete breakfast in a cup. While my oldest son can’t have oats, I regularly include them in my own shakes for that extra fiber and staying power. It really does make a noticeable difference in how full and energized you feel throughout the morning.

Another fantastic, almost undetectable addition is a tablespoon of ground flax seeds. If you have a high-quality blender, these tiny seeds will pulverize seamlessly into the shake, providing a significant boost of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are crucial for brain health, inflammation reduction, and overall well-being. Adding flax seeds is a clever way to sneak in vital nutrients without altering the flavor or texture, earning you major “Mom Winning” points!

I couldn’t resist capturing this moment: my son, ever the opportunist, attempting to discreetly snag all the chocolate chips I’d artfully arranged around the cup for the photo shoot! He might not be as stealthy as he imagines, but his enthusiasm is certainly a testament to how delicious this shake is.

The Power of SunButter: A Nut-Free Game Changer

In the days before food allergies became a prominent part of our lives, the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter was an absolute favorite of mine. Thankfully, the world of seed butters has provided an incredible alternative that delivers that same delightful roasted flavor and creamy texture without the allergens. As an affiliate for SunButter, I can genuinely say I’m a huge fan; I incorporate it into countless recipes!

What’s even better is discovering that SunButter offers a comparable nutritional profile to peanut butter, particularly when it comes to protein content. This knowledge made me feel even more confident about substituting them 1:1 in recipes. Made from roasted sunflower seeds, SunButter is a fantastic source of plant-based protein, healthy fats, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc. It’s not just an allergy-friendly substitute; it’s a nutritional powerhouse in its own right, bringing a rich, slightly nutty flavor that complements the chocolate and banana perfectly.

The Secret to Natural Sweetness: Ripe Bananas

A crucial tip for this recipe: make sure to use spotted, overripe bananas. Since this shake relies entirely on natural sweetness and avoids any added refined sugars, the ripeness of your bananas is key. As bananas ripen, their starches convert to sugars, resulting in a naturally sweeter fruit. Using bananas that are less ripe will yield a shake that lacks the desired sweetness and depth of flavor. Frozen, overripe bananas also contribute significantly to the shake’s thick, creamy texture, eliminating the need for extra ice which can dilute the flavor.

Enjoy Anytime, Anywhere

I truly hope you and your little ones enjoy this quick, delicious, and incredibly versatile drink, whether it brightens your breakfast or serves as a satisfying late-afternoon snack. It’s a wonderful way to ensure your family gets essential nutrients in a format they’ll genuinely love.

If you’re looking for more simple breakfast ideas, I highly recommend checking out these Easy Overnight Oats by Cooking LSL. For those aiming for a greener start to the morning, my fellow blogger Clean Eating Kitchen offers this fantastic Green Vegetable Juice Recipe. And if you’re a shake enthusiast craving something a bit more indulgent, but still wholesome, don’t miss this Blueberry Milkshake by Food Doodles.

For a visual guide and to see me surprise the host with a pop quiz on food allergies, click the image below:

Chocolate Banana SunButter Breakfast Shake (Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Soy, Peanut & Tree Nut Free; Top 8 Free; Vegan)

Yield:
2 servings

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Total Time:
5 minutes

Ingredients

2 large overripe bananas, peeled, sliced and frozen*
3/4 cup original or vanilla rice milk (or more to thin as desired)
3/4 cup ice
1/4 cup creamy SunButter
2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 tsp vanilla

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a blender, with the ice cubes on top, and process until well blended. Serve immediately. Garnish with banana slices, and additional dairy-free chocolate chips if desired.

Notes

For a creamier texture, ensure bananas are frozen. If you’re short on time, unfrozen bananas work too, though the shake will be less thick.

To add whole grains and make it a more substantial meal, incorporate 1/4 to 1/2 cup of gluten-free rolled oats (adjusting for desired thickness). This makes the shake heartier and more filling, perfect for sustained energy.

Boost your Omega-3 intake by adding 1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds. A quality blender will ensure they are fully incorporated without altering the shake’s smooth consistency.

Remember, using very ripe bananas is crucial for natural sweetness, as this recipe contains no added sweeteners. The spottier, the sweeter!

This recipe was inspired by: Cooking Classy

Allergen Free Vegan Chocolate Banana SunButter Breakfast Shake