Healthy Neapolitan Smoothie (vegan, gluten-free, raw)

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You know I’m all about the tastes-like-dessert-but-is-actually-healthy recipes, and I was recently inspired by a beautiful neapolitan buttercream cake I saw at a café in Chicago. Definitely not healthy, definitely not vegan and definitely not something you could have for breakfast without feeling a sugar slump later in the day. But it got my brain going, and took me back to my childhood. Confession: I used to really only eat the vanilla and scoop that out because I was a picky kid.

Enter the healthy Neapolitan Smoothie packed with the nostalgic combo of chocolate, strawberry and vanilla flavours, minus the refined sugars. It’s not only vegan and gluten-free, but also raw and made with simple, whole plant ingredients. This Neapolitan Smoothie is sweetened exclusively with fruit, but if you’ve got a real sweet tooth, you can also add a few dates to the recipe. It will really help to have extra ripe bananas on hand (the riper, the sweeter!), so if you’ve got any spotty bananas laying around, this is the perfect way to use them.

Each of the layers could really be a smoothie on their own, but together, they make for a visually beautiful, dessert-like treat. I’m providing this recipe as a framework for you to play around with, so if you’re not into bananas, or another ingredient used, you might try using vegan yogurt, frozen steamed cauliflower, or whatever other sub you like. Consider using protein powder as well, to bulk up the smoothie and add extra flavour.

I topped my smoothies with toasted coconut flakes, which is optional, but as you may remember from my Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Jar recipe, there’s just something about the combination of strawberry and coconut that screams dessert. Honestly, this smoothie is great without any toppings at all, so top if you’d like, or leave it naked. Depending on how thick or thin you usually like to enjoy your smoothies, this will make about 2-3 servings. Please check out the recipe notes because I’ve included some tips regarding how to make your layers look good, and vegan milk suggestions 🙂

Healthy Neapolitan Smoothie (vegan, gluten-free, raw)

5 from 1 vote
Servings: 2 -3 servings
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
A healthy and delicious Neapolitan smoothie, perfect for breakfast or pre or post workout snack. Reminiscent of the childhood classic, it's the perfect combination of chocolate, strawberry and vanilla, but made without refined sugars or dairy!

Ingredients 

  • Chocolate Layer
  • 1.5 frozen banana
  • 1-2 tbsp of cacao powder if you like it richer and more chocolatey, use a heavy hand
  • 1/2 cup non-dairy milk
  • handful of cacao nibs optional
  • 2-3 tbsp coconut cream or non-dairy yogurt optional
  • Strawberry Layer
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries frozen also works
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup non-dairy milk
  • Vanilla Layer
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup non-dairy milk
  • medjool date optional

Instructions 

  • In a blender, combine all ingredients until smooth. Begin with the chocolate layer, place in cups, then blend strawberry layer, and so on!
  • Add more non-dairy milk if needed to achieve your desired smoothie texture.

Notes

Consider using vegan yogurt or coconut milk for a thicker consistency. I prefer to make the layers thick to thin from bottom to top. In other words, your bottom layer should be your thickest layer, and layers should thin out as you work your way up. This helps to make layering much easier, but is not necessary otherwise 🙂
Freezing your serving glass beforehand will help to keep things chilled and give you a little extra time to work. In between prepping layers, place cups into the freezer to stay chilled.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this recipe?Tag @veggiekins on Instagram and hashtag it with #veggiekins

Love & dessert for breakfast,

Love strawberries? Check out these Matcha Dipped Strawberries, Strawberry Rose Bubble Tea and Strawberry Shortcake Breakfast Jar.

About Remy

Hi there, I’m Remy! Welcome to Veggiekins Blog, home to nourishing vegan + gluten-free recipes and tips to live your best balanced and holistic life. I’m a human on a mission to empower you to be well and be kind to your mind, body and soul with the healing power of plants.

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