This Tropical Smoothie Peanut Butter Cup Recipe is thick, chocolatey, and packed with peanut butter flavor—without the sugar overload. Made with banana, cocoa, peanut butter, and cottage cheese for a natural protein boost!
Alright, confession time—I have zero self-control when it comes to chocolate and peanut butter. Like, if there’s a Reese’s in the house, it’s gone before the wrapper even fully hits the counter. So naturally, when I first had the Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie at Tropical Smoothie Café, I fell in love.
It was rich. Creamy. Basically dessert in a cup. And I convinced myself that because it was called a smoothie, it was obviously healthy.
Yeah… no.
One day, curiosity got the best of me, and I looked up the nutrition info. Let’s just say, if you thought you were getting a “healthy” smoothie—surprise! It has more sugar than a slice of cake. Whoops.
So I did what any chocolate-peanut butter-obsessed person would do: I made my own. And let me tell you, this version is even better. It’s still thick, still chocolatey, still peanut buttery—but with way less sugar and a sneaky 23g of protein.
Best part? It takes five minutes. No protein powder. No weird ingredients. Just real food that tastes amazing.
Why You’ll Love This Tropical Smoothie Peanut Butter Cup Recipe?
- Tastes like a peanut butter cup in smoothie form. But without the sugar crash.
- 5-minute recipe. Toss everything in a blender and you’re good to go.
- Packed with protein—without protein powder. Thanks, cottage cheese!
- Naturally sweetened. No refined sugar, just banana and a little honey.
- Super creamy and thick. Basically a milkshake that loves you back.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s break it down—the simple, everyday ingredients that make this smoothie so good.
- Banana (Frozen) – The secret to making it naturally sweet and extra creamy. If you’re not freezing bananas ahead of time, start now!
- Cocoa Powder – The key to that deep, chocolate flavor without needing actual chocolate.
- Peanut Butter – The heart and soul of this smoothie. Go for natural peanut butter with no added sugar.
- Cottage Cheese – Trust me on this one. It adds a crazy smooth texture and sneaks in protein. You won’t taste it. Promise.
- Milk – Helps everything blend together. Use any kind—dairy or non-dairy.
- Honey – A little extra sweetness to balance out the cocoa powder.
- Ice (Optional) – For a thicker, frostier texture.
Pro Tip: Want to switch things up? Try swapping peanut butter for almond butter or even sunflower seed butter if you need a nut-free option!
How To Make Tropical Smoothie Peanut Butter Cup?
Step 1: Add Everything to Your Blender
Throw the frozen banana, cocoa powder, peanut butter, cottage cheese, milk, and honey into your blender.
If your banana isn’t frozen (rookie mistake), add a handful of ice to make up for it.
Step 2: Blend Until Smooth
Blend on high for 1-2 minutes until everything is completely smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk.
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Step 3: Adjust the Thickness (Optional)
If you’re all about extra thick smoothies, throw in a few ice cubes and blend again.
Step 4: Pour & Enjoy
Pour into your favorite glass, drizzle a little extra peanut butter on top (because why not?), and enjoy immediately.
Storage Options:
This smoothie is best fresh, but if you need to store it:
- Fridge: Keep in an airtight jar for up to 24 hours. Just shake it before drinking.
- Freezer: Pour into an ice cube tray, then blend the cubes later for an instant smoothie.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Freeze banana slices ahead of time so you’re always five minutes away from smoothie bliss.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to mix it up? Here are some fun ways to put your own spin on it:
- Swap the milk: Almond, oat, or coconut milk all work great.
- Go nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- Boost the protein: Add a scoop of chocolate protein powder for extra muscle fuel.
- Make it extra chocolatey: Toss in some dark chocolate chips before blending.
- Turn it into a smoothie bowl: Use less milk, pour into a bowl, and top with granola and banana slices.
What to Serve with Tropical Smoothie Peanut Butter Cup?
This smoothie is awesome on its own, but if you want a little something extra, try pairing it with:
- Granola Bars – A crunchy, chewy snack to go with your smoothie.
- Avocado Toast – A little sweet, a little savory. So good.
- Eggs & Toast – A balanced breakfast that pairs well.
- Dark Chocolate – Because honestly, why not?
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the cottage cheese for dairy-free yogurt and use almond, oat, or coconut milk.
Will I taste the cottage cheese?
Nope! It just makes the smoothie thick and creamy. You won’t even know it’s there.
Can I prep this smoothie ahead of time?
Yep! Freeze the banana, peanut butter, and cocoa together in a bag, then blend with milk when ready.
This Tropical Smoothie Peanut Butter Cup Recipe is proof that healthy can taste like dessert. It’s thick, creamy, chocolatey, and packed with protein—without the need for protein powder.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your blender and give this a try! Are you team peanut butter drizzle on top or straight-up classic? Let’s chat in the comments!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Tropical Smoothie Peanut Butter Cup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 frozen banana
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons honey
- Ice optional
Instructions
Combine Ingredients
- In a high-powered blender, add the frozen banana, cocoa powder, peanut butter, cottage cheese, milk, and honey. If a thicker consistency is desired, include a handful of ice.
Blend Until Smooth
- Blend the mixture on high speed for 1-2 minutes or until the texture is completely smooth and creamy. If the smoothie appears too thick, gradually add a small amount of additional milk to achieve the desired consistency.
Adjust as Needed
- If a thicker consistency is preferred, add extra ice and blend again. If a thinner texture is desired, incorporate additional milk in small increments.
Serve Immediately
- Pour the smoothie into a glass and serve immediately. For an enhanced presentation, drizzle with peanut butter or sprinkle cocoa powder on top.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
