Bananas Foster Smoothie Bowl

What do you do when you have extra bananas, throw them in the freezer for smoothie(s) bowls of course! Unless you’re baking a loaf of banana bread, in my book that’s the only thing that trumps putting them in the freezer. Now say you make extra caramelized bananas what do you do with them? Ok it was too many to eat them all so that wasn’t an option. I debated putting them in the fridge for topping oats, chia pudding, or pancakes later but figured I wouldn’t get around to it so in the freezer they went and let me tell you something magical happened. Blending them into a chia smoothie bowl was amazing, so I had to do it again, and again, and share it with you!

If you’ve had caramelized bananas before you know they are so different from a fresh ripe banana. If you haven’t please run to the kitchen and make some now! They are just so simply delicious! How could something as simple as caramelized bananas be so good?

This isn’t the recipe I planned on sharing since I already shared a “dessert for breakfast” recipe a couple days ago, oh and Monday, but things haven’t gone well this week in the photography or kitchen department with the limited time and I didn’t get through the ones I have photographed. Hey it’s all going to be ok though because I’m going to enjoy this smoothie bowl again for breakfast today and all will be good. Plus it’s Friday!

So why do I love this simple smoothie bowl so much besides that it’s delicious and simple? Chia seeds will keep you full and are loaded with omega fats, protein, antioxidants and fiber. They are a great source of healthy essential fatty acids, eight times more than salmon! They’re also one of the most digestible plant proteins. Coconut milk and a little coconut oil for sautéing the bananas for some healthy fats. Bananas are prefect for my morning breakfast as they give me all the energy I need to start the day, get the girls to school, and get to barre. There is also a protein option which is great for breakfast on days I have an early morning strength workout. Depending on my mood and when I enjoy it I also like to add one of my favorite Caramel Coconut Go Macro Thrive Bars (shown) or Navitas Naturals Maca Maple Cashews for texture and nutritional boost. The girls just stick to bananas.

While it’s usually a breakfast thing we also love smoothies for afternoon snacks or after the girls activities and this would be a great one. The only thing to note is that there is a little planning as you have to sauté the bananas at least 2 hours before but lately I keep some in the freezer as I know they will get used so you could do this a day, two, or a week before just don’t forget them. The chia seeds also need to soak for the thickest smoothie and I like to give them at least 30 minutes but the longer the better so usually a couple hours to overnight.

Life is short eat dessert for breakfast, especially when it’s healthy, and enjoy what you eat!

Bananas Foster Smoothie Bowl
Makes 1 serving
1 large banana*
1 tsp coconut oil
1 tsp coconut palm sugar
pinch of cinnamon, optional
1c coconut milk
1 TBSP chia seeds
Plus additional caramelized bananas for topping if desired and toppings of choice (used Go Macro Caramel Coconut Thrive Bar). *

*If you want to top it with caramelized bananas as shown you will also need an additional banana, teaspoon of coconut oil, and teaspoon of coconut palm sugar.
**For protein version add 1/2-1 scoop vanilla protein (I like Vega Clean Protein and Vega Sport) and more milk to reach desired consistency.

Heat coconut oil in a small skillet. Slice banana and sauté in coconut oil. Once almost cooked sprinkle with coconut palm sugar, pinch of cinnamon if using, and gently stir. Put bananas and scrap any mixture from the pan into a freezer safe container. Place in the freezer for at least 2 hours or overnight. At this time also stir chia seeds into coconut milk in a small jar, stir for a good 30 seconds to make sure their mixed well and place in the refrigerator. If you want to top your smoothie bowl with additional warm caramelized bananas make them just before blending your smoothie bowl. Blend soaked chia seeds in a Vitamix, or high-speed blender, until smooth. Add in frozen caramelized bananas and blend using the tamper tool as needed. Pour smoothie into a bowl and top with additional warm caramelized bananas and toppings of choice. Enjoy!
Fuel and fire up with a delicious healthy Bananas Foster Smoothie Bowl! #FitFluential #wholefoods #vegan #gf Share on X
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