When I see my 10-year-old daughter eating this cocoa smoothie bowl with such enthusiasm, it warms my body-positive, green heart. She’s tucking into it as if it were chocolate mousse! I wouldn’t hesitate to serve this to children and adults alike as a dessert – it tastes absolutely delicious, and at the same time it’s packed with ingredients that the body loves.

Research has shown that raw cocoa, which is the main ingredient in this recipe, contains a compound called phenylethylamine, which triggers the release of endorphins and opiates in the body. Cocoa boosts serotonin levels, which affect both mood and emotions – and cocoa contains more than 300 chemical compounds, including a neurotransmitter called theobromine, which has been used both historically and today to treat depression. It’s also rich in potassium, folate, antioxidants, minerals, protein and vitamin E, amongst other things. WOW! 

Bananas and cocoa contain magnesium – which is also important for your mood – and the avocado’s vitamin D is just as important, which is why we’ve named this sweet, creamy cocoa smoothie bowl: Lykkerus.

Bon appétit!

The recipe makes one bowl of smoothie or 4 small desserts

Fruit and vegetables can be used either frozen or fresh.

• 3 tbsp raw cocoa powder
• 1 avocado
• 1 banana
• 3 dates
• The juice of 1 orange
• 2 tbsp almond butter 

Method

Add all the ingredients to the blender and blend until you have a fairly thick smoothie consistency with no lumps.

Enjoy chilled.  

Garnish, if desired, with chia seeds, orange segments, pistachios, grated lemon zest, chopped almonds, whipped cream, chopped dark chocolate or similar.

For a thinner version, I think it would work well as a milkshake if mixed with milk, oat milk, almond milk or whatever you prefer.

Would you like to know more about what you can eat (and blend into your homemade smoothies and ice lollies) to strengthen your skin from within?
The best sources of antioxidants and bioactive compounds are plant-based foods – particularly fruit and vegetables. In our article Strengthen your skin from within you can find a selection of foods that can help improve your skin’s natural defences from within. Summer or winter.

See also our recipes for Strawberry Rush Smoothie & Popsicles and Lemonade Rush Smoothie & Popsicles if you’re craving healthy , chilled snacks or desserts . Or explore our entire range of skinfood smoothie recipes HERE

All the best,

Mette