Name: Vanilla Coconut Smoothie Bowl (Vegan and Gluten-Free) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: PT-490605H48M49S
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen; 1 can full-fat coconut milk, frozen in ice-cube tray; ⅓ – ½ cup unsweetened almond or oat milk; 1 vanilla bean pod or 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract

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Introduction

This Vanilla Coconut Smoothie Bowl is a creamy, refreshing treat that’s both vegan and gluten-free. Made with frozen bananas and coconut milk, it’s like enjoying a healthy, tropical ice cream right at home. Perfect for breakfast or a light snack.

A round brown bowl is filled with a creamy off-white smooth mixture that makes up the main layer. On top, there are two topping sections that cover about half of the surface: one side has golden toasted shredded coconut, and the other side has small dark brown chocolate chips, with a line of chocolate chips between the coconut and the plain mixture. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with scattered chocolate chips and shredded coconut nearby. A wooden spoon lies to the right of the bowl. In the background, there are two small clear glass bowls, one filled with shredded coconut and the other with chocolate chips. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
1 can full fat coconut milk, frozen in an ice cube tray
⅓ to ½ cup unsweetened almond or oat milk
1 vanilla bean pod, or 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the frozen ingredients ahead of time. Peel and slice the bananas, place them flat on a cookie sheet, and freeze for at least 1 hour. Shake the coconut milk can well, pour into an ice cube tray, and freeze overnight until solid.
Step 2: If using a vanilla bean pod, lay it on a cutting board and flatten gently with your finger. Make a lengthwise slit halfway through the pod, then scrape out the vanilla seeds with the back of a knife.
Step 3: Pour ⅓ cup of almond or oat milk into a high-speed blender bowl.
Step 4: Add the frozen banana slices, coconut milk cubes, and vanilla beans (or vanilla paste/extract) to the blender.
Step 5: Blend using the tamper to help move solids around. If necessary, pause to stir and continue blending until smooth and creamy with an ice-cream-like texture. Add more plant milk a little at a time if needed.
Step 6: Serve immediately as is or topped with toasted coconut flakes and mini chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

Use frozen mango or pineapple chunks with the bananas for a tropical twist.
Substitute coconut milk cubes with frozen coconut cream for an even richer texture.
Top with fresh berries, granola, or chopped nuts to add crunch and nutrition.
Adjust the plant milk quantity to achieve your preferred consistency—thicker for spooning or thinner for sipping.

Storage

This smoothie bowl is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 24 hours. To reheat, let it soften at room temperature briefly and stir well before eating. Avoid refrigerating as it may become watery.

How to Serve

A white coconut bowl filled with a smooth, creamy off-white ice cream-like mixture that takes up about half of the bowl, placed on the right side with a wooden spoon scooping some of it. The left side of the bowl is layered with a row of small, dark brown chocolate chips in the middle, flanked by toasted light brown coconut flakes on the far left. In the background, on a white marbled surface, there are two transparent jars visible, one filled with toasted coconut flakes and the other with chocolate chips. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of plant-based milk?

Yes, regular dairy milk can be used, but it will no longer be vegan. The smoothie bowl should still blend well and taste delicious.

What if I don’t have a high-speed blender?

A powerful blender is recommended for the creamiest texture, but you can use a standard blender by pulsing and stirring frequently. You may need to add a bit more plant milk to help blend the frozen ingredients smoothly.