Cacao Squash Smoothie Bowl

The one thing that has been on me to-make list recently has been a sweet potato smoothie bowl, but then I thought “why is it taking me so long to make something so simple?” I always have sweet potatoes in the house, but perhaps I was holding out because I knew I would think of something new and even more delicious to introduce to the smoothie bowl world. No longer one to follow the healthy food crown ‘just because’… Enter: butternut squash.

I’m a huge fan of the orange squash, as my recipe archives show: Roasted Squash and Kale Slaw Salad, Butternut Squash Macro Power Bowl, Smokey Butternut Squash Maple-Balsamic Sprouts and Quinoa Bowl, Ratatouille Stuffed Butternut Squash…

Simply roasted in the oven until tender, scoop out from the flesh and mash with a fork before being left to cool, this soft and squishy mash makes the perfect base for a smoothie bowl. I’m so pleased with this recipe and beyond excited to share it with you today as it’s the first of its kind (as far as my Instagram shows!). Blended with banana, a dash of milk, raw cacao powder and a date, it makes for the creamiest and most indulgent tasting breakfast bowl that happens to be packed with the good stuff. It tastes way too good to be good for you – but, hold up: it most definitely is. You can have your Cacao Squash Smoothie Bowl and eat it too.

Cacao Squash Smoothie Bowl – Before Toppings

Did I mention it is super creamy and tastes so indulgent?

All it takes is some forethought to roast/steam some squash beforehand but if you work it into your meal prep, it’s really a piece of cake.

Did I mention it is so chocolatey-rich?

Cacao Squash Smoothie Bowl

Then come the toppings! Sprinkle, drizzle and top to your hearts delight. Here, I have topped mine with banana stars, quinoa granola, coconut, cacao nibs and lashings of almond butter.

I have high hopes for this Cacao Squash Smoothie Bowl and have loads of creations based on this original recipe in the works… watch this squash. I mean, space.

Cacao Squash Smoothie Bowl
Serves 1

Ingredients:
1 banana, frozen in chunks
200g mashed butternut squash (previously roasted or steamed then mashed with a fork)
50ml oat milk
1 tbsp raw cacao powder
1 medjool date, pitted
½ tsp cinnamon
Serving suggestions: banana, granola, almond butter, coconut, nuts, seeds

Method:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender and process into smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides. Add more milk as needed to get the mix going and to reach a smooth and creamy consistency.

2. Serve straight away topped with your favourite toppings.

Cacao Squash Smoothie Bowl – Extra Almond Butter

What are your thoughts on vegetables in smoothie bowls? How about this Cacao Squash Smoothie Bowl? I  would love to see your creations if you make this, please tag me – I’m @nourishing.amy on Instagram and use the hashtag #nourishingamy or leave a comment below.