This spooky ghoul black smoothie bowl is not only a 100% vegan smoothie bowl, but it is also artificial colour free – using dark cocoa to give it it’s a spooky dark colour and rich chocolatey taste!
With Halloween coming up how could I not take advantage and create a spooky ghoul-y vegan smoothie bowl?! This black Halloween smoothie is not only daringly dark but it’s also artificial colour free. So, what is the secret ingredient that creates this gorgeous black smoothie bowl you ask- Black cocoa- AKA dutch processed cocoa powder!
I went back and forth about whether or not to share this recipe to my blog, or whether to leave it as just an Instagram post – since it’s so super simple! – But I know that I personally love to be able to Pin recipes – no matter how simple. So you’ll have to forgive me for the lack of images on this post.
This recipe uses just 5 base ingredients – frozen bananas, plant-based yoghurt ( or mylk), dark cocoa, natural cocoa and natural sweetener of choice. The results are a super creamy, thick chocolatey black smoothie!
Also – I know I’ve definitely made this smoothie bowl with Halloween in mind – but when is chocolate not a good idea?! Simply swap out the Ghostly deco and you’ve got yourself a delicious vegan chocolate smoothie bowl to intrigue and delight! Plus it’s great to make for children or friends and see their reactions.
What is the difference between natural cocoa & dutch processed cocoa?
This came as a bit of a surprise to me but, did you know that cocoa powder is acidic?! And that the difference between natural cocoa powder and dutch processed cocoa comes down to acidity levels.
Natural cocoa powder is the powder that you get directly from roasted cocoa beans. This is the generic type you will get in supermarkets and has a strong, bitter chocolate taste and is acidic.
In comparison, dutch processed cocoa powder uses cocoa beans that have been put through an alkaline solution bath. I don’t know the exact ins and outs of the process but- basically – this renders the acidity in the cocoa beans neutral. Thus dutch processes cocoa powder is ‘alkalised cocoa’.
This dutch processed cocoa powder becomes darker during the alkalisation process ( thus giving us out black smoothie colour) and affects the flavour. While it becomes less bitter, I’d also describe it as nuttier in flavour with a strong, unique scent to it.
Honestly, it’s really hard to describe. If you’re wanting a more accurate understanding of what this black cocoa tastes like… well it’s the ingredient that Oreo’s use for their unique chocolatey flavour ( and who doesn’t like Oreos?!).
Without going too much into the science of things – these two cocoa powders will react differently to baking soda too. This is because acidity is needed to cause the reaction and get a good rise in your baked goods. However, this can be compensated for with alternative ingredients.
Luckily, that isn’t something we have to worry about here as this Halloween smoothie bowl doesn’t include any baked goods! So, without further ado- Time for the black smoothie recipe.
The Spooky Ghoul Black Smoothie Bowl Recipe:
Spooky Ghoul Black Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 Bananas frozen1 Tablespoon Black Cocoa1/2 Tablespoon natural cocoa 1tsp- 1/2 tbsp natural sweetener of choice ( i.e. agave, maple syrup)150ml plant-based milk or yoghurt - I used coconut yoghurt.Toppings:Desiccated coconutCacao NibsRaspberries ( I love them frozen)plant-based yoghurt for the ghost decoration
Instructions
- To begin making this smoothie bowl, blend the bananas and plant-based milk or yoghurt in a high-powdered blender or food processor till smooth.Add in the black cocoa ( start with 1/2 tbsp black cocoa and 1/4 tbsp normal cocoa and taste. Add the rest if you prefer a deeper colour and stronger taste), natural cocoa and sweetener of choice and blend again till thoroughly combined.To assemble the smoothie bowl, simply pour the smoothie into your bowl of choice and top with some desiccated coconut, cacao nibs and some raspberries and/or other berries. If you're wanting to make the Ghoul-y ghosts - I used some of the plant-based yoghurt and a sauce bottle to draw the shapes. Voila! - Eat immediately
Other Recipes you may like:
If you’re wanting some other Halloween inspiration – how about this blood-red beetroot pasta salad? For something a bit less spooky, perhaps this Stuffed Butternut Squash. Lastly, for more delicious Vegan breakfast inspiration how about these 3 Summer inspired oatmeal bowls.
As always, I’d LOVE to see your results. So if you try the recipe out then let me know. Also, feel free to tag me in any pics @MemoirsSoLuciie.
Till next time,
And as always: To pin for later!
