Sometimes I say that I want summer to stick around forever.
Sometimes I then get to relive my childhood summer nights, trying to find the cool side of the pillow on the third floor of my parents’ un-air-conditioned house.
Sometimes I need a really cold breakfast.
Yes, if I’ve learned anything this past week, it’s that moving to a place where all buildings are air-conditioned and driving (and parking!) everywhere is easy has made me downright soft. Not that my parents are exactly living in the dark ages in New England, but A/C… you are now a non-negotiable for me.
And if I can’t have you, I definitely need this smoothie.
I often like to pack my smoothies with as many fruits and veggies as possible, but this one is a little different. It’s for those mornings when you need an extra jolt of caffeine to get the job done. Or when you stick your head in the freezer and see approximately 16 bananas waiting to be used up. Or when you’d just rather combine your morning coffee and breakfast into one? Any and all of those.
I used Starbucks Via packets here because we had a few knocking around the cupboard. Your favorite instant coffee will also work, or even subbing brewed, cold/room temperature coffee for the instant coffee and milk. Anything to get some caffeine into your system along with the bananas and flax!
If you are a smoothie person, you may already have all the ingredients to make this guy. So next time you have to stick your head in the freezer in lieu of A/C, take a look around and whip up this tasty smoothie for breakfast!
Hope you have fun weekend plans! Send non-heat-wave-y vibes our way as we head to our friends’ tent wedding tomorrow night!
- 2 frozen bananas, sliced
- 2 dates, pitted and roughly chopped
- 1 cup plain non-fat yogurt (I used Greek yogurt)
- 1 cup milk (almond, skim, or your favorite milk works)
- 1 Tbsp ground flax seeds
- 2 Starbucks Via packets (0.12 oz each) or 2 servings of your preferred instant coffee grounds
- Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor. (You are pouring the coffee grounds right in, not making any coffee first.) Puree until smooth, stopping once or twice to scrape down the sides.
- Serve in two glasses. Enjoy!
This looks like the perfect way to start my day!
Erica, I plan to try this but what would you suggest as a substitute for the yogurt (trying the Bittman “Vegan Before 6” thing), assuming I can’t find a non-dairy based kind? Just double up on the almond milk? Thanks!
Good question, Erin. I’d recommend just cutting out the yogurt altogether or subbing an extra frozen banana. I’m not a huge fan of non-dairy yogurts, so I wouldn’t necessarily recommend looking for one. Let me know what you try!
I’ve been loving cold breakfast all summer and even though the mornings are getting chilly, I’m still in smoothie and yogurt/fruit mode. I’m loving the idea of a coffee/banana smoothie! I’ve actually never put coffee in a smoothie before and it seems delicious!
Hey Erica. Thanks for this delicious breakfast alternative. Looks like it would wake you up and keep you going all day. Can I suggest Almond Dream brand non-dairy yogurt for those non-dairy among us? I am generally not a big fan of yogurt alternatives, but this one is super tasty.
I don’t think I’ve ever tried Almond Dream yogurt! Sounds good!
What a cool idea for a smoothie! It’s almost like a coffee milkshake, but healthy ;)
MMM this smoothie looks delicious. It’s also convenient that I happen to have all of those ingredients in my apartment, which means I MUST make this soon.
WOW. this looks so creamy and delicious. I just have to get more yogurt at the store and some dates and I am definitely making it! ill let you know how i like it.
Yay! Thanks Christina :)
may be a stupid question but do you just add the coffee grounds or do actually make the instant coffee and pour the liquid in?
Not a stupid question because my mother had the same one! Just add the coffee grounds in :)
I loved the recipe! I really dislike coffee and although I thought it was a bit strong, it still worked for me.. Only one question though.. Do your dates also sink all the way to the bottom? I’m going to be omitting those next time :P
One way to avoid the dates sinking to the bottom is to soak the dates in water for about an hour before using them in smoothies. This makes them blend in to the smoothie better, in my experience. :)
Wow, this looks seriously amazing, and I cannot wait to try and make it. I always need coffee of a morning and this is the perfect combo!
Precious Wonders xoxo
http://www.ourpreciouswonders.blogspot.co.uk
This looks great and it definitely beats my Cheerios!
If anyone is sensitive to the acidity of coffee, try making this with cold brew coffee or Japanese iced coffee. While both are low in acid, the Japanese style will have more of the coffee’s undertones and flavor.