Red Velvet. Something everyone seems to absolutely adore.
Yet did you know, that it is simply just chocolate cake with red food coloring? I think it is actually the cream cheese icing that tends to go on top of the cake that everyone actually loves.
But I love chocolate. All kinds. So naturally, I also love red velvet cake. Of course, I love making smoothies and shakes for a night time treat, and this time, red velvet was the choice of focus. I’ve posted a red velvet shake before on here, but this one is a little bit different, and certainly served differently!
Yes the ingredients are a bit different too, but instead of enjoying my shake as normal, I decided to have patience for once, and plan ahead. I made this during the day time, and then put it in the freezer for about an hour. The result was amazing. It was like icecream in a cup. Let it sit out for just a few minutes to dethaw a little, and then begin to break it up with your spoon. Not to mention the topping of a sweet cream that tasted similar to the frosting we all love.
It tasted sinful. But it was oh so nutritious. Do you like chocolate? Come over to the red side. Add a little color in your typical chocolate shake.
- 1 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
- 1 frozen Banana, very ripe
- 1 Scoop Natural Chocolate Whey (I used About Time protein, see note below)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1/4 cup Low Fat Cottage Cheese (or 2 tablespoons cream cheese)
- 2 tablespoons Rolled Oats
- 1/2 teaspoon Butter Extract (can sub in vanilla)
- Sweetener to taste (I used 1 packet stevia)
- Optional: red food coloring (for color), 1/2 tsp xanthan gum (for extra thickness)
- Topping: Whipped Cream or my [url href=”https://freshfitnhealthy.com/2014/01/healthy-frosting-paleo/”]homemade whipped topping[/url]
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Taste to gauge the amount of sweetener you prefer.
- Pour into cup and place in freezer, covered, for about one hour.
- Use blender to “cream” together the “cream topping ingredients”.
- Set aside in fridge until desiring the shake.
- When ready to eat, take your cup out of the freezer and allow to sit for about 5 minutes (or simply nuke in microwave for just about 20 seconds).
- Top with “cream” and cacao nibs (or chocolate chips) if desired.
Cocoa Benefits
1)Decreases blood pressure
2)Improves cholesterol levels
3)Prevents heart disease
4)Rich in flavonoids, an antioxidant