German Chocolate Cake Smoothies {smoothies with almond milk}

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and it's advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CollectiveBias #SilkAlmondBlends

There is one thing I am sure of: Summers were made for smoothies. Or maybe it's that smoothies were made for summer. Either way, the Hungry Harps house is full of smoothies during this hot season. For the most part we enjoy fruit smoothies with almond milk - after all, summertime means an abundance of fresh fruit and a smoothie is a quick way to get those nutrients to the kiddos. However, sometimes we have to cheat. Like putting the fruit aside and busting out the brownie chunks. Why not? Everyone's gotta live a little. These German Chocolate Cake Smoothies are my newest binge cheat.

I was inspired to make these German Chocolate Cake Smoothies when I saw Silk's Almond Coconut Blend at Safeway. I know, I know - German Chocolate Cake has pecans, not almonds. But I don't like to put myself into boxes, so I rolled with it. And then also added whipped cream. I love that there is no limit when it comes to making smoothies with almond milk, we can have them in the morning packed with healthy vitamins and nutrients or have them in the evening packed with sugar and spice and - you get the picture.

 

The reason I use Almond Milk instead of dairy milk for smoothies is because my kids already drink milk with their meals - it's basically a way for me to change things up a little. Plus, the fact that a glass of Almond Milk has 50% more calcium than dairy milk with no cholesterol or saturated fat makes the decision a healthy one. 

Speaking of healthy, let's get back to these German Chocolate Cake Smoothies....

Ok ok, maybe German Chocolate Cake Smoothies aren't necessarily "health food", but they certainly have some redeeming qualities. The pecans are an excellent source of Vitamin E and the toasted coconut carries a significant amount of fiber - and then on top of those there is the Silk Almond Coconut Blend, which is loaded with calcium.  At this point I'm not sure if I am trying to convince you to try this smoothie or myself to have another one. Either way, the recipe is for two - I say we make it a date. :)

German Chocolate Cake Smoothies
(PRINTABLE RECIPE)
Ingredients
12oz Silk Almond Coconut Blend
¼ cup pecan pieces, plus more for garnish
1 tablespoon toasted coconut, plus more for garnish
1 cup dark chocolate brownie pieces {I crammed them into a measuring cup with my fingers. Don’t judge.}
2 cups of ice
whipped cream, caramel sauce and maraschino cherries for garnish
Directions
1. Put Silk Almond Coconut Blend, pecan pieces, toasted coconut, dark chocolate brownies and ice in blender. Blend until smooth.
2. Pour into two glasses. Top with whip cream, caramel sauce, pecan pieces and toasted coconut.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Since we're on the subject of Silk, I also need to give a shout-out to a new product of theirs: Silk Almondmilk Protein + Fiber. Each serving has 5g of protein and 5g of fiber - totally going to be using this in our protein "shakes" and also adding it to our homemade popsicles this summer. I usually use fresh fruit and juice for popsicles - but I am thinking that substituting the juice with Silk Almondmilk Protein + Fiber will be great for some added nutrition. I'll probably also use it as a thirst-quencher for when I'm standing in front of the fridge trying to figure out dinner. Just sayin'...