Enjoy dessert for breakfast with this easy and nutrient-dense copycat Wendy’s frosty smoothie bowl! It’s a delicious paleo and low carb chocolate treat.
A fast food secret.
I’ve never much been one for fast food. I don’t think I even ate at Wendy’s until I was in high school and could go without my parents taking me. My mom avoided fast food chains like the plague, and I kinda inherited that from her. Thanks for leading me in the truth, mom, in more than one way. 😉
But as much as I have always loved real food, and will stick with it till my dying days, there’s one other thing that I’ve loved since first taste… A chocolate Wendy’s frosty. I know, it’s very un-crunchy of me. But in my defense, a chocolate frosty and fries are pretty much the only fast food things I’ve ever enjoyed. (And yes, I do enjoy them together, but that’s not this post.)
There’s just something about that smooth, thick, chocolatey shake that I love. It’s comforting.
Not a healthy choice.
But there’s no way on earth I’d be eating a Frosty now. If you just look at Wendy’s menu, you’ll know why. The ingredients for their frosties are pretty iffy to a health food nut.
Meh. No thanks.
Copycat Wendy’s frosty smoothie bowl.
So I’ve always sorta been on the lookout for a better way. And I’m pretty sure I’ve found it. This paleo and keto and GAPS-friendly copycat Wendy’s chocolate frosty smoothie bowl (I know, it’s a mouthful) is pretty much one of the best things I’ve had for breakfast in a while. And I’ve had some pretty good breakfasts in my day.
I’ve traded out all the milk things in the normal chocolate frosty for a delicious and easy walnut milk. If you remember a while back I posted about my super easy walnut coffee creamer, you’ll know where my inspiration came from. Yep, the base of this copycat frosty is pretty much just walnuts soaked in water or dairy-free milk. When they’re pureed they become nice and thick. If you’re not into walnuts, you can use cashews instead. And add in some frozen banana and you’ve got the perfect copycat Wendy’s frosty consistency!
Of course, you can then add in all sorts of delicious and healthy ingredients: a little sprinkling of non-GMO, kosher gelatin, some MCT oil, or some pink salt to make the flavors pop… And while the chocolate frosty smoothie bowl is sweet enough as is, you can add in a little honey to make it sweeter, if you like. Just remember that honey is a no-no for the low carbers out there. I don’t shy away from carbs, so don’t yell at me for adding it.
More delicious smoothie bowls.
For all you fellow smoothie bowl fiends out there (or those of you who even just like them), here are a few other delicious options for you. They’re all paleo/GAPS-friendly and packed with nutrition!
- Chocolate Sweet Potato Smoothie Bowl
- Beets & Berries Smoothie Bowl
- Apple Pie Smoothie Bowl
- Chocolate Berries & Greens Smoothie Bowl
In the recipe card I’ve linked to some of the products from my affiliate partners that I like to use. Purchasing through these links won’t cost you anything extra. Thanks!
Copycat Wendy's Frosty Smoothie Bowl
Free from grain, gluten, eggs, dairy, and refined sugar.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup walnuts or cashews
- 1/2 cup almond or coconut milk (or you can just use water… or coffee 😍)
- 1 sliced frozen banana
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (I like to make my own)
- organic liquid stevia or honey, to taste
optional garnishes:
- chopped walnuts
- hemp hearts
- shredded coconut
- shaved dairy-free chocolate (I just use bakers chocolate my honey-sweetened chocolate chunks)
- banana slices
Instructions
Place the walnuts in the blender and cover with the liquid. Let stand and soak for at least 10 minutes.*
Add remaining ingredients and puree until smooth.
Garnish with garnishes that you enjoy garnishing chocolate smoothie bowls with.
Be thankful you don’t have to drive to Wendy’s to get this… and enjoy!
Notes
Aim for 1/2 hour or more soak if you don’t have a high powered blender.
For GAPS, soak the nuts for at least 24 hours before making the smoothie bowl.
OMG yum. I used to have Wendy’s frostys all the time, and I love that this is way healthier! So yummy.
Haha! Thanks, Jean! 😉
Ooooh, I bet this taste great with coffee! We have been doing more smoothie bowls now in the summer, will love to try your recipe.
I hope you enjoy it, Yang! It’s a great thing to wake up to. 🙂
A treat in a bowl that’s good for you! The perfect Summer breakfast!
Thanks, Kelly! I hope you get to enjoy it!
I also don’t eat fast food but totally get your love for a frosty. This is such a better way to have it!
Thanks, Donny!
I was going to make this immediately but then saw the note about soaking 24 hours. If we do it that way, do we still not discard the liquid? Or soak the nuts in water, discard the water after 24 hours and then add the coconut milk when blending? Do we need to add a little salt or something when soaking the nuts? I’m still trying to understand the whole soaking nuts thing. 🙂 Thanks!
Technically speaking, it’s easier on your gut if you discard the liquid after soaking the nuts, but I sometimes I just soak and blend. If you’re really focusing on healing your gut, I would soak in water (and salt, if you want), discard the water, rinse the nuts, then add them to the remaining ingredients and blend. If you’re not too worried about that right now, just soak and blend. 🙂
Thanks for the info! Will report back tomorrow after we try them. 🙂
You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy it, Erin!
walnut milk! wow, that sounds amazing . .. have not tried that yet, sounds easy enough to make! Thanks for the idea, I loved Wendy’s frostys back tin the day too!
I hope you enjoy it, Jennifer!
Yes, a chocolaty smoothie bowl that is keto-friendly! Bless you 🙂
Haha! You’re so welcome. 😉
I made this and it’s great! Thanks. 🙂 I’m excited to try it next with cashews!
Yay! I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it, Erin! Thanks so much for stopping back in and letting me know. 🙂
This was so good!! Thanks for a great recipe! I added maca and it gave it a malty flavor. I’ll be making this a lot!! 👍
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Angie! Maca sounds like a wonderful addition! I will have to add some next time I make it. 🙂