Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Peanut butter and banana smoothies are great for a quick protein boost in the morning or after a workout. Using a mix of frozen ingredients helps create a thick and creamy texture.

If you’re looking for a protein and fiber-packed breakfast or snack, whip up a cool and creamy peanut smoothie. Nuts and bananas are the perfect nutritious pairing, but mixing them with yogurt delivers a healthy serving of probiotics. 

Not a fan of peanuts? No problem! Grab your favorite jar of nut butter, and whip that up instead.

Peanut butter selection

Choose a natural peanut butter or creamier spread. I use either a store-bought unsweetened product or make a batch of homemade peanut butter when I have the time. Roasted peanuts tend to have a natural sweetness due to the Maillard browning. The blender will break down the ingredients, so it doesn’t matter if you use smooth or chunky types. 

Alternatively, you can use nut butters like almond, cashew, or sunflower butter for those who have nut allergies.

Use frozen bananas

The key to ice cream-like texture is to use sliced frozen bananas. Some grocery stores sell them in the freezer aisle as they are an excellent option for meal prep. Otherwise, a day before you plan to make the smoothie, slice the bananas into 1-inch pieces. 

Place them in a single layer in a resealable bag in the freezer. I recommend cutting at least four so that you have multiple portions for another day. If you only have fresh bananas on hand, add 2 cups of ice instead of one. The consistency will be thick but icer.

Milk selection

You can use any type of milk like dairy, coconut, oat, soy, or almond milk. If using plant-based products, look for unsweetened options to control the sugar level. I use just enough to help process the solid ingredients yet keep a thick consistency.

Add in yogurt

To instantly increase the richness of the smoothie, I add in Greek yogurt. It’s higher in protein than traditional varieties, which also makes it thicker. I use the unsweetened types, which are sold as nonfat up to full-fat, depending on your nutritional needs. 

I typically select 2% to balance the taste. Yogurt contains live and active probiotic cultures for digestive health, and it also enhances the smoothie texture. If desired, you can substitute with dairy-free yogurts like coconut, almond, and oat. 

Add a boost of sweetness

The bananas and peanut butter already have a natural sweetness, so you may find that the smoothie doesn’t need extra sugar. However, you can add pure maple syrup or honey if you like. I also find that a little bit of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom increases the perception of baked notes and sweetness. Give it a try!

Adding items to the blender cup

Using a high-speed blender, add the frozen ingredients first, the ice cubes and bananas. This process gives direct contact with the sharp blades on the bottom and helps to break the components down into fine particles.

The softer ingredients like peanut butter and yogurt are added on top, followed by the maple syrup and ground cinnamon. Start the blender on medium speed to mix the ingredients, then increase to high to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.