Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Ingredients You’ll Need

Base Ingredients

• Frozen Bananas: 2 large, sliced before freezing. Using frozen bananas is the secret to a thick, frosty texture without diluting the flavor with ice.

• Natural Peanut Butter: 3 tablespoons. Creamy or crunchy both work well; look for varieties made with just peanuts and salt.

• Milk of Choice: 1.25 cups (10 fl oz / 300 ml). Whole milk, unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk all work wonderfully.

• Plain or Vanilla Greek Yogurt: 1/3 cup. Adds extra creaminess, tang, and a powerful protein boost.

• Ground Cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon. Gives a subtle warm spice note that elevates the banana flavor.

• Pure Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon.

Optional Boosters & Mix-Ins

• Chia Seeds or Hemp Hearts: 1 tablespoon (adds fiber, healthy omega-3s, and texture).

• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: 1 tablespoon (for a peanut butter cup variation).

• Protein Powder: 1 scoop (whey or plant-based vanilla/chocolate).

• Baby Spinach: 1 packed cup (adds nutrients without altering the flavor).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Chef’s Tips for Smoothie Perfection

• Freeze Bananas at Peak Ripeness: Wait until your bananas are speckled with brown spots before peeling, slicing into rounds, and freezing in an airtight container. Spotty bananas offer maximum natural sweetness, eliminating the need for added sweeteners.

• Adjusting Thickness: If your smoothie is too thick, add an additional 2 to 4 tablespoons of milk and blend for another 10 seconds. If it’s too thin, add a few extra frozen banana slices or 3–4 ice cubes.

• Nut Butter Alternatives: Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter (for a nut-free version) can all be swapped in at a 1:1 ratio.

Storage & Meal Prep Instructions

• Fresh Consumption: Smoothies taste best immediately after blending when the temperature and texture are optimal.

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover smoothie in a sealed glass jar (like a Mason jar) in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake well before drinking, as natural separation may occur.

• Freezer Smoothie Packs: Slice fresh bananas and place them into individual freezer bags along with your chia seeds and spices. When ready to drink, dump the frozen pack into your blender, add milk, yogurt, and peanut butter, and blend!

Complete Nutritional Information

Calculated per serving (based on 2 equal servings made with unsweetened almond milk and non-fat Greek yogurt).