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Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie: easy peanut butter banana smoothie — Drinks recipe | AfoodrinkDrinks

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Creamy, nutty, and naturally sweet, this peanut butter banana smoothie is a quick breakfast or snack you can make in about 5 minutes. It uses simple ingredients and blends up thick enough to feel satisfying.

Total

5 min

Servings

2 small smoothies or 1 large smoothie

Level

Easy

A peanut butter banana smoothie is the kind of recipe that works when you need something filling but do not want to cook. The banana adds sweetness and body, while peanut butter brings richness and a little protein.

This version is flexible. Use dairy milk or a plant-based milk, fresh or frozen banana, and add yogurt if you like a tangier, creamier smoothie.

It is a good breakfast on busy mornings, a quick after-school snack, or a simple drink after a workout. All you need is a blender and a few pantry-friendly ingredients.

01What you'll need

Ingredients

8 items · 2 small smoothies or 1 large smoothie

  • 1 large ripe banana, fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup milk, dairy or unsweetened plant-based milk
  • 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or regular yogurt, optional
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
  • 1 small pinch ground cinnamon, optional
  • 3 to 4 ice cubes, if using fresh banana

02How to make it

Step-by-step

  1. Gather the ingredients

    Set out the banana, milk, peanut butter, and any optional ingredients you want to use. If your banana is frozen, let it sit for 2 minutes so it is easier for the blender to handle.

  2. Peel and break the banana

    Peel the banana and break it into chunks. Smaller pieces blend faster and help the smoothie turn creamy without overworking the blender.

  3. Add the liquid first

    Pour the milk into the blender before adding the thicker ingredients. This helps the blades move smoothly and reduces the chance of peanut butter sticking at the bottom.

  4. Add peanut butter and yogurt

    Spoon in the peanut butter and add the yogurt, if using. Greek yogurt makes the smoothie thicker and adds a gentle tang, while regular yogurt keeps it a bit lighter.

  5. Add flavor extras

    Add honey or maple syrup only if your banana is not very ripe or if you like a sweeter smoothie. Vanilla and cinnamon are optional, but they make the flavor warmer and more rounded.

  6. Blend until smooth

    Blend on medium to high speed for 30 to 60 seconds, or until the smoothie is creamy and no banana pieces remain. Stop and scrape down the sides if needed.

  7. Adjust the texture

    If the smoothie is too thick, add more milk 1 tablespoon at a time and blend again. If it is too thin, add a few ice cubes or more frozen banana and blend until thickened.

  8. Serve right away

    Pour the smoothie into one large glass or two small glasses. Drink it right away for the freshest flavor and the creamiest texture.

03From our kitchen

Cook's tips

  • For the thickest smoothie, use a frozen banana. Peel ripe bananas, slice them, and freeze them in a bag or container so they are ready for smoothies.
  • To make it ahead, blend the smoothie and store it in a covered jar in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir well before drinking, as it may separate.
  • For longer storage, freeze the blended smoothie in an ice cube tray. Blend the cubes later with a splash of milk to bring back a smooth texture.
  • Swap peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Sunflower seed butter is a good nut-free option, but check labels if allergies are a concern.
  • Use oat milk for extra creaminess, almond milk for a lighter drink, or dairy milk for a classic flavor.
  • If your smoothie tastes flat, add a tiny pinch of salt. It helps the peanut butter and banana flavors stand out without making the drink salty.

Cook's note

Use a ripe banana with plenty of brown spots for the sweetest flavor. If your banana is very ripe, you may not need any added honey or maple syrup.

04Frequently asked

Questions & answers

Can I make a peanut butter banana smoothie without yogurt?

Yes. Leave out the yogurt and use a little less milk for a thicker smoothie, or keep the full cup of milk for a lighter drink. The banana and peanut butter will still make it creamy.

Is fresh or frozen banana better for this smoothie?

Both work. Frozen banana makes the smoothie colder and thicker, while fresh banana blends more easily and gives a softer texture. If using fresh banana, add ice cubes if you want it chilled.

How can I add more protein?

Use Greek yogurt, dairy milk, soy milk, or add a scoop of your usual protein powder. If adding protein powder, you may need an extra splash of milk because it can thicken the smoothie.

Can I make this smoothie dairy-free?

Yes. Use a plant-based milk such as oat, soy, or almond milk, and skip the yogurt or use a dairy-free yogurt.

Why did my smoothie separate after sitting?

Smoothies often separate as the fruit pulp and liquid settle. This is normal. Shake it in a covered jar or stir it well before drinking.

05Per serving

Nutrition facts

Nutrition Facts

2 small smoothies or 1 large smoothie

Amount per serving

Calories262

% Daily Value*

Total Fat14 g
18%
Saturated Fat5 g
25%
Cholesterol16 mg
5%
Sodium138 mg
6%
Total Carbohydrate26 g
9%
Dietary Fiber2.5 g
9%
Total Sugars18 g
Protein11 g
23%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Values are estimated from the ingredient list; actual amounts vary with brands, portion sizes, and substitutions.

05Keep cooking

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