This Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie is ultra creamy and packed with peanut butter and chocolate. This healthy smoothie tastes like a chocolate peanut butter milkshake!
I am absolutely obsessed with this smoothie. Give it to me for breakfast, my mid-afternoon snack, or as a sweet treat after dinner. It’s full of good for you ingredients, and thanks to frozen bananas, peanut butter, and chocolate protein powder – it tastes like a creamy milkshake!
Ingredients
This peanut butter banana smoothie is made with ingredients you probably already have on hand!
- Bananas – use super ripe, then frozen bananas for the sweetest flavor and creamiest texture!
- Chocolate Protein Powder – use your favorite brand! Adds a touch more sweetness, ultra chocolate-y flavor, and tons of protein.
- Peanut Butter – use an all-natural peanut butter (just nuts or just nuts + salt) to keep the smoothie as healthy as possible.
- Milk – use whatever you have on hand. I use unsweetened vanilla almond milk to keep this dairy free.
- Vanilla Extract and Ground Cinnamon – super simple additions that both add a little somethin’ somethin’ extra.
- Ice – helps thicken the smoothie.
I like to top my smoothie off with another drizzle of peanut butter, a sprinkle of crushed peanuts, and a few chocolate chips!
How to make
I love smoothies because they’re SO EASY . . . this peanut butter banana smoothie is no exception!
- Place all of your ingredients together in your blender.
- Blend until smooth then serve with optional garnishes and enjoy!
Do you need to freeze the bananas?
I highly recommend freezing your bananas. Since the banana is the only fruit in this recipe, there isn’t any opportunity to use other frozen fruit to chill and thicken the smoothie. The frozen banana makes the smoothie very thick and creamy. Trust me, it’s worth planning ahead!
If you absolutely can’t use frozen bananas, use fresh, but then you’ll need to add additional ice to compensate. The results will likely be much more watery.
What peanut butter to use?
Use an all-natural peanut butter – the ingredient list should just be “peanuts” or “peanuts and salt” to keep this smoothie super healthy. Other nut butters like almond or cashew will work as well.
If you prefer more processed varieties, those will work as well.
How to thicken
There are a few ways to thicken a smoothie:
- Use frozen fruit. In this case the banana! Frozen fruit, particularly banana, makes the smoothie thick without watering it down.
- Add in a handful of ice. Add more or less, to taste. Adding more ice creates a thicker smoothie, but also creates an “icier” texture vs creamy.
- Reduce the liquid. I recommend starting with less and adding more as needed!
- Throw in some add ins. If the smoothie still isn’t thickened to your liking, try adding a spoonful of ground flax seed or a handful of oats.
Can you add more fruit?
You can definitely add more fruit if desired, but it will affect the overall flavor of the smoothie.
Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries would be delicious! Keep in mind you may then have to add a touch more milk so it’s not way too thick.
Variations
I absolutely love this peanut butter banana smoothie as-is but if you want to switch things up, here are some possible additions/variations.
- Seeds. Add flax or chia seeds (or both) for a boost of nutrition.
- Yogurt. Mix in a couple spoonfuls of vanilla Greek yogurt or a vegan alternative to make the smoothie even creamier.
- Veggies. Try adding spinach, kale, or even frozen cauliflower.
- Sweetener. If I’m craving an even sweeter smoothie, I like adding a touch of maple syrup or honey.
- Make it nut free. Use sunflower seed butter and soy milk (or your favorite milk) for a nut free alternative.
- Almond Butter. If peanut butter isn’t your thing, almond butter (or any nut butter) will work as well.
How to store
This smoothie only takes 5 minutes from start to finish, I recommend assembling it right before you’re ready to enjoy. I don’t recommend making this is advance.
– Jennifer
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
Equipment for this recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large very ripe bananas sliced and frozen
- 2 scoops chocolate protein powder
- ¼ cup all-natural peanut butter
- ½ cup milk of choice plus more, if necessary
- ½ tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Handful of ice plus more, if necessary
- Drizzle of peanut butter, crushed peanuts, chocolate chips, etc. optional for topping
Instructions
- Place bananas, protein powder, peanut butter, milk, vanilla, ground cinnamon, and ice into a high powered blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Add more milk if it’s too thick.
- Add more ice or frozen banana if it’s too thin.
- Pour into 2 glasses, top with optional toppings and enjoy!
- Take 5 seconds to rate this recipe below. We greatly appreciate it!
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Nutrition Information
*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.
Joan
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy
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