Creamy Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
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Need a quick pick me up? Try this creamy and decadent milkshake-like peanut butter banana smoothie recipe. With no added sugar, enjoy this nourishing smoothie guilt-free!
Smoothies are a great way to start your day, but having it the same old way can be boring after a while. To break the monotony, I often come up with different flavor combinations that work together well and include ingredients that my family already loves, such as peanut butter.
Most kids and adults love this nut butter and can’t get enough of it. This smoothie combines creamy peanut butter with bananas and oats to make a thick, delicious smoothie that tastes like a dessert (read milkshake). The best part is that it has no added sugar, just a handful of dates, which not only sweeten this drink but also provide nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants.
Read more: Easy recipe – How to make peanut butter at home
Why this banana peanut butter smoothie is good for you
- Peanuts are a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle and bone development. It is also rich in mono-saturated fats, magnesium, and potassium, which keeps your heart healthy.
- Bananas are high in fiber and a good source of potassium and magnesium, which means they are good for your digestive health and heart.
- With the goodness of banana, oats, and peanut butter, this smoothie will help you re-energize after an intense workout.
- Oats are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which help reduce cholesterol and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Ingredient notes/swaps
This banana peanut butter smoothie recipe is super easy to make and requires simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. So, let’s get started!
- Bananas (fresh or frozen) – Use a frozen banana for a thick and creamy texture. Chop ripe bananas overnight and freeze the banana slices for at least 6-8 hours before using.
- Storebought or homemade peanut butter – Different nut butter, such as almond butter or cashew butter, are great alternatives as well.
- Whole milk or Greek Yogurt – You can also use non-dairy milk such as almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk.
- Seedless dates – Adds natural sweetness as well as protein to the smoothie. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of dates.
- Rolled oats (optional) – makes the texture thick like a peanut butter milkshake.
- Vanilla extract or essence (optional) – makes it more flavorful.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below.
Recommended Tools
The blender I recommend
This high-speed blender is not only great for smoothies but also makes fine purees and spice powders.
How to prep ahead
To prep ahead for this peanut butter smoothie recipe, chop the bananas, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze. Remove it from the freezer just before making the smoothie – no need to thaw.
Tips and Tricks
- Use a high-powered blender like Blendtec or Vitamix for best results. You may have to run the smoothie cycle twice to get a chunk-free smoothie.
- If using a regular blender, make sure to soak the dates in milk overnight or at least 20-30 minutes to soften it.
- Don’t toss those overripe bananas. Peel and chop them and put them in the freezer. Use it in this smoothie without thawing. Frozen bananas, when added to a smoothie, help make it thick and creamy.
FAQs
Yes, totally. It tastes great for a day or two (at the max) in the refrigerator, after which it starts losing its taste.
Yes. Consuming a moderate amount of peanut butter and bananas is considered healthy as they offer a range of essential nutrients such as proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Make sure to use unsweetened, natural peanut butter with no additives to avoid unnecessary calories.
No. You can use fresh bananas. Frozen bananas not only make the smoothie frosty but creamy, too. You can always add ice to compensate but it’ll dilute the flavor a bit.
If you find your smoothie too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency. Alternatively, if you prefer a thicker smoothie, try reducing the amount of milk and adding more banana.
Definitely. Add baby spinach since they are sweeter than mature spinach. You can’t taste the leafy greens but the color will definitely change.
If you’re looking for a nutritious and delicious way to start your day, the peanut butter banana smoothie is a fantastic choice. You can customize this smoothie to suit your preferences and dietary needs by experimenting with different nut butter, milk choices, and add-ins. It’s a great afternoon snack, a perfect post-workout refuel, or even a satisfying meal replacement.
So, get your blender, gather your ingredients, and blend up a smoothie that’s both indulgent and nutritious.
Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 1 medium-sized banana chopped and frozen
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- ¼ cup rolled oats optional
- 5 seedless dates, chopped or sweetener of your choice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla essence
Instructions
- Start with adding milk (or liquid of your choice) in the blender.
- Add the remaining ingredients – banana, peanut butter, rolled oats, vanilla essence and dates.
- Blend until smooth.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate it for later.
Disclaimer: Approximate nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and can vary depending on the exact ingredients/brands used. If you have health issues, please work with a registered dietician or nutritionist.
Nutrition
Variations
- Chunky monkey smoothie – Add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder and about 1/4 cup of walnuts to make it a chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie.
- Banana oats smoothie – Skip the peanut butter and add 1/2 cup of oats (instead of 1/4 cup).
- For extra creaminess, use frozen bananas. Chop the bananas and freeze them in a Ziploc. Use as needed.
- To make this fruit smoothie dairy-free, replace regular milk with coconut milk or almond milk.
- Substitute peanut butter with other nut butter, such as almond butter.
- Optional mix-ins
- Add a tablespoon of flax seeds, hemp seeds, or chia seeds for added fiber and protein before blending.
- Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder.
Serving suggestions
Serve this peanut butter smoothie in a mason jar or a tall glass. Serve it with a drizzle of peanut butter, oats, and chocolate chips.
Leftover ideas
Pour the leftover smoothie into popsicle molds and freeze. Makes for a delicious frozen treat during summer.
How to store
Refrigerator: Smoothies taste best when freshly made. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to two days. Stir well before serving.
Freezer: You can freeze this peanut butter banana smoothie in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Other delicious smoothie recipes worth checking out
If you liked this easy smoothie recipe, here are a few more of my favorite healthy smoothie recipes for you to choose from –
Treat yourself to the natural goodness of a papaya mango milkshake. Refreshing, creamy, and bursting with tropical flavors.
This delicious strawberry banana smoothie is perfect for busy families. Make it for breakfast or as an after-school snack – all you need is 5 minutes.
Get the recipe for this 5-minute Apple smoothie! This healthy breakfast is a delicious blend of milk and apples with no extra sugars.
Banana and Nutella in a smoothie? Yes, please! Treat your family with this nutritious, chocolaty blend that is just as creamy as a milkshake.
Beat the afternoon slump with this mango pineapple smoothie. Bursting with tropical flavors, it’s the perfect drink to keep you satiated until dinner.
Need more smoothie recipes? Check out this list of 10+ healthy smoothie recipes for when you need fresh ideas to keep your smoothie-drinking routine interesting.
This post was originally published on 05/06/2020 and was completely updated with pictures and new text on 9/14/2023.
