Description
This easy banana smoothie recipe creates the creamiest, most delicious smoothie in just 5 minutes! Made with ripe bananas, milk, and Greek yogurt, it’s naturally sweet, incredibly nutritious, and perfect for breakfast or snacking. Customize it with your favorite add-ins for endless variations!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large ripe bananas, peeled and frozen (or fresh with ice)
- 1 cup milk (whole, 2%, skim, or any plant-based milk)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4–6 ice cubes (only if using fresh bananas)
- Pinch of cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter or almond butter
- 1 scoop protein powder (vanilla or unflavored)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or ground flaxseed
- Handful of fresh spinach (you won’t taste it!)
- ¼ cup rolled oats (for extra fiber and thickness)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for chocolate banana smoothie)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients – If using frozen bananas, remove them from the freezer and let sit for 2-3 minutes to slightly soften (makes blending easier). If using fresh bananas, peel and break them into chunks.
- Add Liquids First – Pour the milk into your blender first. This prevents the blades from getting stuck and helps everything blend more smoothly. Add the Greek yogurt and vanilla extract.
- Add Bananas – Place your banana pieces into the blender on top of the liquid ingredients. If using fresh bananas, add your ice cubes now.
- Blend on Low, Then High – Start blending on low speed for 10-15 seconds to break down the larger chunks. Then increase to high speed and blend for 30-60 seconds until completely smooth and creamy. The smoothie should have a thick, milkshake-like consistency.
- Check Consistency – Stop the blender and check the thickness. If it’s too thick to pour, add a splash more milk (2-3 tablespoons) and blend again. If it’s too thin, add half a frozen banana or a few more ice cubes and blend until thickened.
- Taste and Adjust – Taste your smoothie! If it needs more sweetness, add honey or maple syrup and blend for another 10 seconds. If you want it colder or thicker, add more ice.
- Serve Immediately – Pour into tall glasses and enjoy right away for the best texture and temperature. Smoothies are best when fresh! Top with optional garnishes like banana slices, granola, or a drizzle of peanut butter for a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- For the Creamiest Texture: Always use frozen bananas! They create a thick, ice cream-like consistency that fresh bananas simply can’t match.
- Freeze Bananas Properly: Peel ripe bananas, break them into chunks, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Make It Vegan: Use plant-based milk and yogurt alternatives. Oat milk and coconut yogurt work especially well.
- Protein Boost: Add protein powder, nut butter, or silken tofu for a more filling, post-workout smoothie.
- Storage: Best consumed immediately, but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Stir well before drinking as separation is natural. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Blender Stuck? If your blender struggles with frozen bananas, let them thaw for 5 minutes, or add a bit more liquid and use the tamper if your blender has one.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 smoothie (half of recipe)
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg