Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
A creamy and nutritious smoothie made with peanut butter, banana, and almond milk. Perfect for breakfast or a quick snack.
Ingredients
- 1 frozen banana sliced
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 cup almond milk or your preferred milk
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt optional, for extra creaminess
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup optional, for sweetness
- A handful of ice cubes
Instructions
- Peel and slice a ripe banana, then freeze it overnight.
- Add the frozen banana, peanut butter, almond milk, and Greek yogurt to your blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- If the smoothie is too thick, add a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, toss in a few more ice cubes or another slice of frozen banana.
- Pour into a glass, and if you’re feeling fancy, top with a drizzle of peanut butter or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Notes
Cooking Tips
- Freeze Bananas in Advance: For the creamiest texture, always use frozen bananas. Slice them before freezing to make blending easier.
- Blend in Stages: If your blender struggles with frozen fruit, add the liquid first, then the frozen banana, and blend in short pulses.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste your smoothie before adding honey or maple syrup. Ripe bananas are naturally sweet, so you might not need extra sweeteners.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Milk Options: Swap almond milk for oat milk, coconut milk, or regular dairy milk. Each adds a unique flavor and creaminess.
- Nut Butter Alternatives: Use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter if you’re allergic to peanuts or want a different flavor profile.
- Boost Protein: Add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder, or use Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and protein.
- Add Greens: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale for a nutrient boost. You won’t taste it, but you’ll get the benefits!
Storage Advice
- Make Ahead: Prep smoothie packs by freezing banana slices and portioning out peanut butter in small containers. In the morning, just add milk and blend.
- Leftovers: If you have extra smoothie, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a quick stir or shake before drinking.
Expert Tips
- Use Natural Peanut Butter: Opt for peanut butter without added sugar or salt for a healthier option.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add a dash of cinnamon, a teaspoon of cocoa powder, or a splash of vanilla extract for a fun twist.
- Thicken Without Ice: If you don’t have frozen bananas, use regular bananas and add a handful of oats or chia seeds to thicken the smoothie.