Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

A smoothie with only three ingredients? Milk, Peanut Butter and Banana – where do I register? Well, four if you count the pinch of cinnamon. Where do I register anyway?

I recently perused the menu at a popular neighborhood smoothie joint and marveled at some of the unusual ingredients: brown rice protein, adaptogenic mushroom blend, cold-pressed turmeric juice, and something called Blue Magik.

The recipe is based on 3 small ingredients you probably have in your pantry right now. And if you don’t, you can trek to any supermarket or corner shop to get them yourself. Milk, bananas and peanut butter are the essentials. I also like to add a few sprinkles of cinnamon.

Smoothie in one snapshot

• Great creamy texture
• Good for you!
• Naturally sweet (no added sugar)
• Super flexible recipe

A healthy smoothie

If you don’t know what’s in this smoothie, you might think it’s more decadent and less nutritious than it is. That’s because it’s so damn creamy and peanut buttery. But it’s good for you.

Each serving is high in protein (especially if you’re using cow’s milk or a high-protein plant-based milk like soy or pea milk), calcium, potassium, fiber, and vitamin E.

The mix of protein and healthy fats also makes it very satisfying, keeping you fuller for longer.

Freeze your bananas first

Preparing this smoothie with a frozen banana is key. The banana adds natural sweetness and works wonders for texture when frozen.

Let your banana grow good and ripe – mottled with black spots. Peel, slice and store in a resealable bag or covered container. Freeze overnight. When it’s smoothie time, add it to the blender. Bananas will keep well in the freezer for several months if properly sealed.

This is just a pro tip for making the best possible smoothie! Here are a few more tips and tricks for making better smoothies.

Make it your own

The recipe below is the basis of a creamy peanut butter banana smoothie, but feel free to make a few tweaks to make it your own. Here are a few suggestions:

• Add a few teaspoons of cocoa powder for a touch of chocolate flavor
• Substitute peanut butter for any other nut or seed butter
• Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Add a few tablespoons of plain yogurt for a tangy flavor
• Fold in some fresh or frozen strawberries
• Add a small handful of baby spinach to boost the under-the-radar greens
• Add a few teaspoons of cacao nibs or mini chocolate chips to the smoothie
• Add 3 tablespoons of non-fat dry milk powder for extra protein and calcium
• Add a few ounces of silken tofu for extra creaminess, fiber, and protein.

More Easy Smoothie Recipes:

• Apple Pie Smoothie
• Strawberry Oat Smoothie
• Quick and easy green smoothie
• coffee smoothie
• Blueberry Smoothie