Banana Smoothie
Posted Jan 12, 2022
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This thick and creamy banana smoothie recipe is made with 6 ingredients in 5 minutes. Flavored with vanilla and cinnamon, it’s a delicious healthy breakfast or afternoon snack! Add greens and protein powder for an extra nutritional boost!
We always have frozen bananas on hand to use to make smoothies. But one day I thought, why do bananas have to share the smoothie attention with other fruits all the time? So I created this Banana Smoothie recipe where bananas are the star of the show.
This banana smoothie is thick, creamy and flavorful with hints of vanilla and cinnamon. It’s like eating a healthy banana pudding in liquid form!
Plus, it’s easy to make with 6 ingredients in less than 5 minutes. You can add greens and protein powder to add even more flavor and nutrition!
Banana Smoothie: Ingredients and Substitutions
- Milk. Any type of milk works well in this recipe. Some suggestions include: whole milk, 2% milk, almond milk, coconut milk and oat milk.
- Greek yogurt. I like to use a full-fat, creamy vanilla Greek yogurt like Honey Vanilla Greek Yogurt or Siggi’s Vanilla Bean yogurt. You can choose your favorite, or use a dairy-free variety to make this banana smoothie dairy-free. If you choose an unsweetened yogurt, you may need to add more honey.
- Frozen banana. Make sure to freeze the bananas for a thick smoothie!
- Vanilla extract & Cinnamon. These ingredients make this banana smoothie extra special and delicious, I don’t recommend substitutions.
- Honey. Maple syrup is a great substitution for honey.
- Greens: I almost always add a cup of frozen spinach to my smoothies because it adds nutrition without changing the flavor. Just note it will turn the smoothie green.
How to make a Banana Smoothie
This banana smoothie recipe is easy to make in less than 5 minutes in the blender. Don’t forget to watch the video!
Use a Vitamix. No one wants to have to chew their smoothie! Using a high-powered blender is absolutely crucial if you plan on drinking smoothies as a regular part of your healthy lifestyle. I use my Vitamix multiple times every day, and couldn’t live without it in my kitchen. Check out my Vitamix Buying Guide to determine which model is right for you.
Place the ingredients in the order listed in the container of a Vitamix blender (or another high-powered blender).
Blend, starting on low speed and increasing to high, for 30-60 seconds or until mixture is smooth.
Banana Smoothie Add-ins
- Protein Powder – this is my favorite plant-based, whey-free protein powder in vanilla and chocolate.
- Collagen Powder – a neutral tasting protein boost! Also good for gut health!
- Maca -for increased fertility and hormone balance.
- Chia Seeds – added protein without powders.
- Ground Flaxseed – a dose of Omega 3s!
- Bee Pollen – boosts immunity.
- Raw cacao nibs – a healthy way to add a little chocolate!
- Nuts or seeds
- Coconut Oil – increases metabolism, keeps you full for longer!
Serve
Serve immediately in either two or four glasses. You can add a drizzle of peanut butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon or even a dollop of homemade whipped cream!
Store/freeze
This banana smoothie can be refrigerated for up to two days or frozen for around 2 months, although I suggest drinking it immediately.
To freeze, pour the smoothie mixture into a silicone tray (like an ice cube tray or these souper cube trays) and store for up to 2 months
Recipe FAQS
If the frozen banana doesn’t make this smoothie thick enough for you one of my favorite tricks is freezing milk or almond milk in ice cube trays. Then use them to make your smoothie. It will thicken the smoothie without watering it down with ice.
If you only use 1 cup of spinach you will not be able to taste it in this banana smoothie.
The Greek yogurt adds protein to this recipe. Here are more suggestions:
– Protein Powder. Orgain is my favorite. I am never without both the vanilla and chocolate varieties in my pantry!
– Chia Seeds. A nutritional powerhouse, these tiny seeds pack a big protein punch!
– Nut Butters. Peanut butter, almond butter, etc. the sky’s the limit!
– Nut Butter Powders. I love it because it tastes amazing, adds protein, is low in calories and easy to clean out of the blender!
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Banana Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond milk
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 bananas frozen
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoons honey optional
- 2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder optional
- 1 cup greens (spinach, kale etc)., frozen
Instructions
- Place the ingredients in the order listed in the container of a Vitamix blender (or another high-powered blender).
- Blend, starting on low speed and increasing to high, for 30-60 seconds or until mixture is smooth.
- Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Milk. Any type of milk works well in this recipe. Some suggestions include: whole milk, 2% milk, almond milk, coconut milk and oat milk.
- Greek yogurt. I like to use a full-fat, creamy vanilla Greek yogurt like Honey Vanilla Greek Yogurt or Siggi’s Vanilla Bean yogurt. You can choose your favorite, or use a dairy-free variety to make this banana smoothie dairy-free. If you choose an unsweetened yogurt, you may need to add more honey.
- Frozen banana. Make sure to freeze the bananas for a thick smoothie!
- Vanilla extract & Cinnamon. These ingredients make this banana smoothie extra special and delicious, I don’t recommend substitutions.
- Honey. Maple syrup is a great substitution for honey.
- Greens: I almost always add a cup of frozen spinach to my smoothies because it adds nutrition without changing the flavor. Just note it will turn the smoothie green.
Store/freeze
This banana smoothie can be refrigerated for up to two days or frozen for around 2 months, although I suggest drinking it immediately. To freeze, pour the smoothie mixture into a silicone tray (like an ice cube tray or these souper cube trays) and store for up to 2 monthsNutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Photos in this post were taken by Jamie from Dishing Out Health.
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