Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Peanut butter and banana smoothie – these words are music to my ears. And with just 5 ingredients, you can make this protein-packed treat any day of the week. Sweet bananas and nutty peanut butter blended in one rich and creamy drink? Now that’s what I call brilliance in a glass. And while I’m sure you have a favorite store that sells the best tasting PBB smoothie, who says you can’t make one at home? This recipe makes a thick, creamy, irresistible smoothie that you can make for the whole family at a fraction of the price.

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Ingredients

Bananas – The star of the drink. Since bananas are packed with fiber (among other amazing nutrients), your smoothie will be filling, without being too high in calories. The riper, the better. I don’t care if it’s overripe and the peels are all blackened – this just makes the smoothie so much sweeter. No need to add extra sweeteners! You also want to use frozen bananas here too. Frozen fruits just blend better than fresh ones. And, it gives the smoothie an ice cream-like consistency too. It’s almost like a milkshake! Peanut Butter – Star number two! Peanut butter is 25% protein and is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients too, making it a wonderful ingredient to a healthy breakfast drink. Doesn’t matter what brand you use, but I prefer Smuckers and 365. Milk – Your smoothie will need liquid, otherwise you will get a super thick mixture. Milk is the perfect candidate because it adds creaminess to the drink. Honey – This is totally optional, especially if you are using super ripe bananas. Ice Cubes – This one is also optional. If your bananas are already frozen, this may not be necessary.

Variations & Add-Ins

Want to add more nutrition to your drink? Add a teaspoon of chia seeds for an energy boost! Chia seeds are packed with proteins, anti-oxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, so you know it’s good for you. Aside from chia, you can’t go wrong with a spoonful of ground flax seeds either. Not only does it contain omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, but it also works to thicken the smoothie further. Other grains such as oatmeal and cooked quinoa will give you more energy boost too. Plus, it also helps thicken your smoothie! Add a little spice to your smoothie. Half an inch of fresh ginger will enhance its flavor. Ginger has healthful benefits too: it helps fight infection and inflammation. Don’t get freaked out by this, but a handful of spinach for more nutrition. Relax, it will not alter the taste of your smoothie at all! Apart from the added nutrition, Greek yogurt also gives your smoothie a hint of tanginess. Vanilla or plain Greek yogurt both work well here. Need a non-dairy option? You can substitute almond milk, or any non-dairy milk for regular milk, too. It is more nutritious and hey, it’s vegan! Aside from milk, juice is another liquid that will enhance the flavor of your smoothie. Try some fresh apple, grape, or orange juice for a more interesting flavor! Not a fan of peanut butter? Any nut butter will do! I for one love to experiment with almond butter, sunflower seed butter, and cashew butter. No frozen bananas on hand? Frozen berries make tasty smoothies too! They won’t be as sweet, though, so you will need to add more sweeteners to your smoothie. Aside from sugar, honey, dates, and maple syrup are all excellent options. And lastly, how about some vanilla? Just a teaspoon of this simple extract can make a big difference. Have you ever wondered what vanilla extract actually does? It’s similar to salt, it enhances all the other flavors in the recipe. So in the case of our smoothie, it further enhances the yummy goodness of the peanut butter and banana flavors.

Tips For Making a Thicker Smoothie

Want a thicker smoothie? Here are some helpful tricks: Ditch the ice! Sure, it will make your smoothie cold, but it will also turn it into a slushy after a few minutes. That’s why it’s crucial to use frozen bananas, because it will make your smoothie cold without needing ice. No ice and no frozen banana on hand? Xantham gum will do the trick! Add 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum to the blender with the other ingredients and pulse away. Wait for several minutes, and you’ll start to see the smoothie thicken.