Recipes

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Banana, peanut butter, almond milk and a little honey: a thick, filling smoothie in five minutes.

By Lincoln Moore2 min read

Peanut butter banana smoothie in a glass with bananas

Banana and peanut butter is one of the best pairings in any kitchen, and as a smoothie it is about as easy as breakfast gets. This is the Peanut Butter Banana 9 from our old menu: frozen banana, a big spoon of peanut butter, almond milk and a touch of honey.

Ingredients

  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1 heaped tbsp smooth peanut butter
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tsp honey
  • A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
  • A small handful of ice (optional)

How to make it

  1. Add the almond milk, peanut butter and honey to the blender.
  2. Add the frozen banana, cinnamon and ice.
  3. Blend on high for 45 seconds until thick and completely smooth.
  4. Taste, adjust the honey, and pour.

Tips for a smooth blend

  • Pour the liquid in first so the blades catch, then add soft ingredients, then frozen fruit and ice last.
  • Start on low and work up to high for 45 to 60 seconds. Leafy greens need the longer blend to turn completely smooth.
  • Use frozen fruit instead of ice wherever you can: it chills the smoothie without watering it down.
  • Too thick? Add liquid a splash at a time. Too thin? Add a few more pieces of frozen fruit.

Why it works

The frozen banana is the whole trick: it makes the smoothie thick and cold without ice cream or yogurt, and brings natural sweetness so a teaspoon of honey is enough.

Why banana and peanut butter work together

They cover for each other. A banana is mostly quick-digesting carbohydrate, with potassium and some fiber. Peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats, which slow digestion and keep you full for longer. Together they make a balanced snack before or after a workout, or a breakfast that lasts until lunch.

Peanut butter is calorie-dense, so measure it with a spoon rather than eyeballing it from the jar. One heaped tablespoon gives plenty of flavor here.

Make it your own

  • More protein: add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder, or 1/2 cup Greek yogurt.
  • Chocolate: add 1 tbsp cocoa powder or cocoa nibs.
  • Nut-free: sunflower seed butter works the same way.
  • Lower sugar: skip the honey; a ripe banana is sweet enough.
  • As a bowl: try our Peanut Butter Banana Açaí Bowl.

More smoothies: Green, Tropical, Peanut Butter Banana and Strawberry Banana. Or see every smoothie recipe and tip.

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