Save One morning I was running late and grabbed whatever was in the fridge. A spotted banana, half a jar of peanut butter, and some yogurt. I tossed it all in the blender expecting nothing special. What came out was thick, sweet, and so good I actually slowed down to finish it. I've made it at least twice a week ever since.
I made this for my sister once after her morning run. She didn't say anything at first, just drank the whole glass standing at the counter. Then she asked if I could write it down. Now she texts me photos of her version every few weeks, usually with some emoji I don't understand.
Ingredients
- Ripe bananas: The brown spots are your friends here, they mean the bananas are sweet enough that you might not need any extra honey.
- Milk: I use oat milk because it blends smoother than almond, but anything works as long as it's cold.
- Greek yogurt: This is what makes it thick and creamy instead of watery, and it adds protein without any weird powder taste.
- Peanut butter: Creamy is easier to blend, but if you like chunky go ahead, just blend it a little longer.
- Honey or maple syrup: Totally optional, I only add it if the bananas aren't ripe enough.
- Vanilla extract: A small thing that makes a big difference, it rounds out the flavors so nothing tastes flat.
- Ice cubes: They make it cold and thick, like soft serve instead of a drink.
Instructions
- Load the blender:
- Drop everything in at once, no need to be fancy about the order. I usually put the bananas in first so they cushion the ice and keep it from bouncing around.
- Blend until smooth:
- Start on low for a few seconds, then crank it to high and let it go for about a minute. You'll hear it shift from chunky to smooth.
- Taste and tweak:
- Dip a spoon in and see if it needs more sweetness or peanut butter. This is your smoothie, not mine.
- Pour and enjoy:
- Divide it between two glasses and drink it right away. If you wait too long it separates and gets weird.
Save There was a Saturday morning when my friend came over stressed about a work deadline. I handed her one of these without saying much. She sat on the porch with it for ten minutes, came back in, and said she felt human again. Sometimes that's all food needs to do.
Making It Your Own
I've added cocoa powder when I wanted something closer to dessert, and it worked. A tablespoon is enough. I've also thrown in a handful of spinach when I felt like pretending to be healthy, and you can't taste it at all. If you want it thicker, add more yogurt or freeze the bananas ahead of time.
What to Do With Leftovers
You can keep it in the fridge for a day, but it'll separate. Just stir it hard or blend it again for a few seconds. I've also poured leftovers into popsicle molds, and they turn into a decent snack for later in the week.
A Few Last Things
This smoothie is one of those recipes that gets better the more you make it because you stop measuring and just go by feel. Don't overthink it.
- If you're avoiding dairy, swap in any plant milk and coconut yogurt.
- A sprinkle of cinnamon on top makes it feel a little fancier.
- Use frozen bananas if you want it extra thick and don't mind waiting for them to soften slightly before blending.
Save This is the kind of recipe you make without thinking, and somehow it still feels like a good decision. I hope it does the same for you.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use plant-based milk and yogurt?
Yes, substituting dairy milk and yogurt with plant-based options works well, keeping the texture creamy and flavors balanced.
- → How can I adjust sweetness without honey?
Use maple syrup or omit sweeteners entirely for a more natural taste, depending on your preference.
- → Is it possible to add other flavors?
Adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder creates a chocolate twist, while vanilla extract enhances aroma and taste.
- → How long can I store the shake?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; stir well before serving to maintain smooth consistency.
- → Can I make this shake for more servings?
The ingredients can be scaled up easily; just blend in batches or use a larger blender container.