Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Recipe

Name: Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 bananas, broken into chunks; 2 cups milk; 0.5 cup peanut butter; 2 tablespoons honey, or to taste; 2 cups ice cubes

Breakfast, lunch, dessert, or snack time - any time is the right time for this delicious banana smoothie. With hundreds of positive reviews from the Allrecipes community, this easy banana smoothie with peanut butter is a favorite thats ready in less than 5 minutes.

How to Make a Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

Youll find the full recipe with ingredients and amounts below, but heres a simple overview of how to make a banana smoothie: toss a handful of ingredients (bananas, milk, peanut butter, honey, and ice cubes) into a blender and give them a whirl.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Gather all the ingredients: bananas, milk, peanut butter, honey, and ice cubes.
Place the bananas, milk, peanut butter, honey, and ice cubes in a blender.
Blend for about 30 seconds or until smooth.
Pour into glasses and enjoy your smoothie!

Make It Your Own

This simple banana smoothie recipe is perfect for customizing. If you want to personalize your smoothie, try these suggestions:

Use different types of milk (soy, almond, cashew, etc.)
Experiment with different nut butters
Add a little cocoa powder
Blend in some baby spinach for extra greens
Include ground flax seeds, chia seeds, or wheat germ
Substitute Greek or flavored yogurt for the milk

Here are some more ideas for ingredient swaps and add-ins:

"We are really into almond butter and almond milk lately, so I swapped those for the milk and peanut butter," says one reviewer. "Though I used honey, it might not even be necessary."
Another reviewer swapped honey for a scoop of chocolate whey protein powder: "The chocolate/banana/peanut butter combo is delicious. A nice change from berry smoothies."
"I added 2 tablespoons of Nutella instead of honey and... Yum!" says another reviewer.
One user added a teaspoon of chocolate syrup and switched out the honey for agave nectar.
Another variation includes frozen bananas, omitting the ice, and using crunchy almond butter with unsweetened vanilla almond milk, adding spinach and flax seeds.
Some reviewers have also added vanilla yogurt for extra creaminess.
"I replaced one cup of the milk with plain Greek yogurt for a thicker consistency," says another reviewer.
Others like to add a splash of vanilla extract or caramel syrup for an extra touch of flavor.

How to Freeze Bananas for Smoothies

Though the recipe doesnt call for frozen bananas, many reviewers recommend it. Freezing bananas is an easy way to preserve them for future smoothies. Here's how:

Peel the bananas and cut them into 1-inch pieces.
Arrange the banana slices on a baking sheet and place the sheet in the freezer.
Once frozen, transfer the pieces to a resealable freezer bag and store in the freezer until ready for smoothies!

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise:

"We started freezing almond milk in an ice cube tray and use about 5 cubes along with cup almond milk instead of a cup of regular milk. It makes a delicious frosty treat thats healthy and filling too." - Cheryle Hoefert Verish
"Absolutely delicious! I use frozen bananas and skip the ice. I also find the smoothie doesn't need any extra sweetness, so I omit the honey. It keeps me energized until lunch!" - lili2
"This is hands down the most delicious, filling, energy-boosting breakfast alternative for my preteen. Easy enough to adjust ingredients, but so good as written too!" - keld

Ingredients:

2 bananas, broken into chunks
2 cups milk
cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons honey, or to taste
2 cups ice cubes

Directions:

Gather all ingredients.
Place the bananas, milk, peanut butter, honey, and ice cubes in a blender.
Blend until smooth, about 30 seconds.
Enjoy your delicious smoothie!

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 335
Total Fat: 19g (24% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 5g (25% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 10mg (3% Daily Value)
Sodium: 203mg (9% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 34g (12% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 4g (13% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 25g
Protein: 13g (26% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 5mg (6% Daily Value)
Calcium: 164mg (13% Daily Value)
Iron: 1mg (4% Daily Value)
Potassium: 610mg (13% Daily Value)

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Recipe

The Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie, a creamy and satisfying drink, has become a popular choice for breakfast and snacks. Combining the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the sweetness of bananas, its not just a delicious beverage but also a quick source of energy. Below, we explore the history, regional variations, differences from similar dishes, where its typically served, and some fun facts surrounding this tasty drink.

Origin Story of the Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

The origin of the Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie is closely tied to the broader smoothie movement that gained momentum in the United States during the 20th century. Smoothies, initially a health trend, quickly evolved into a go-to beverage for people seeking a quick, nutritious option. The combination of peanut butter and bananas, both common and beloved American ingredients, likely emerged from the growing interest in incorporating protein-rich foods and fruits into easy-to-consume drinks. Although it's hard to pinpoint an exact date of origin, it is likely that this smoothie became popular in the 1990s alongside the health-conscious food trends of that time.

Regional Variations

The Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie has slight regional differences depending on where you are. In the United States, this smoothie is most commonly enjoyed in smoothie bars, cafes, and as a homemade treat. However, as the smoothie culture spread globally, it adapted to different tastes. In some areas, almond butter or cashew butter is substituted for peanut butter to cater to different dietary needs. In Europe, for example, the smoothie might include a dash of cinnamon or honey to enhance the flavor, while in Asia, coconut milk is sometimes used instead of dairy to give the smoothie a creamier texture. The frozen banana version, which results in a thicker texture, is also gaining popularity worldwide.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

At first glance, the Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie might seem similar to other fruit smoothies or shakes, but it stands out due to the unique pairing of peanut butter with banana. Unlike typical fruit smoothies, which often rely on yogurt, berries, or citrus fruits, the Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie offers a savory, rich flavor thanks to the creamy peanut butter. This gives it a denser, more filling quality compared to lighter fruit-based smoothies. Additionally, the high protein content from the peanut butter sets it apart from most smoothies that are primarily carb-based, making it an ideal option for those looking for an energy-boosting snack.

Where Its Typically Served

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothies are often found in health-conscious cafes, smoothie bars, and restaurants across the globe, particularly in urban areas where the demand for quick, nutritious meals is high. They are frequently served as breakfast drinks, providing a good mix of protein and natural sugars to kick-start the day. Some people even make them as a post-workout recovery beverage due to the combination of carbohydrates and protein that aids muscle recovery. This smoothie is also a popular snack option for those with busy lifestyles, as it can be made quickly at home with just a few ingredients.

Fun Facts

The combination of peanut butter and bananas has been a favorite snack in the United States for decades, with many people recalling the nostalgic days of peanut butter and banana sandwiches.
Peanut butter is a great source of healthy fats and protein, which makes the Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie not only delicious but also a great way to fuel your body throughout the day.
Frozen bananas are a key ingredient for many smoothie lovers, as they add a creamy, ice-cream-like texture without the need for added sugar or artificial ingredients.
Did you know that bananas are one of the world's most consumed fruits? Theyre not just delicious; they also provide a rich source of potassium, which helps in maintaining a healthy heart and muscles.
Despite its simplicity, this smoothie has inspired a wide variety of adaptations, with some adding extras like cocoa powder, chia seeds, or even spinach for an extra health boost.

FAQ about Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Recipe

Leftover smoothie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If you want to keep it for longer, it can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1-2 months. However, be aware that the texture may change slightly after freezing, so it's best to consume it fresh.

Yes, you can substitute the milk with any plant-based milk like almond, soy, oat, or cashew milk. The flavor and consistency may change slightly depending on your choice, but they will still work well.

Yes, frozen bananas are actually a great option for making the smoothie thicker and colder without needing as much ice. Simply peel the bananas and cut them into chunks before freezing.

To make the smoothie thicker, you can add more frozen bananas or reduce the amount of milk. Alternatively, you can add a scoop of Greek yogurt or a tablespoon of chia seeds or flax seeds to help thicken the texture.

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer. If you want to prepare it ahead of time, blend everything except the ice and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Add ice right before blending to get the right consistency.

Yes, you can adjust the sweetness of the smoothie by varying the amount of honey or using an alternative sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar. If you're using very ripe bananas, you may even find that no additional sweetener is needed.

You can add ingredients like spinach, chia seeds, flaxseeds, or protein powder to boost the nutritional value. If you want extra fiber, try adding a tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds. You can also use unsweetened nut butter for a healthier option.

This smoothie only takes about 5 minutes to prepare and blend, making it a quick and convenient breakfast or snack.

If you don't have honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup, agave nectar, or a ripe banana for a natural sweetness. You can also omit it entirely if you prefer a less sweet smoothie.

To make this smoothie vegan, use plant-based milk (like almond, soy, or oat milk) and opt for a vegan peanut butter that doesn't contain honey or other animal products. You can also substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Comments

Linda Sanchez

11/11/2023 04:41:16 PM

I was intrigued by the idea of combining bananas and peanut butter in a smoothie, so I decided to try this recipe. I absolutely adore peanut butter and could eat it straight from the jar (if only there was a delicious fat-free version available). As the reviewer mentioned, this smoothie is indeed refreshing and tasty! I opted to freeze my banana, so I used less ice and lightened it up by using skim milk (a bit less than the original recipe called for to achieve the desired consistency) and reduced-fat peanut butter. Not only is this smoothie delicious, but it's also nutritious and makes for a perfect breakfast or a satisfying snack!

Nancy Gomez

05/08/2023 05:35:14 PM

I made three large smoothies using this recipe. I used homemade sugar-free peanut butter, frozen bananas, and fresh local honey. They turned out really delicious - not overly sweet, just perfect.