Peanut Butter Smoothie - 4 Ways!

Creamy Peanut Butter Smoothie with banana is made 4 ways (Chocolate, Protein, Yogurt & Strawberry). It is a healthy, protein rich and satisfying for breakfast, snack or even dessert.

Peanut Butter Smoothies

We are going all out on peanut butter banana smoothies. They are Thick, Creamy, Sweet and healthy smoothies tastes like a yummy milkshake. If you are looking to add more smoothies to your morning routine or filling snack for kids after school, then we have 4 different ways to make a delicious shake.

Made with few simple ingredients, it is made in under 5 minutes with 5 ingredients and is perfect for hectic mornings before you run out the door. This homemade recipe makes just enough for one to two serving ---> the perfect portion size for a healthy after school snack, breakfast, or midday meal. But, you can easily double or triple the recipe.

We'd like to kick start a day with a nutritious breakfast, but the crazy morning schedule before school or work does not favor this desire. So, we often turn to healthy, filling drinks to keep us going but tastes like dessert in a glass like this strawberry lassi or pina colada smoothie.

WHY IS THIS THE BEST RECIPE?

1. Not one but FOUR recipe ideas to make with whatever you have on hand or your mood strikes.
2. Made with all healthy and nutritious ingredients.
3. Make it plant based - It can be easily made plant based with using almond milk, dates or maple syrup for sweetener and a plant based protein powder.

How much protein is in each smoothie?

• Chocolate --> 24 grams of protein
• Yogurt --> 36 grams of protein
• Strawberry --> 32 grams of protein
• Protein powder --> About 52 grams of protein (depends on the type of protein powder used)

WHAT DOES IT TASTE LIKE?

Since this recipe gives you 4 ideas, each one has an unique taste-

1. Chocolate one tastes like a dessert in a glass.
2. Strawberry gives a fruity twist.
3. Yogurt tastes creamy with a hint of tanginess.
4. Protein powder is a healthy chocolatey drink.

BUMP UP THE NUTRITION

These are a great base recipes for you to mix and match / make it your own -

1. Try adding flaxseed or hemp seed meal for their omegas and minerals.
2. Toss in some veggies like baby spinach or cauliflower before blending.

HOW TO FREEZE BANANAS?

Although the recipe calls fresh fruits, using frozen banana will make a thicker and creamier milkshake. To freeze whole fruit, peel them first, place in a large container, seal it with an airtight lid (alternatively you can use a gallon size zip lock bag) and freeze for up to 3 months.

CAN YOU USE OVERRIPE BANANAS?

The flavor of the fruit tends to transfer to your drink. A very ripe fruit with brown spots are perfect since it adds natural sweetness. However, you want to stay away from almost-black colored guys.

TIP - Sweeten to taste! Feel free to adjust the sweeteners according to your preference.

THE INGREDIENTS

1. Peanut Butter - We used creamy kind, just like in peanut butter toast, but other natural nut butters like almond or cashew butter would be delicious!
2. Banana - These are perfect in most shake recipes. It adds natural sweetness and gives a desirable thick and creaminess to the drink. If you love thick, cold shakes then use frozen banana instead.
3. Milk - We used regular whole milk, as in all smoothie recipe without yogurt, but almond milk may be easily substituted to make it dairy free.
4. Greek yogurt - Bumps up the protein factor and the creaminess.
5. Cocoa powder - Adds rich, chocolate-y flavor with a boost of nutrition.

BEST BLENDERS TO USE

A good blender is a must when making drinks. Otherwise, it might be hard to make a creamy drink especially when you are using frozen fruits or ice. Our two favorites to use at home is

1. Vitamix - It is one of the most powerful home kitchen blenders to use. The high speed motor crushes frozen fruits and ice into the most creamiest texture. It also comes with a hefty price tag.
2. Nutri Bullet - One of our go-to for every day drinks. It comes at a very affordable cost, compact to be stored on your counter, light weight to move around and the blender cups can be used to drink the smoothie from --> less clean up!

WHY ADD PEANUT BUTTER TO SMOOTHIE?

It is a very popular addition to breakfast shakes, since it adds body and thickens it. Most importantly it also adds healthy protein, fiber, fat and nutrition.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use frozen fruit - Use frozen banana for a thick and creamy drink.
• Make it dairy free- Use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk and plant based yogurt if making yogurt peanut butter smoothie.
• Make it Vegan - Use dates or maple syrup instead of honey. Almond or oat milk instead on regular milk and plant based yogurt.
• Peanut allergies? Use Almond butter instead (we love Barneys).
• Sweeten to taste - Adjust the sweeteners (dates or honey) depending on your taste. Make sure that your fruit is super ripe for some natural sweetness.
• Make it your own - The recipe below is the basics for 4 different ideas, but feel free to make a few adjustments to make it your own.
• Bump up the nutrition - Flax meal or hemp seeds are optional for an omega-3 and fiber boost. 

Don't be afraid to add salt in your smoothie - We are not adding by the teaspoons! A teeny tiny pinch of salt makes it taste sweeter and even more delicious. And, NO you don't taste the salt.

OPTIONAL ADDINS

You can also add in some delicious add-ins to increase nutrition or to add more flavor. Here are some suggestions:

• Mini chocolate chips
• Peanuts
• Spinach
• Vanilla extract

INGREDIENT SWAPS

This recipe is easy to customize with your taste preferences and what you might have on hand.

• Milk. Feel free to use any plant based or regular milk. Almond milk tends to have a neutral taste and coconut milk will add a subtle sweetness along with a hint of coconut flavor.
• Swap the nut butter. Feel free to use almond, cashew or sun butter.
• No dates? Use maple syrup or honey.
• No greek yogurt? Use plain thick yogurt or vanilla yogurt.
• Strawberry. Use other type of berries like raspberries or blueberries.

HOW TO MAKE (VARIATIONS)?

Chocolate

Add milk, banana, nut butter, pitted dates, cocoa powder and a very small pinch of salt into a blender, blend and serve.

Protein

Add milk, banana, nut butter, cocoa powder, protein powder, honey and a very small pinch of salt into a blender, blend and serve.

Yogurt

Add milk, banana, nut butter, yogurt, honey and a very small pinch of salt into a blender, blend and serve.

Strawberry

Add milk, banana, nut butter, strawberry, honey and a very small pinch of salt into a blender, blend and serve.

HOW TO STORE?

Refrigerate - These shakes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to a day.

Freezer - Freeze in freezer-safe jars or ice cube trays for up to 2 months. Let the jars thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. If using an ice cube tray, toss the frozen cubes into the blender for a smoothie on demand.

SERVE IN A BOWL

Use frozen fruits to make a thicker milkshake and pour into a bowl. Top with your favorite toppings like sliced banana, granola, shredded coconut, chopped toasted nuts and a drizzle of peanut butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

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