by | Nutritional values (in one serving) | |
|---|---|
| 350 | Calorie |
| 3g | Thick |
| 77 g | Carbohydrates |
| 10 g | Protein |
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| Nutritional values | |
|---|---|
| Servings: 2 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calorie | 350 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| 3g | 3% |
| Saturated fat 2g | 8% |
| 9 mg | 3% |
| 117 mg | 5% |
| 77 g | 28% |
| Dietary fiber 3g | 11% |
| Total sugars 64g | |
| 10 g | |
| Vitamin C 12 mg | 59% |
| Calcium 301 mg | 23% |
| Iron 1 mg | 3% |
| Potassium 814 mg | 17% |
| *% Daily Value (DV) tells you how much of a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to your daily diet. 2000 calories per day is used for general nutritional guidance. | |
(Nutritional information is calculated using the ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
This banana smoothie recipe only requires five simple ingredients, all of which you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s so quick and easy and a great way to use up ripe bananas before they’re too gone.
While you can add all sorts of flavors (peanut butter! cocoa powder!) and other fruit (berries are especially good!), this basic smoothie is also a satisfying breakfast on its own.
Ingredients for the best banana smoothie
- bananas: Although this recipe calls for fresh bananas, you can also use frozen bananas. Whenever you have bananas that are too ripe, put them in a freezer bag or container and you’ll always be ready for a smoothie. In fact, slightly overripe bananas are perfect for smoothies because they are sweet and blend well.
- Vanilla: A little pure vanilla extract gives this smoothie a dessert-like flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount for your perfect level of vanilla goodness.
- Yoghurt: Yogurt gives any smoothie a wonderful creamy texture. This recipe calls for vanilla yogurt to double the vanilla vibes, but you can use plain yogurt if you prefer. Any percentage of fat is fine, and you can use Greek or regular yogurt, or even non-dairy yogurt. If you are using very thick yogurt, you may need to add a little liquid, such as milk, to the smoothie.
- Honey or other sweetener: You don’t have to add any sweetener to your smoothie, but if you choose to, honey is a great choice for both its taste and its ability to blend well. See recipe below for alternative sweetener suggestions.
- Ice: With ice, the smoothie is deliciously frosty and refreshing, but if you use frozen bananas, feel free to reduce the ice or leave it out altogether.
Click Play to see how this easy banana shake comes together
“The banana flavor in this smoothie was incredible. I used the full amount of honey called for in the recipe, but I think it would be just as good with a little less honey. The recipe made enough for two servings or one very hearty serving.” .” -Diana Rattray
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1-3 tbsp Valentine
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3/4 a tea spoon pure vanilla extract
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2 medium mature bananassliced
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1 1/2 cups vanilla yogurt
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1/2 cup ice
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Gather the ingredients. If desired, set aside 2 banana slices to use as a garnish.
The Spruce Eats / Nita West
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Pour the ingredients into the blender in the following order: honey, vanilla extract, bananas, vanilla yogurt and ice.
The Spruce Eats / Nita West
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Blend, gradually increasing the speed, until the mixture is smooth.
The Spruce Eats / Nita West
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Pour the drink into a chilled glass. Garnish each glass with a banana slice if desired. Serve and enjoy.
The Spruce Eats / Nita West
How to store
- Although you can refrigerate the smoothie and drink it the next day, sometimes the ingredients separate. Simply mix to re-combine or put them back in the blender to re-combine.
- Another option is to make a large batch (you can double or triple this recipe if your blender is big enough) and store the excess in individual portions in the freezer. When you’re ready for your next smoothie, set the batch for 5 to 10 minutes to soften enough to drink. Mix well and enjoy!
Recipe variations
- Add the strawberries: Add strawberries to a strawberry banana smoothie. Blueberries and raspberries are also great.
- Add cocoa powder: A scoop or two of cocoa powder turns this into a chocolate banana smoothie!
- Stir in the peanut butter: Add some peanut butter, and for an even more robust smoothie, add 1/4 cup rolled oats as well.
- Add tahini: Use sesame paste with a little cinnamon to make a banana tahini smoothie.
- Replace the sweetener: If you prefer a milder taste, replace the agave honey with nectar. Or for a liquid sweetener that goes perfectly with bananas, try cinnamon simple syrup. Provided you like the taste of it, maple syrup is another great option.
- Replace yogurt with milk: Instead of yogurt, you can use a combination of ice and dairy or non-dairy milk. Add 6 ice cubes (or 1/2 cup crushed ice) and about 3/4 cup regular milk, coconut milk, or other non-dairy milk alternative.
- Make it a milkshake: Replace the yogurt with a scoop of ice cream and add about 1/2 cup of milk to the banana shake.
- Make that split: Make a banana smoothie with your favorite banana toppings. Use a banana, 1/2 cup chopped pineapple, and 1/4 cup fresh strawberries. Squeeze on fun toppings like chocolate, caramel or toffee syrup, or add a spoonful of peanut butter or coconut flakes. Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup and a maraschino cherry.
- Make it a drink for adults: To top off this drink, add 1 ounce of banana liqueur or flavored vodka such as vanilla, banana, or whipped cream.
