This protein packed Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie is a healthy treat that tastes more like dessert!
Smoothies are a staple in our home. I love how versatile they are because they can satisfy a sweet tooth like this one, or have a tropical flare that makes you reminisce about beach days. Smoothies are healthy, easy, take just a few minutes to prepare, and are a great way to use up the odds and ends that fill your pantry.
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Smoothie
As always, this is a quick overview of the ingredients you will need for this recipe. For the complete, printable recipe just keep scrolling. To make this healthy smoothie recipe you will need:
- Frozen Bananas: specifically frozen bananas, fresh will not produce a creamy smoothie like texture. Also, this recipe does not have any ice added to the smoothie, so you will need bananas that have been frozen solid.
- Yogurt: any flavor of yogurt that pairs well with banana and peanut butter will work. I use vanilla Greek yogurt because this variety of yogurt adds an excellent dose of protein to this recipe.
- Peanut Butter: I use creamy peanut butter, but if you would like to trim some fat and calories you can use peanut butter powder. See the notes below regarding that substitution.
- Cocoa powder: I use regular unsweetened cocoa powder that you find in the baking aisle for this recipe.
- Milk: regular milk, or any milk substitute such as almond or cashew milk will also work.
- Protein Powder: any flavor that pairs well with banana and peanut butter will work. If you do not have protein powder on hand you can skip this ingredient.
- Optional Ingredients: vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt! By adding these two simple ingredients you really help bring the rich cocoa flavor to life!
How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
This smoothie features three flavors everyone loves, banana, peanut butter and chocolate. I’ve documented the process below so you can see exactly how to make this easy, creamy smoothie recipe!
Add Yogurt and Frozen Banana
Add the yogurt and frozen bananas to the container of your blender. Remember, you need to use bananas that have been frozen solid. Your banana can be whole, broken into large pieces or sliced, any option will work.
Add Peanut Butter
Add the peanut butter right on top of the bananas. If you add the peanut butter first it is likely to get stuck under the blade. By adding it second it will likely blend much better!
Add Cocoa, Protein Powder and Milk
Lastly, add the cocoa powder, protein powder and milk. If you are using (you should!) add the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt to the blender as well! This really makes the flavor pop and I think it helps the smoothie have more of a milkshake quality.
Blend
Blend the smoothie on high for 30 seconds. Stop the blender and scrape down the sides if needed. Blend on high again for about 1 minutes until the smoothie is completely smooth.
Serve
Serve the smoothie immediately. This makes two large meal size smoothies or four small, snack size smoothies.
Can I use peanut butter powder?
Yes, you can use peanut butter powder. About 1 tablespoon of peanut butter powder equals a very similar flavor as traditional creamy peanut butter. This option is lower in fat and calories.
Smoothie Additions
You can add many different ingredients to make a smoothie more wholesome. One of the reasons I love smoothies best is that it is a great way to use up little odds and ends that you have on hand. Some great smoothie additions are:
- Chia Seeds: a great source of fiber.
- Collagen Powder: helps to promote healthy skin, hair and nails!
- Espresso Powder: while this doesn’t really have any nutritional benefit the combo of espresso powder, peanut butter and chocolate is oddly addictive!
- Other Nut Butters: if you don’t love or cannot have peanut butter you may enjoy this smoothie with cashew, almond or coconut butter!
More Smoothie Recipes
- Green Smoothie: this is my favorite smoothie, my absolute go to! This smoothie features mango, pineapple and orange juice and a heaping dose of spinach!
- Cranberry Orange Smoothie: a drink that is full of antioxidants and immune boosting vitamin C.
- Sunshine Shake: this is a smoothie for a crowd! It fills a pitcher so it is perfect for brunch or company and it tastes just like a creamsicle.
- Banana Nut Smoothie: A healthy drink that tastes just like banana nut bread that has a secret ingredient you would never guess!
- Healthy Oatmeal Smoothie: a healthy, healthy smoothie that works really well as a grab and go breakfast!
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
Ingredients
- 2 large frozen bananas or 3 small bananas
- 1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup protein powder
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to the blender and blend on high for 30 seconds. Scrape down the sides of the blender if needed. Blend on high for 1 minute. Serve immediately.