Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
This Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie is a deliciously thick and creamy beverage packed with protein and nutrients. The combination of ripe bananas and smooth peanut butter creates a satisfyingly sweet and nutty flavor profile. Often enhanced with milk and a touch of sweetener like honey or maple syrup, it's an incredibly versatile drink. It serves as a perfect quick breakfast, a filling snack, or a recovery drink after a workout.
Preparation
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie is a classic non-alcoholic beverage categorized as a smoothie. It's a blended drink known for its thick, creamy texture and nutritious profile, making it a popular choice for breakfast or a post-workout snack.
Serving
Served cold in a large pint glass or tumbler, this is a substantial, completely non-alcoholic smoothie.
Serving size
Approximately 400-450 ml / 14-15 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Pint glass
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
The Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie doesn't have a single inventor but evolved from the popular American food pairing of peanut butter and banana, famously loved by Elvis Presley. As blenders became a common household appliance in the mid-20th century, people began experimenting with blending their favorite flavor combinations. This smoothie naturally emerged as a simple, nutritious, and delicious way to enjoy these two beloved ingredients together.
Origin
While the exact origin is not documented, it's widely considered a modern American creation, likely gaining popularity in the latter half of the 20th century with the rise of health consciousness and home blenders.
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
This drink is most commonly known as the Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie. Some variations in the name simply switch the order of the main ingredients, like Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie. It's also frequently shortened to PB Banana Smoothie for convenience.
Original name
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
Alternative names
- Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie
- PB Banana Smoothie
Characteristics overview
This smoothie boasts a rich, creamy flavor dominated by peanut butter and banana, with a thick, smooth texture. It's an opaque, beige-colored drink that is refreshing and enjoyable any time of year.
Flavor
Creamy, nutty, sweet, banana, rich
Aroma
Peanut butter, ripe banana
Taste balance
Sweet, slightly salty
Aftertaste
Lingering sweetness, nutty finish
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Opaque, light beige, creamy tan
Texture
Thick, smooth, creamy
Seasonality
All-season, refreshing
Flavor intensity & Experience
This smoothie is defined by its high creaminess and sweetness, with a moderate fruitiness from the banana. It is a non-alcoholic, non-carbonated drink with just a hint of saltiness from the peanut butter.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
The core ingredients are simply a ripe banana, peanut butter, and milk. A sweetener like honey or maple syrup can be added for extra sweetness, and ice cubes can be used for a colder, thicker consistency.
- Ripe Banana1 large (frozen)Using a frozen banana results in a much creamier, thicker texture, similar to a milkshake.
- Peanut Butter2 tablespoonsCreamy or crunchy can be used. Natural, unsweetened peanut butter is a healthier option.
- Milk240 ml / 8 ozDairy milk can be substituted with almond, soy, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free/vegan version.
- Honey or Maple Syrup1 tablespoon(optional)Adjust to taste. Use maple syrup for a vegan option. May not be needed if the banana is very ripe.
- Ice Cubes3-4 cubes(optional)Optional, especially if using a frozen banana. Adds extra thickness and chill.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
A standard kitchen blender is the only essential piece of equipment needed to create this smooth and creamy drink.
- Blender for combining and blending all ingredients.
Instructions
Preparation is straightforward: combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass, garnish as desired, and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
1. Place the ripe banana (preferably frozen), peanut butter, milk, and optional sweetener into the blender.
2. If not using a frozen banana, add the ice cubes.
3. Secure the lid and blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no remaining chunks. This usually takes about 30-60 seconds.
4. Pour the smoothie into a tall glass.
5. Garnish if desired and serve immediately with a wide straw.
Garnishing
Garnishing is optional, but a light sprinkle of cinnamon, cocoa powder, or some chopped peanuts on top can add a nice finishing touch.
- A sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder on top.
- A few chopped peanuts for texture.
Dietary Information
This smoothie is naturally alcohol-free, caffeine-free, egg-free, and gluten-free, but it contains peanuts and dairy. Vegan and dairy-free versions can be easily made by substituting the milk and sweetener.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✕ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This is a calorie-dense smoothie, typically containing 350-450 kcal per serving, with significant amounts of carbohydrates and natural sugars. It provides substantial energy, making it a filling meal replacement or snack.
Calories
Averagely 350-450 kcal / 1464-1883 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 40-50 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 25-35 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This smoothie is incredibly versatile, ideal for a quick and nutritious breakfast on the go. It's also an excellent post-workout recovery drink due to its protein and carbohydrate content. It serves well as a healthy and filling snack to curb midday hunger.
- Breakfast
- Post-workout
- Healthy Snack
- Quick Meal
Pairing suggestions
As a breakfast item, it pairs wonderfully with whole grain toast or a bowl of granola. For a lighter accompaniment, a side of fresh berries provides a tart contrast. It's also substantial enough to be enjoyed on its own.
- Whole grain toast
- A side of fresh berries
- Granola or oatmeal
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie: The Creamy & Nutritious Classic
The Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie is a universally loved, simple, and satisfying beverage. Its appeal lies in the classic combination of sweet, ripe banana and rich, nutty peanut butter, blended into a thick and creamy texture. Easy to make in minutes, it's a versatile drink perfect for a quick breakfast, a post-exercise refuel, or a healthy snack. It's naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted to be dairy-free or vegan, making it accessible for various dietary needs.