Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie

Name: Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 1 large, sliced Frozen Banana; 240 ml (8 oz) Milk; 2 tablespoons Creamy Peanut Butter; 1 tablespoon Unsweetened Cocoa Powder; 1/2 cup Ice Cubes (optional)

The Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie is a delightfully indulgent yet surprisingly wholesome beverage. It blends the classic combination of rich cocoa and nutty peanut butter into a thick, satisfying drink. The use of frozen banana provides natural sweetness and a creamy, ice-cream-like texture without any added sugar. Perfect as a quick, energizing breakfast, a post-workout recovery drink, or a healthy dessert to curb sweet cravings.

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time

Difficulty

Drink Classification

This beverage is classified as a smoothie, known for its blended, thick consistency. It falls into both the Breakfast and Dessert categories, as it's nutritious enough for a morning meal but also decadent enough to be enjoyed as a sweet treat.

Serving

This is a substantial, cold, non-alcoholic smoothie best served in a large pint or smoothie glass. No special glass treatment is necessary to enjoy its rich flavor.

Serving size

Approximately 450 ml (15 oz)

Alcohol content

0% ABV

Alcohol strength

Serving temperature

Cold

Glass type

Pint Glass

Glass treatment

None

Backstory

While there's no single origin story, this smoothie is a modern creation born from the enduring popularity of the chocolate and peanut butter flavor pairing, which was popularized in the United States by the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup in the 1920s. As smoothie culture grew, this classic candy flavor was inevitably translated into a healthier, drinkable form. It has since become a staple in smoothie shops and home kitchens alike.

Origin

This is a modern smoothie recipe with roots in North American food culture, likely emerging in the late 20th or early 21st century. Its creation is a direct result of the widespread love for chocolate and peanut butter desserts in the United States.

Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie

This smoothie is often called a Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie due to its primary flavors. It's also affectionately known as a Reese's Smoothie, referencing the popular candy that perfectly combines these two ingredients.

Original name

Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie

Alternative names

Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie
Reese's Smoothie

Characteristics overview

This smoothie boasts a rich chocolate and peanut butter flavor profile with a thick, creamy texture. Its inviting aroma of cocoa and banana leads to a sweet, slightly salty taste that is satisfying any time of year.

Flavor

Rich, chocolatey, nutty, sweet, creamy

Aroma

Peanut butter, cocoa, banana

Taste balance

Sweet, slightly salty

Aftertaste

Lingering, pleasant, chocolate, peanut

Fizziness

Still

Color appearance

Opaque, light brown, uniform

Texture

Thick, creamy, smooth

Seasonality

All-season, satisfying

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is dominated by high sweetness and exceptional creaminess, with a subtle saltiness from the peanut butter and a hint of bitterness from cocoa. It is a completely non-alcoholic and still beverage.

Sweetness

Saltiness

Sourness

Bitterness

Spiciness

Fruitiness

Creaminess

Carbonation

Ingredients

This simple recipe requires a frozen banana and milk as its base, flavored with creamy peanut butter and unsweetened cocoa powder. Optional ice cubes can be added for extra thickness.

Frozen Banana1 large, sliced
Using a frozen banana is key for a thick, creamy texture.
Milk240 ml (8 oz)
Whole milk adds richness, but any dairy or plant-based milk (like almond or oat) works well.
Creamy Peanut Butter2 tablespoons
Use unsweetened, natural peanut butter for a healthier option.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder1 tablespoon
Adjust quantity to your desired level of chocolate intensity.
Ice Cubes1/2 cup(optional)
Optional, for a thicker, frostier smoothie.

Ice type

Cubed

Mixing equipments

A high-speed blender is the only piece of equipment needed to create this smooth and creamy drink.

Blender: For combining and blending all ingredients until smooth.

Instructions

To prepare, simply combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high until a smooth, creamy consistency is achieved. Pour into a glass, garnish as desired, and serve immediately.

1. Place the frozen banana slices, milk, peanut butter, and unsweetened cocoa powder into the blender.

2. If using, add the ice cubes to the blender.

3. Secure the lid and blend on high speed for 30-60 seconds, or until all ingredients are completely combined and the mixture is thick and smooth.

4. Pour the smoothie into a tall glass.

5. If desired, add your choice of garnish, such as chocolate shavings or a drizzle of peanut butter.

6. Serve immediately with a wide straw.

Garnishing

Elevate the presentation by garnishing with chocolate shavings, a drizzle of peanut butter, or even a mini peanut butter cup on top.

Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle on top for a decorative touch.
Peanut Butter Drizzle: Drizzle a small amount of melted peanut butter over the top.
Mini Peanut Butter Cup: Place one on the rim or on top for extra indulgence.

Dietary Information

This smoothie is vegetarian, gluten-free, and egg-free, but it contains dairy and nuts (peanuts). A dairy-free and vegan version can be easily made by substituting the milk with a plant-based alternative.

✕ Contains alcohol

✓ Caffeine-free

✕ Dairy-free

✓ Egg-free

✓ Soy-free

✕ Nut-free

✓ Gluten-free

✕ Vegan-friendly

✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This smoothie is quite calorie-dense, primarily from the healthy fats in peanut butter and carbohydrates from the banana. The sugar content is mostly natural sugars from the fruit.

Calories

Averagely 450 kcal (1883 kJ)

Calories level

Carbohydrates

Approximately 55g

Carbohydrate level

Sugar

Approximately 30g

Sugar level

Occasions

This versatile smoothie is ideal for a quick and filling breakfast, a protein-rich post-workout snack, or a healthier alternative to traditional desserts. It's also a great afternoon treat to satisfy hunger and sweet cravings.

Breakfast
Post-workout Snack
Dessert
Afternoon Pick-me-up

Pairing suggestions

This smoothie is a complete and satisfying treat on its own, serving as a full meal replacement or a decadent dessert. No specific food pairings are needed to enjoy its rich flavor.

Enjoy on its own

Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie: A Healthy and Decadent Treat

The Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie is the ultimate treat for lovers of the classic chocolate and peanut duo. It delivers a rich, dessert-like experience while being packed with nutrients from banana and peanut butter, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Exceptionally creamy and naturally sweet, it's an easy-to-make beverage that works equally well as an energizing start to the day or a satisfying end to a meal. This alcohol-free smoothie is a timeless favorite for all ages.