Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie

This Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie is a classic for a reason. It combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of banana and the satisfying power of protein powder. Blended with a plant-based milk, it creates a thick, creamy, and filling drink perfect for starting your day or refueling after exercise. It is a simple, quick, and highly customizable recipe.
Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

Primarily categorized as a smoothie, this drink is popular for specific uses like breakfast or post-workout recovery. Its high protein content and filling nature make it ideal for these categories.

Serving

Served cold in a large pint or smoothie glass, this is a substantial, non-alcoholic drink designed to be filling.
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 it lacks a specific historical origin, the Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie's popularity surged with the rise of fitness culture and the demand for convenient, high-protein meals in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It's a modern classic born from the blender boom and health-conscious lifestyles.
Origin
This is a modern smoothie recipe, likely developed in the United States where both smoothie culture and peanut butter are extremely popular. Its creation is tied to the health and fitness movements of recent decades.

Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie

This smoothie is often called by descriptive names that highlight its key ingredients and benefits, such as "Peanut Butter Power Smoothie" or simply "PB Protein Shake".
Original name
Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie
Alternative names
  • Peanut Butter Power Smoothie
  • PB Protein Shake

Characteristics overview

This smoothie has a prominent nutty and sweet banana flavor with a very thick, smooth, and creamy texture. It's an opaque, light brown drink that is refreshing and suitable for any time of year.
Flavor
Nutty, Sweet, Creamy, Banana
Aroma
Peanut butter, Banana, Sweet
Taste balance
Sweet, Rich
Aftertaste
Clean, Nutty, Sweet
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Light brown, Opaque, Creamy
Texture
Thick, Smooth, Creamy
Seasonality
All-season, Refreshing

Flavor intensity & Experience

It offers a rich and creamy flavor profile, dominated by the natural sweetness from banana and nutty notes from peanut butter, with no alcohol or carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

The core ingredients are a frozen banana for sweetness and creaminess, peanut butter for flavor, protein powder for a nutritional boost, and almond milk as the liquid base.
  • Frozen Banana1 medium
    Using a frozen ripe banana is key to achieving a thick, creamy texture without watering down the smoothie with too much ice.
  • Peanut Butter2 tablespoons
    Natural, unsweetened peanut butter is recommended for a healthier option and better flavor. Creamy or crunchy can be used based on preference.
  • Protein Powder1 scoop (approximately 30g)
    Vanilla or unflavored plant-based protein powder (like pea, rice, or a blend) works best. Whey protein can be used if not making it vegan/dairy-free.
  • Unsweetened Almond Milk1 cup / 240 ml / 8 oz
    Any milk can be used, such as oat milk, soy milk, or dairy milk, depending on dietary preferences.
  • Ice Cubes1/2 cup(optional)
    Optional, adds extra thickness and makes the smoothie colder. Use less if your banana is well-frozen.

Ice type

  • Cubed (optional)

Mixing equipments

A high-speed blender is the only equipment needed and is essential to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
  • High-speed blender: for blending all ingredients until smooth.

Instructions

This smoothie is incredibly simple to make: combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Serve immediately for best results.
1. Gather all your ingredients: frozen banana, peanut butter, protein powder, almond milk, and optional ice cubes.
2. Place all the ingredients into the carafe of a high-speed blender.
3. Secure the lid and blend on high speed for about 30 to 60 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
4. Check the consistency. If it's too thick, add a splash more milk; if too thin, add a few more ice cubes or a piece of frozen banana and blend again.
5. Pour the smoothie into a large serving glass.
6. Garnish as desired and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Garnishing

Garnishing is entirely optional, but a drizzle of extra peanut butter or a sprinkle of seeds or nuts can enhance the presentation and texture.
  • Drizzle of peanut butter: for extra flavor and visual appeal.
  • Sprinkle of chia seeds or chopped peanuts: for added texture.

Dietary Information

This smoothie is non-alcoholic, caffeine-free, and inherently vegan and dairy-free when using plant-based milk and protein. However, it contains peanuts and is not nut-free.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This smoothie is calorie-dense, providing significant energy, around 25-30g of protein, and healthy fats. Most of the sugar content comes naturally from the banana.
Calories
Averagely 400-500 kcal / 1674-2092 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 40-50 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 20-25 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This smoothie is perfectly suited as a quick breakfast on the go, a refueling post-workout shake, or a filling and healthy afternoon snack.
  • Breakfast
  • Post-workout
  • Quick meal
  • Healthy snack

Pairing suggestions

This smoothie is designed to be a complete meal or a very substantial snack. It is best enjoyed on its own and does not require any food pairings.
  • Enjoy on its own

The Ultimate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie

The Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie is a delicious, creamy, and filling beverage that serves as an excellent breakfast or post-workout meal. Its simple combination of banana, peanut butter, and protein powder creates a satisfyingly nutty and sweet flavor. It's highly customizable, incredibly easy to make, and packed with nutrients to fuel your day. This smoothie is a modern staple for anyone leading a healthy and active lifestyle.