Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie: A Sweet and Satisfying Treat
When you're craving something sweet but want to keep it light, this Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie is the perfect choice. Naturally sweetened with fruit, it has the creamy texture of a milkshake without any dairy. Plus, it will leave you feeling full and satisfied for hours.
Preparing Your Ingredients
Frozen Bananas
To make this smoothie, the key ingredient is frozen bananas. Here’s how to prepare them:
- Peel and Store: Peel the bananas before freezing them; otherwise, the peel becomes very difficult to remove later.
- Storage Tip: Place whole, peeled bananas in an airtight container with a lid. This makes them easy to grab whenever you're ready.
- Freezing Time: Bananas will freeze solid in 6–8 hours, but keeping a container of frozen bananas on hand ensures you’re always ready for smoothies or banana-based treats like ice cream.
How to Make the Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
Ingredients (Single Serving)
- 1/2 cup milk or water: Use almond milk to keep it dairy-free.
- 1 frozen banana: Break it into smaller pieces for easier blending.
- 2 tablespoons all-natural peanut butter: Adds creaminess and protein.
- 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds: Boosts satiety and nutrition.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Provides a milkshake-like flavor.
Instructions
Blend the Base:
- Add the almond milk (or water) to the blender.
- Break the frozen banana into chunks and add them to the blender. If your blender isn’t high-speed, slice the banana into coin shapes for easier blending.
Incorporate Flavor and Nutrition:
- Add the peanut butter, ground flax seeds, and vanilla extract.
Blend Smoothly:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Stop to scrape down the sides if necessary.
- If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of almond milk or water to keep things moving.
Sweetening and Customizing Your Smoothie
- Natural Sweetness: Ripe bananas naturally sweeten the smoothie. The riper the banana, the sweeter the result.
- Optional Add-Ons: If needed, you can add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Thicker Consistency: Add a handful of ice for a frosty texture.
