This dairy-free, healthy banana peanut butter smoothie recipe (thick and creamy) is naturally sweet without the need for yogurt, ice cream, or protein powder. Made with frozen bananas, peanut butter, and a hint of cinnamon, it blends up in just 5 minutes.
If you love simple, nourishing smoothies, try my chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie, my easy strawberry banana smoothie recipe, and this creamy orange creamsicle smoothie recipe next.
🔍 A Quick Look: Healthy Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie Recipe
- 🕒 Total Time: 5 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 1
- 🎯 Key Ingredients: Frozen bananas, peanut butter, plant-based milk, cinnamon
- 🌱 Dietary Info: Vegan, dairy-free, naturally sweetened
- 👩🍳 Texture: Thick, creamy, milkshake-style
- ✨ Best For: Quick breakfast, post-workout snack, kid-friendly treat
- 💕 Why You’ll Love It: Simple ingredients, naturally sweet, filling without feeling heavy
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Some mornings call for something simple that still feels special. This healthy banana peanut butter smoothie is thick, creamy, and naturally sweet. It's the kind of breakfast that feels like a treat but keeps you full.
What makes this one different is the texture. Using fully frozen bananas and just the right amount of peanut butter creates a smooth, milkshake-style consistency without yogurt, ice cream, or protein powder.
It’s a reliable go-to smoothie when I want something fast, nourishing, and genuinely satisfying.
Why This Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie Works
- Thick and creamy with a milkshake-like texture
- Naturally sweet from frozen bananas (no refined sugar needed)
- Ready in just 5 minutes
- Kid-friendly and adult-approved
- Easy to customize for breakfast, snacks, or dessert
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Bananas: Use ripe, spotty brown frozen bananas for a milkshake-like texture. If using fresh bananas, make sure they are ripe, and you may need to add ice.
- Peanut butter: Creamy or Chunky work, or use almond butter or my homemade nut butter recipe.
- Milk (of choice): You can use any milk, like almond, soy, oat, or try my favorite homemade cashew milk recipe.
- Nutmeg: A sprinkle gives the smoothie its distinctive flavor.
Want more feel-good breakfasts? Try my High-Protein Chia Seed Pudding, Oat Bran Muffins, spiced cinnamon banana crunch, or Banana Bread Overnight Oats!
Tested Tips
- Peel and freeze spotty ripe bananas for the thickest, creamiest texture. I like to freeze them ahead of time, so they're always on hand.
- If you don't have frozen bananas, you can use fresh bananas and a handful of ice cubes instead (though worth waiting!).
- If your blender struggles, stop, scrape the sides, and add a splash of milk. Forcing it can overheat the motor.
- Natural peanut butter (just peanuts + salt) gives a smoother texture. Sugary peanut butters can make the smoothie overly sweet and less balanced.
- For extra staying power, add chia seeds or oats before blending so they fully soften and thicken the smoothie (if adding in).
Make it Your Way
- 1 scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry protein powder for a more filling smoothie
- Add in a handful of fresh baby spinach for added nutrients (you won’t even taste it)
- Cacao nibs or dark chocolate shavings to top
- Drizzle a few layers of this easy berry sauce recipe for a PB&J smoothie and pair with a slice of warm, easy vegan banana bread or these easy no bake peanut butter balls.
- Add a pinch of vanilla + extra cinnamon for a dessert feel
- Add 2 tablespoons of rolled oats for a heartier breakfast
- Use about half the milk for a banana peanut butter smoothie bowl. Optionally, top with a peanut butter drizzle, granola, and fresh berries.
Storage & Meal Prep
- This smoothie is best fresh, as it's creamiest right after blending.
- You can store in the fridge in a sealed jar or bottle for up to 24 hours. Shake or re-blend before drinking.
- Slice and freeze bananas in advance so smoothies come together in minutes.
- Leftovers can be poured into popsicle molds for an easy frozen snack.
If you're in the mood for something fruity, try my blueberry banana smoothie recipe without yogurt, or this blueberry oat smoothie next. They are just as creamy and dairy-free!
Healthy Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie FAQs
For most people, a banana peanut butter smoothie can be a nourishing option, especially when made with whole ingredients. Bananas provide natural sweetness and potassium, while peanut butter adds healthy fats that help keep you full. Portion size and added sweeteners matter, so keeping it simple works best.
Yes, though a high-speed blender achieves the creamiest texture, a regular blender can work, too. You might need to blend a bit longer to ensure all ingredients are smooth.
Yes, while frozen bananas are a classic choice, you can also try adding frozen mango or even avocado for a different twist on the texture and flavor.
Banana and peanut butter are a classic pairing because the sweetness of the banana balances the richness of the peanut butter, creating a creamy, satisfying smoothie without added sugar.
Did you try this recipe? Let me know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing it on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest! 💛
📖 Recipe
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
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Ingredients
- ½ cup unsweetened dairy-free milk
- 2 tablespoon creamy or chunky peanut butter
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon whole or ground flaxseeds
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 frozen, ripe bananas, if using fresh, add ice, see Notes
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup, Or agave, optional, adjust to taste
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the blender in the order listed: milk, peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla, flaxseeds, cinnamon, nutmeg, then frozen banana.
- Blend on low, then increase to high until thick and smooth.
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste and creamiest texture.
Video
Notes
- Use fully frozen, spotty, ripe bananas. This gives the smoothie its thick, milkshake-style texture without ice or yogurt.
- Only add ice if using fresh ripe bananas. Ice will thin the flavor and change the texture slightly.
- Start with the milk amount listed. Add more 1–2 tablespoons at a time if needed to loosen the blend.
- Adjust cinnamon and nutmeg to taste.
- Adjust the maple syrup based on your preferred sweetness level.
Nutrition
Julie Gaeta is a plant-based recipe creator, certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, and mom of nine who's been plant-based for over 20 years. She's cooked approximately 4,382 pots of beans and can't vacation without her juicer and pasta pot. Her work has been featured in HuffPost, Yahoo, YourTango, and other major outlets. She helps others simplify wellness and feel good again through her blog, coaching, and weekly newsletter.
Julie Gaeta says
This smoothie tastes like a treat but still feels nourishing. I love it for a quick breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up—especially when I’m craving something sweet but still want to feel good after. Definitely a favorite!