This Banana Smoothie whips up in minutes with just five ingredients: frozen banana, milk, almond butter, vanilla, and a pinch of cinnamon. It’s naturally dairy-free and vegan.
author’s note
The Secret To The Creamiest Banana Smoothie!
Bananas are always on my shopping list. I used to buy extra mostly for banana bread and muffins, but lately I’ve been buying extras specifically to slice and freeze for smoothies.
One thing I’ve learned after making a lot of smoothies over the years is that frozen fruit makes all the difference. I almost never use ice because it waters smoothies down. Frozen bananas blend up extra creamy and give smoothies the best thick texture.
And honestly, I didn’t think I’d love a plain Banana Smoothie this much. I’m usually a chocolate protein shake girl, so a smoothie that was mostly banana sounded a little boring to me at first. But this one completely changed my mind. The banana makes it thick and creamy, the almond butter adds richness, and the cinnamon and vanilla make it taste so good.
Now this smoothie is constantly on repeat at my house because it’s quick, filling, and made with ingredients I almost always have on hand.
Banana Smoothie Ingredients
| Ingredient | Swaps & Tips |
|---|---|
| Frozen banana | Freeze bananas ahead of time for a thicker smoothie and so you don’t need to use ice, which can water it down. |
| Vanilla almond milk | I use vanilla almond milk and love the flavor but any milk will work here. |
| Almond butter | Peanut butter also works here. |
| Vanilla extract | Pure vanilla gives the best flavor |
| Cinnamon | Optional, but highly recommended |
How To Make This Banana Smoothie
- Add ingredients: Add milk, banana, almond butter, vanilla, and cinnamon to a high-powered blender.
- Blend: Blend for about 60 seconds or until completely creamy and smooth.
- Taste and adjust: If your banana wasn’t super ripe, add a little honey or maple syrup.
- Serve: This smoothie is best right after blending while it’s thick and creamy.
Featured Comment
“This was so tasty! Totally satisfied my milkshake craving.”
– Paige
chelsea’s recipe tip
My Top Banana Smoothie Tips
- Skip ice. Frozen fruit keeps the smoothie creamy instead of watered down.
- Use a powerful blender for the smoothest texture.
- Measure ingredients the first few times you make it. Smoothies can go from perfect to bland fast if ratios are off.
- Start with less milk if you like a thicker smoothie.
Storage
This Banana Smoothie is best enjoyed right after blending while it’s thick and creamy.
- Fridge: Store leftovers in a jar or bottle for up to 8–12 hours. Shake well before drinking.
- Make Ahead: Freeze sliced bananas and portion smoothie ingredients into freezer bags for quick blending later.
More Easy Smoothie Recipes:
Breakfast
Peanut Butter Protein Shake
Beverages
Mango Smoothie Recipe
Shakes And Smoothies
Chai Smoothie
Beverages
Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe
Creamy Banana Smoothie
Video
Equipment
- Blender high-powered
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk or milk of choice—see note 1
- 1 cup frozen banana coins 1 large banana
- 2 tablespoons almond butter or peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
Instructions
- The Night Before: Peel and slice the banana into coins, then freeze the slices in a sealed bag. If the banana isn’t fully frozen, add ice to the smoothie.
- Day Of: Combine almond milk, frozen banana, almond butter, vanilla, and cinnamon in a large, powerful blender. Blend until completely smooth (about 60 seconds in a high-powered blender).
- Enjoy immediately.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This smoothie sounds scrumptious, and a good substitute for folks with a sweet tooth who are trying to combat cravings!
LOVE this smoothie, Chelsea!
Great recipe, great photos.
I love your pictures and I love this smoothie so much!
This smoothie looks incredible Chelsea! Gorgeous photos too – pinning 🙂
So yummy!
This is great!
Love this!
What gorgeous photos of this tasty smoothie!
This looks like my kind of breakfast! Beautiful photos too! I love using frozen banana in smoothies. So creamy!
Chelsea, this banana smoothie looks delicious! And your photos are gorgeous!