Healthy and Energizing Breakfast Fruit Smoothies to Start Your Day
This banana smoothie is deliciously thick, creamy, and packed with rich banana flavor. It’s made with just four ingredients, making it perfect for a quick breakfast or a snack.
Lately, I’ve been purposely over-buying bananas at the grocery store just so I can make this smoothie. I love how thick, refreshing, and satisfying it is. Most of the time, I stick to the basic recipe, but occasionally I like to switch things up by adding peanut butter or strawberries. It’s easily adaptable to suit whatever I’m in the mood for!
Ripe bananas with a few brown spots are perfect for smoothies. They’re naturally sweet, so I slice them up, freeze them, and then they’re ready to go into the blender whenever I’m craving this creamy smoothie. Frozen bananas are key to achieving that perfect texture. They chill the smoothie and make it extra thick, almost like a milkshake. If I run out of frozen bananas, I’ll use fresh ones, but the smoothie does turn out a bit thinner.
Why I Love This Banana Smoothie
- Filling and made with wholesome ingredients.
- Only four ingredients and just five minutes to prepare.
- A great way to use up extra ripe bananas.
- Easily adaptable to suit different tastes.
How to Freeze Bananas
When I find myself with too many ripe bananas, I freeze them for future smoothies. To freeze bananas, I peel and slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds, place them in a zip-top bag or airtight container, and freeze for at least 8 hours (up to 1 month). Sometimes they’ll stick together, but I just separate the clumps or toss them in whole. If I want to avoid sticking altogether, I flash freeze the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a container, though I don’t always bother with that extra step.
Smoothie-Making Tips
- I always use at least one frozen ingredient. It helps thicken and chill the smoothie.
- Err on the side of less liquid to start with. I can always add more if needed to get the right consistency.
- Layer the ingredients to make blending more efficient. I put greens or raw oats at the bottom, followed by frozen fruit, and then yogurt or nut butters on top.
- I begin blending on low speed, gradually increasing to higher speeds as the smoothie comes together.
- Don’t overfill the blender. If I’m making a big batch, I add the frozen ingredients in parts, blending each portion before adding more.
- Sometimes, I need to stop and stir, shake, or use the tamper on my blender to keep things mixing well. If I let an air bubble form, it can block the ingredients from blending properly.
- A high-powered blender really saves time and effort when making smoothies regularly.
This banana smoothie has quickly become a staple in my kitchen, and I love how it’s both simple and flexible!
Best Banana Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup sliced banana frozen is best, about 1 large banana
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt plain or vanilla
- ¼ cup milk dairy, almond, oat milk, etc.
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth, adding more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Frozen banana helps to thicken and chill the smoothie. If your banana is not frozen you can add a few ice cubes to chill the smoothie.
Nutrition
Hi, I’m Emily Hart, a 32-year-old chef with a lifelong passion for cooking that goes far beyond just a career—it’s the heart and soul of who I am. From the moment I was old enough to hold a spoon, I’ve been enchanted by the way food brings people together, how flavors can tell stories, and how a simple dish can evoke powerful emotions. The kitchen is my sanctuary, where the sizzle of pans and the aroma of fresh ingredients inspire me to create something special every day.
For me, cooking isn’t just about following recipes; it’s about experimenting, pushing boundaries, and blending culinary traditions to create something new and exciting. Whether I’m preparing an elegant five-course dinner or a comforting bowl of homemade soup, I pour my heart into every detail. I believe that food has the power to connect us all—whether through shared meals or teaching others how to find joy in cooking.
Over the years, I’ve honed my skills not only in crafting delicious meals but also in understanding what makes people feel at home when they sit down at the table. I love sharing my passion with others through cooking classes, collaborations with fellow food enthusiasts, and simply bringing people together one plate at a time. Cooking is my art form, and every dish is an opportunity to share a piece of myself with the world.
