Creamy Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Recipe

If you’re anything like me, mornings can sometimes sneak up faster than you’re ready for, which is why I’m always on the lookout for quick, nourishing breakfast options. This Creamy Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Recipe is one of those gems that’s both satisfying and refreshing. It’s creamy, naturally sweet, and packs enough protein to keep you fueled well past mid-morning. What makes this recipe really special is its balance – the richness of peanut butter with the fresh sweetness of frozen banana and a touch of cinnamon that just warms everything up.
Whether you’re rushing to work, hitting the gym, or just craving something wholesome and delicious, this smoothie has you covered. I’ve made it countless times, tweaking it just enough to get that perfect texture and flavor. Trust me, this Creamy Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Recipe isn’t just easy to whip up, it’s a total crowd-pleaser and an energy booster. You’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
When you gather everything for this smoothie, you’ll notice how each ingredient plays a role – from creaminess to nutrition. Here’s what makes this combo work so well together, plus a few shopping pointers I’ve picked up along the way.
- Unsweetened almond milk: A light, dairy-free base that keeps things smooth without overpowering the peanut butter’s flavor. Bonus: keep it chilled for a naturally colder smoothie!
- Large banana (frozen): Use ripe bananas for that natural sweetness. Freezing the chunks ahead creates a creamy, cold texture without needing too much ice.
- Creamy peanut butter: Go for a natural or unsweetened peanut butter to avoid excess sugar. Creamy blends evenly, giving you that luscious mouthfeel.
- Nonfat plain Greek yogurt: Adds protein and tanginess that balance the peanut butter, plus it makes the smoothie extra creamy.
- Ground cinnamon: A pinch adds warmth and complexity, enhancing the natural sweetness of banana and richness of peanut butter.
- Ice (optional): Use if you prefer an ice-cold smoothie but be careful not to water it down.
- Protein powder (optional): Vanilla or chocolate flavors work great if you want an extra protein boost – I love adding this on days when I’m extra active.
- Flaxseed meal or chia seeds (optional): Great for a hit of fiber and omega-3s, plus they thicken the smoothie slightly if you enjoy a more substantial sip.
Variations
One of the best things about this Creamy Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often switch things up depending on what I’m craving or what’s in the pantry.
- Chocolate twist: Adding a spoonful of cocoa powder or using chocolate protein powder gives it a lovely dessert vibe. I did this for a weekend treat and it was a total hit with my kids.
- Green boost: Sneak in a handful of spinach or kale for added nutrients. The banana and peanut butter mask the greens pretty well, so don’t shy away from this one.
- Nut butter swap: Swap peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a mild but delicious twist. I like almond butter when I want a lighter flavor note.
- Sweeten it up: If your banana isn’t super ripe, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. I recommend tasting first—sometimes the banana’s natural sweetness is just right.
How to Make Creamy Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by setting out all your ingredients. Have that large banana peeled and frozen, your almond milk chilled, and the peanut butter soft enough to scoop easily. I find freezing bananas the night before is a great little kitchen hack—it really ups that creamy texture without needing ice.
Step 2: Blend It All Together
Dump the banana chunks, almond milk, peanut butter, Greek yogurt, and cinnamon into your blender. If you’re using protein powder or seeds, add those here too. Blitz it on high for about 30-45 seconds until everything is smooth and velvety. Watch the texture—if it’s too thick, add a little more almond milk; too thin, toss in some ice cubes or extra frozen banana.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Now’s the time for one of my favorite parts—tasting! If it needs a little more sweetness or spice, toss in a little honey or cinnamon and blend again for a few seconds. Getting it just right is easy once you know this trick, so don’t skip this step.
How to Serve Creamy Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Recipe

Garnishes
I’m all about a simple garnish that adds a fun touch without complicating things. I usually sprinkle a few crushed peanuts or a dash of cinnamon on top for a bit of texture and aroma. Sometimes, I add a small banana slice on the rim for a cute, inviting look. It makes the smoothie feel a bit more special, especially when serving guests.
Side Dishes
This smoothie pairs beautifully with light breakfasts like whole grain toast with avocado or a boiled egg. On busy mornings, I love having a smoothie alongside a handful of nuts or a small fruit salad to keep things balanced. It’s great as a standalone snack too if you’re short on time.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch gathering, I’ve served this smoothie in clear glass jars with colorful striped straws—everyone loves the visual of swirling peanut butter and banana goodness! You can even layer in granola or chia pudding for extra texture. Floating a mint leaf on top adds fresh color and a pop of brightness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to make more than one serving, I recommend storing leftovers in a sealed container or jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a quick shake or stir before drinking because ingredients tend to settle. I usually make single servings now to avoid this, but it’s nice to know the option is there.
Freezing
Freezing the full smoothie isn’t my go-to because sometimes peanut butter changes texture when frozen solid, but freezing banana chunks ahead is key for creaminess. If you want to prep smoothies for the week, freeze the mix minus the yogurt and blend it fresh later—that way the yogurt stays creamy.
Reheating
I don’t usually reheat this smoothie—it’s best cold for that creamy, refreshing vibe. But if you want a warm twist, try blending a bit of warm almond milk on its own and then adding the peanut butter and banana afterward for a cozy drink.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh bananas instead of frozen in the Creamy Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh bananas, but freezing them first helps create that thick, creamy smoothie texture without adding too much ice. If you use fresh bananas, consider adding a few ice cubes to keep your smoothie cold and refreshing.
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Is this Creamy Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Recipe suitable for a vegan diet?
As written, this recipe includes Greek yogurt, which isn’t vegan. To make it vegan, swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based alternative like coconut or almond yogurt and ensure your protein powder (if using) is also vegan-friendly. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.
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Can I substitute the peanut butter with another nut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter all work well and bring their own unique flavors while keeping the creaminess intact. I’ve tried almond butter, and it’s delicious with the banana.
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How long does the smoothie last when stored in the fridge?
The smoothie is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Make sure to stir or shake well before drinking, as separation is normal.
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Can I add protein powder to the Creamy Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Recipe?
Definitely! Adding a half scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder is a great way to make this smoothie more filling, especially post-workout. It blends smoothly without affecting the flavor balance if you choose your protein wisely.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Recipe feels like a little hug in a glass—comforting, nourishing, and downright delicious. I love recommending it to friends because it’s one of those reliable go-to recipes that never disappoints, whether you need a quick breakfast, a post-workout refuel, or a tasty snack. Once you give it a try, I bet you’ll find yourself loving it as much as I do, and maybe even customizing it to your taste. So next time you want something creamy, wholesome, and easy, grab your blender and dive in. Your mornings (and taste buds) will thank you!
PrintCreamy Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Recipe
This Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie is a creamy, nutritious blend perfect for breakfast or a post-workout boost. Combining the natural sweetness of frozen banana with the rich flavor of peanut butter and the creaminess of Greek yogurt, it’s a delicious way to fuel your day. The addition of cinnamon adds a warm, comforting spice, while optional mix-ins like protein powder and seeds can boost nutrition further.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 large banana, cut into chunks and frozen
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Ice (optional)
Optional Mix-ins
- ½ scoop protein powder (vanilla or chocolate)
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the banana: Peel and cut a large banana into chunks, then freeze them ahead of time to ensure a cold and creamy smoothie texture.
- Add ingredients to blender: Combine the frozen banana chunks, unsweetened almond milk, creamy peanut butter, nonfat plain Greek yogurt, and ground cinnamon in a blender. Add optional ice if you prefer a thicker, colder texture.
- Include optional mix-ins: For extra nutrition, add ½ scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder, 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal, or 1 tablespoon of chia seeds to the blender.
- Blend until smooth: Blend all ingredients on high speed until the mixture is creamy and smooth, ensuring all powders and seeds are fully incorporated.
- Serve immediately: Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using a frozen banana creates a thick, creamy texture without needing much ice.
- Unsweetened almond milk keeps the smoothie low in calories and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
- Greek yogurt increases protein and creaminess while keeping fat low.
- Optional mix-ins like protein powder and seeds add nutritional benefits such as extra protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- This smoothie is best consumed right away to prevent separation.
Keywords: Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie, Healthy Smoothie, Protein Smoothie, Breakfast Smoothie, Low Fat Snack