📝 About This Recipe
This luxurious smoothie is a masterclass in texture, blending the nostalgic, salty-sweet richness of roasted peanut butter with the natural, honey-like sweetness of sun-ripened bananas. Inspired by the classic flavor profiles of American comfort food, this drink is elevated by a hint of warm cinnamon and a touch of Greek yogurt for a sophisticated tang. It’s the perfect high-protein breakfast or a decadent afternoon pick-me-up that feels like a milkshake but fuels like a meal.
🥗 Ingredients
The Creamy Base
- 2 large Frozen Bananas (peeled, sliced into rounds, and frozen solid)
- 1 1/2 cups Whole Milk or Unsweetened Almond Milk (very cold)
- 1/2 cup Full-fat Greek Yogurt (plain or vanilla flavored)
The Flavor Core
- 1/4 cup Natural Creamy Peanut Butter (drippy, salted variety works best)
- 1 tablespoon Pure Maple Syrup or Honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract (high quality)
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 pinch Fine Sea Salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon Chia Seeds (for added fiber and thickness)
Optional Toppings & Texture
- 1/2 cup Ice Cubes (only if bananas aren't fully frozen)
- 1 tablespoon Cacao Nibs or Dark Chocolate Chips (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Roasted Peanuts (crushed, for garnish)
- 4-5 pieces Fresh Banana Slices (for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Begin by chilling your serving glasses in the freezer for at least 5 minutes to ensure the smoothie stays frosty while you enjoy it.
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2
Place the liquid base into your high-speed blender first; pour in the 1 1/2 cups of milk followed by the 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt.
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3
Add the 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter directly into the center of the liquid to prevent it from sticking to the sides of the blender jar.
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4
Add the frozen banana rounds. Using frozen fruit is the secret to a thick, soft-serve-like consistency without diluting the flavor with too much ice.
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5
Measure and add the maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and that crucial pinch of sea salt.
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6
Sprinkle in the chia seeds last; these will hydrate slightly during the blending process and provide a wonderful nutritional boost.
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7
Secure the lid tightly and start the blender on its lowest speed setting.
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8
Gradually increase the speed to high. Blend for 45-60 seconds until the mixture looks completely smooth and no frozen fruit chunks remain.
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9
Stop the blender and check the consistency. If it is too thick, add another splash of milk; if it is too thin, add 2-3 ice cubes and blend again for 15 seconds.
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10
Taste the smoothie. If you prefer it sweeter, add an extra teaspoon of maple syrup and pulse once to combine.
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11
Pour the smoothie into your chilled glasses, leaving a little room at the top for garnishes.
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12
Garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon, a few fresh banana slices, a sprinkle of cacao nibs, and the crushed roasted peanuts for a delightful crunch.
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13
Serve immediately with a wide-mouth straw and enjoy the perfect balance of salty and sweet.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use overripe bananas for freezing; the more brown spots they have, the sweeter and more flavorful your smoothie will be. To freeze bananas properly, peel them first, slice them, and freeze them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray before transferring to a bag. If you are using a natural peanut butter that is very stiff, microwave it for 10 seconds to soften it before adding it to the blender. Avoid adding ice unless absolutely necessary, as it can make the smoothie taste watery rather than creamy. For a protein boost, you can add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate whey protein powder without compromising the flavor profile.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair this smoothie with a couple of hard-boiled eggs for a complete, high-protein breakfast. Serve alongside a bowl of fresh seasonal berries to provide a tart contrast to the rich peanut butter. For a 'dessert' feel, top with a dollop of whipped coconut cream and a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. Enjoy as a post-workout recovery drink to replenish potassium and provide muscle-repairing protein. Serve in a bowl instead of a glass and top with granola and hemp seeds to transform it into a 'Smoothie Bowl'.