Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large ripe banana (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (optional, for extra protein and creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
- 4-6 ice cubes (if using fresh banana; omit if using frozen)
- 1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt (enhances the chocolate-peanut butter flavor)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds or chia seeds
- Handful of fresh spinach
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cacao nibs for crunch
- Dash of cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients – If using a fresh banana, peel it and break it into chunks. If you have time, use a frozen banana for an extra thick, ice cream-like consistency. Measure out your peanut butter, cocoa powder, and other ingredients so everything is ready to blend.
- Add Liquids First – Pour your milk into the blender first. This helps the blender blades move freely and prevents ingredients from getting stuck at the bottom. If using Greek yogurt, add it now as well.
- Add Peanut Butter and Cocoa – Spoon in the peanut butter and cocoa powder. Adding these before the banana helps them incorporate more smoothly without clumping.
- Add Banana and Ice – Drop in your banana chunks and ice cubes (if using). If you’re adding any optional ingredients like protein powder, flax seeds, or spinach, add them now.
- Blend Until Smooth – Start blending on low speed, then gradually increase to high. Blend for 30-60 seconds until completely smooth and creamy. You shouldn’t see any banana chunks or cocoa powder specks.
- Check Consistency – Stop the blender and check the thickness. If it’s too thick, add 2-4 tablespoons more milk and blend briefly. If it’s too thin, add a few more ice cubes or another tablespoon of peanut butter.
- Taste and Adjust – Give it a quick taste. Add more sweetener if desired, or a pinch more cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor. Blend briefly to incorporate.
- Serve Immediately – Pour into a tall glass or mason jar. For a fun presentation, drizzle a little extra peanut butter on top and add a sprinkle of cacao nibs or a banana slice.
Notes
- Banana Ripeness Matters: The riper your banana (more brown spots), the sweeter your smoothie will be. Green or barely ripe bananas won’t provide enough natural sweetness.
- Peanut Butter Consistency: If your peanut butter is very thick or cold from the fridge, it may not blend as smoothly. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften.
- Making It Thicker: For a spoon-thick smoothie bowl consistency, use frozen banana, reduce milk to ¾ cup, and add extra Greek yogurt.
- Protein Powder Tips: If using protein powder, add it last and blend gently to avoid a chalky texture. Some protein powders thicken significantly, so you may need extra liquid.
- Avoiding Separation: Smoothies naturally separate as they sit. This is normal! Just give it a quick stir or shake before drinking if it’s been sitting for more than 5-10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 smoothie (16 oz)
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 8mg