An ultra-thick and creamy smoothie, this classic banana peanut butter smoothie tastes just like a milkshake, but packed full of nutrition! Made with just 4 simple ingredients that you almost definitely have on hand! The perfect breakfast or snack smoothie.

I declare this the summer of smoothies! And no, not your average breakfast smoothie but the summer of afternoon pick-me-up smoothies! I’ve never been a non-breakfast smoothie eater before but now that we live in an area with full-blown summer (that sees temps above 80 degrees!) I’m down for anything that will cool me off. This classic banana peanut butter smoothie is no exception.

I’ll be honest, this recipe is for 1 person but I almost never make it for one. C and I have been enjoying their sweetness almost everyday in the afternoon so I generally double the recipe. I’m going to suggest you do the same, because trust me – your partner/kids/neighbor…really anyone….is going to want some.

Ingredients in a Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie

Bananas (fresh or frozen) – frozen bananas will make for a thicker smoothie and they’re also a great source of potassium.

Peanut Butter – Either chunky or creamy peanut butter works. Feel free to sub in any other kind of nut butter or seed butter.

Almond milk– or other non-dairy milk (like oat milk or coconut milk) or dairy milk

Ice – essential for that icy cold smoothie taste

Optional – chia seeds or ground flax for thickness and nutrition

You will also need a high-speed blender. I personally use a Vitamix and love it!

How to Thicken Your Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie

For a nice extra thick smoothie there’s a few things you can do:

Use Frozen Bananas: Peel and store your bananas in the freezer to give your banana peanut butter smoothie more of a milkshake consistency

Use Ice: This is baseline what you should use to thicken your smoothie, but especially if your fruit is not frozen!

Reduce your Liquid: If drinking this smoothie with a straw, stick to the 1/2 cup of liquid recommended. However if you prefer to turn this into a smoothie bowl, reduce liquid to a 1/4 cup. It may take a little extra to get the smoothie going in the blender but it will turn out nice and thick and you can eat it with a spoon!

Add ground flax seeds or chia seeds: both flax and chia are super absorbent so they help thicken up a smoothie. Plus they’re also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.

Substitutions and Add-Ins:

To give this peanut butter banana smoothie a veggie boost add a handful of spinach or kale (roughly 1-2 cups) to your blender. I promise you won’t be able to taste it!

Allergic to peanuts? Feel free to sub any other nut or seed butter

Want a chocolate peanut butter smoothie? Add 1 tbsp of cocoa powder to the mix.

For a caffeine boost, try freezing leftover coffee or cold-brew in an ice cube tray and use those in place of regular ice cubes

Get an extra dose of protein and flavor by adding a scoop of protein powder or a 1/2 cup of greek yogurt

Add extra fruit! Love berries? Mango? Sky’s the limit! Just add in another cup of fresh or frozen fruit and a couple extra tablespoons of liquid.

Make them popsicles! Add to ice pop molds and freeze for a summer smoothie ice pop!

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