High-Protein Peanut Butter & Banana Smoothie Recipe

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 medium ripe bananas, frozen and chopped</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60g natural peanut butter (no added sugar)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">250ml unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">150g Greek yogurt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">30g vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp ground cinnamon</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp vanilla extract</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">6-8 ice cubes (optional, for extra thickness)</li> </ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Blender or food processor</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Measuring scales</li> </ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Prepare by freezing your bananas at least 4 hours ahead of time (ideally overnight). Peel and chop them into chunks before freezing. Frozen bananas create a creamier, ice cream-like texture in your smoothie without diluting the flavor like ice cubes can. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Add the frozen banana chunks to your blender. The order of ingredients matters – placing frozen items at the bottom near the blades helps create a vortex effect for smoother blending. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Add the peanut butter, Greek yogurt, almond milk, protein powder, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and sweetener (if using). The fat in the peanut butter helps your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins in the banana, while the protein powder and Greek yogurt provide a complete amino acid profile. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Blend on low speed for 10-15 seconds to break down the frozen banana, then increase to medium-high speed and blend for 45-60 seconds until completely smooth and creamy. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash more milk; if too thin, add a few ice cubes and blend again. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Pour into glasses and serve immediately. For a bakery-inspired presentation, drizzle a teaspoon of melted peanut butter around the inside of each glass before pouring in the smoothie. The smoothie is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours (though separation may occur – simply stir before drinking). </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> For a thicker, spoonable smoothie bowl version, reduce the milk by half and top with granola, sliced banana, and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for a delightful contrast of textures similar to a deconstructed peanut butter banana bread. </li> </ol>