This creamy, protein-packed smoothie is made with a frozen banana, a combination of regular and powdered peanut butter, vanilla protein powder, and unsweetened almond milk. It’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup and finished with a pinch of salt and ice to create a thick, indulgent texture. I love making this for breakfast, a quick snack, or after a workout when I want something delicious that also supports my fitness goals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how this smoothie combines rich, nutty flavor with a cold, creamy texture that feels like a treat but delivers serious protein. It’s incredibly easy to throw together in minutes, and it keeps me full and energized for hours. The mix of peanut butter and banana is a classic combo I never get tired of, and the added protein makes it ideal for building and repairing muscle after exercise.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ½ small frozen banana – for natural sweetness and thick texture

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk – a light, dairy-free base that keeps it smooth

• 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter – adds healthy fats and rich flavor

• 2 tablespoons powdered peanut butter – for peanut flavor with less fat

• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder – boosts protein content and gives a sweet base note

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (sugar-free or regular) – enhances the natural sweetness

• Pinch of salt – balances flavors and sharpens the peanut butter taste

• 4 to 6 large ice cubes – chills and thickens the smoothie

Directions

1. Add the frozen banana, almond milk, peanut butter, powdered peanut butter, protein powder, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt to a high-speed blender.

2. Top with the ice cubes.

3. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

4. If the smoothie is too thick, I add a splash more almond milk. If I want it thicker, I toss in a few more ice cubes.

5. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

Servings And Timing

• Servings: 1

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Total Time: 5 minutes

Variations

• To make this smoothie vegan, I swap the whey protein powder for a plant-based protein.

• I sometimes use oat milk or cashew milk instead of almond milk for a different flavor.

• When I don’t have maple syrup, I skip it entirely or use honey or a stevia-based sweetener.

• Adding a tablespoon of chia or flaxseed gives a fiber and omega-3 boost.

• For a green smoothie twist, I toss in a small handful of baby spinach or kale—it blends in smoothly without changing the taste much.

Storage/Reheating

• I always drink this smoothie fresh for the best taste and texture.

• If I need to store it, I keep it in a sealed mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

• Before drinking later, I shake or stir it well, as natural separation can occur.

• This smoothie is not suitable for reheating, since it’s meant to be enjoyed cold.

FAQs

Can I Make This Smoothie Without Powdered Peanut Butter?

Yes, I can substitute more regular peanut butter instead. However, this will increase the fat and calorie content, and the smoothie will have a thicker, richer texture.

Is It Okay To Use A Fresh Banana Instead Of Frozen?

Absolutely, but I’ve found that the smoothie ends up thinner and less creamy. Using a frozen banana gives it that milkshake-like consistency I really enjoy.

What Other Protein Powder Flavors Work With This Recipe?

I prefer vanilla because it pairs well with both banana and peanut butter, but chocolate protein powder also works if I want a deeper, richer flavor.

Can I Make A Larger Batch To Store For Later?

I can double or triple the ingredients to make multiple servings. I just keep in mind that the texture is best fresh, so I shake or re-blend it before drinking the next day.

What Can I Add To Boost Nutrition Even More?

I sometimes toss in spinach for extra greens, chia or flaxseeds for fiber, or even a few oats for a more filling breakfast smoothie.

Conclusion

This easy peanut butter banana protein smoothie is a perfect go-to when I need something quick, filling, and delicious. Whether I’m starting the day, recovering from a workout, or craving something sweet and healthy, this recipe hits the mark. I can tweak it in endless ways and always come back to it for that classic, comforting flavor combo of peanut butter and banana.