Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana

My youngest daughter discovered this combination during her gymnastics phase when she needed something substantial but quick between school and practice. She stood on her tiptoes at the counter measuring ingredients into our old blender, calling it her chocolate milkshake experiment. Now it is the requested birthday breakfast in our house, served in the fancy glasses we usually save for dinner parties.

Last summer my neighbor Sarah stopped by right as I was blending these up, and she looked at me like I had revealed a family secret when she tasted it. Her kids now request it every time they come over, and she texts me from the grocery store asking which cocoa powder I buy because apparently not all brands taste the same.

Ingredients

• 1 large ripe banana, peeled and sliced: Frozen bananas make this incredibly thick and creamy like a milkshake
• 1 cup milk of your choice: I use oat milk for extra creaminess but almond works beautifully too
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter: Natural peanut butter gives the best flavor but regular works fine
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: Dutch process cocoa makes it taste more like a chocolate bar
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Start with less if your bananas are very ripe
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: This little detail makes it taste bakery special
• 1/2 cup ice cubes: Skip these if using frozen banana

Instructions

Add everything to the blender:

Toss in your sliced banana, milk, peanut butter, cocoa powder, sweetener if using, vanilla, and ice cubes.

Blend until completely smooth:

Start on low speed to break up the banana pieces, then crank it to high for at least 30 seconds until there are no lumps.

Taste and adjust:

Give it a quick taste and add more sweetener or cocoa if it needs more chocolate intensity.

Serve immediately:

Pour into two glasses and drink right away while it is at its creamiest.

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This became my go to during late nursing nights when I needed something substantial but did not want to cook. There is something comforting about standing at the counter in pajamas, listening to the blender hum, knowing something warm and filling is just seconds away.

Making It Your Own

I started adding a scoop of protein powder after my brother mentioned he does it for post workout recovery. It completely transforms this into a meal replacement that keeps me full for hours, and the vanilla protein powder actually enhances the chocolate flavor.

Texture Secrets

The order you add ingredients matters more than I originally thought. I learned to put liquid in first so the blender does not get stuck, and it saves so much frustration when you do not have to stop and scrape down the sides with a spatula.

Storage Make Ahead

You can prep individual freezer bags with sliced bananas and portioned ingredients, then just dump in the blender with liquid when ready. These smoothie packs changed my morning routine completely.

• Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours though separation is natural
• Give it a quick stir or reblend if it has been sitting
• Freeze leftover smoothie in ice cube trays for later

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Sometimes the simplest recipes become the ones we reach for most often. This little blend of chocolate and peanut butter has gotten us through countless busy mornings and after school snack attacks.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use plant-based milk?

Yes, almond, oat, or other plant-based milks work well and maintain the creamy texture.

→ How can I make the blend thicker?

Use a frozen banana or add more ice cubes before blending for a thicker consistency.

→ Are there alternatives to peanut butter?

Cashew or almond butter can be used as substitutes for a different nutty flavor.

→ Is it possible to add protein?

Adding a scoop of chocolate or vanilla protein powder boosts the nutritional profile without overpowering flavor.

→ How should I adjust sweetness?

Honey or maple syrup can be added to taste, allowing customization of sweetness levels.