Smoothies are a fun way to start the day, and this delicious and ultra-creamy peanut butter banana smoothie could not be easier to make. With just six simple ingredients, this refreshing drink is packed with protein and vitamins, and comes together quickly in under five minutes giving your more time to lay in bed get your day started. Each glass contains an entire banana giving you a full serving of fruit, plus a dollop of creamy peanut butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a hint of vanilla, all blended with cold refreshing almond milk and a drizzle of honey for sweetness. Your taste buds may tell you that you’re drinking a rich and indulgent peanut butter banana milkshake, but they don’t have to know that in fact, you are enjoying a healthy and delicious breakfast.

Most smoothie recipes start with a handful of ice, but unless you own a powerful high-end blender, you will end up with crunchy bits of ice and a watery consistency. Instead, we like to freeze the bananas, resulting in a smoothie that is rich and creamy like the best milkshake but without the ice cream. This also makes a wonderful evening treat, just think of it as a dessert-with-benefits: just as satisfying, but with none of the guilt! You can easily freeze several bananas at once and store them for later, so a nutritious smoothie is never more than five minutes away.

While some smoothies use only a tablespoon or two of peanut butter, we use a generous amount that not only boosts the flavor and creaminess, but also adds more protein, fiber, vitamins, and healthy nut oils. The ground cinnamon also brings a boost of antioxidants as well as a warm comforting fragrance to this tasty shake. And feel free to add other ingredients if you would like: a handful of spinach, ground flax seeds, or cocoa powder all work perfectly, or get creative with other ideas! Perfect for a relaxing morning or a nutritious breakfast on-the-go, this quick and easy protein-packed shake is irresistibly delicious!

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
makes 2 large servings

2 bananas, sliced (about 8 ounces)
2 cups almond milk
1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Place the banana slices in a resealable plastic bag, and freeze for a few hours.

Once frozen, place the banana slices in a blender, add the remaining ingredients, and blend until smooth. Top with a pinch of cinnamon if desired, and enjoy!

note:
— To make this vegan, omit the honey and instead use another sweetener such as maple or agave syrup.