If you’re looking for a simple yet satisfying way to fuel your day, this banana protein shake recipe is exactly what you need! Packed with over 30 grams of protein, creamy textures, and delicious flavors, this smoothie combines the goodness of bananas, vanilla protein powder, and peanut or almond butter to create a nutritious treat.
If you love making protein powder smoothies with banana then make sure to check out some of my other banana protein shake recipes. I've summarised all six of them. Although this one is definitely my favourite!
Some of my other favourite protein powder snacks or breakfast options also include my chocolate protein powder chia pudding or my mango protein powder chia pudding. Both are excellent options for meal prep and are excellent for those that want to follow a healthy high protein diet.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love this recipe!
- High in Protein: With a combination of soy milk, pea protein powder, and almond or peanut butter, it easily surpasses 30 grams of protein per serving.
- Naturally Sweetened: The banana and Medjool date provide natural sweetness, with no need for refined sugars.
- Customisable: You can easily adjust the sweetness, texture, and flavor to suit your preferences.
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen.
- Great Texture: With ice and a frozen banana, it’s thick, creamy, and reminiscent of a milkshake.
Ingredients Needed for a Banana Protein Shake
Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient and why it’s essential for this banana protein smoothie:
- Vanilla Pea Protein Powder (35g): This is the star ingredient that boosts the shake’s protein content to over 30 grams. Pea protein is plant-based, making it perfect for vegan diets.
- Banana: Adds natural sweetness, a creamy texture, and essential nutrients like potassium.
- Soy Milk (1 ¼ cups): A high-protein plant milk that keeps this shake dairy-free while providing a creamy base. Soy milk is key for reaching the protein target.
- Medjool Date: Naturally sweet and packed with fiber. Alternatively, you can use coconut sugar or maple syrup for sweetness.
- Almond Butter or Peanut Butter (1 tbsp): Adds richness, healthy fats, plant protein, and a touch of nuttiness.
- Ice: Gives the smoothie a chilled, milkshake-like texture.
- Cinnamon (optional): Adds warmth and depth to the flavor as well as a nice presentation.
How to Make a Banana Protein Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 scoop (35g) vanilla pea protein powder
- 1 banana
- 1 ¼ cup soy milk (or regular milk for non-dairy-free)
- 1 Medjool date (or substitute with 1-2 teaspoon coconut sugar or maple syrup)
- 1 tablespoon almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 handful of ice
- Cinnamon (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a glass and sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
- Enjoy immediately!
Tips and Tricks for Perfecting Your High Protein Banana Smoothie
- Use Frozen Bananas: They create a thicker, creamier texture. It is also easy to keep frozen banana's in the freezer.
- Don’t Skip the Ice: It gives the shake a milkshake-like consistency. However, If you are using a frozen banana, you can skip the ice.
- Blend Thoroughly: The smoother the blend, the creamier the shake.
- Stick to High-Protein Milk Options: Soy milk or regular dairy milk are ideal to achieve a 30g protein shake recipe. Almond, oat, or coconut milk will lower the protein content.
- Adjust Sweetness: Skip the date for a less sweet shake or replace it with maple syrup or coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor.
- Sprinkle Cinnamon: It enhances the flavor and adds to the sweetness of the shake.
Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Protein Shakes
Yes, it’s completely plant-based if you use soy milk and pea protein powder.
Absolutely! You can use whey, rice, or hemp protein powder. I recommend that you use your favourite protein powder. I have a vanilla pea protein powder that I'm obsessed with. It makes this recipe taste amazing!!
Blenders are an essential tool to whip up your high-protein shakes with ease. It’s important to find a blender that meets the needs of your lifestyle and can make the perfect smoothie – not too thin or too thick! Pay attention to brands, noise level, and durability when selecting your blender. Additionally, consider buying accessories such as travel cups or lids. All these factors will help make your protein shake experience successful and enjoyable.
Here are some brands that I recommend and have used myself:
The Nutribullet. This was my first blender and it is honestly one of the best budget high speed blenders. I used my Nutribullet for close to 10 years to make all of my smoothie recipes. This smoothie has minimal ingredients, thus making the Nutribullet is more than good enough
Vitamix. I recently upgraded to a Vitamix and it's smoothies are truly amazing. Incredibly smooth, no lumpy pieces, and no issue blending the thicker smoothies
The Phillips blender that came with my food processor. A basic blender, I find this works just fine!
Thats okay! Don't use frozen banana and the ingredients will blend much easier
Variations
- Chocolate Banana Protein Smoothie Peanut Butter: Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
- Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter instead of almond or peanut butter.
- Extra Protein Boost: Add 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making This Recipe
- Using Low-Protein Milk: To achieve a high-protein shake, use soy or dairy milk. Almond, coconut, or oat milk won’t meet the 30g protein target.
- Skipping the Ice: Ice contributes to the milkshake-like texture.
- Not Blending Enough: A short blend time can leave the shake lumpy rather than smooth and creamy.
- Adding Too Much Sweetener: The banana and date provide plenty of sweetness. as well as the protein powder. Make sure to adjust to your taste!
- Skipping the Nut Butter: It adds richness, flavor and an extra protein boost.
Let's Make A High Protein Banana Shake!
Enjoy this delicious, creamy, and satisfying banana protein shake as a quick breakfast, post-workout meal, or snack. It’s a simple way to enjoy a banana protein shake peanut butter recipe while staying healthy and energised!
Banana Protein Shake
Ingredients
- 1 banana
- 35 grams vanilla pea protein powder 1 scoop / 1 serving
- 1 tablespoon almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 Medjool date pitted
- 1¼ cup soy milk see blog notes for alternatives
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a glass and sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
- Enjoy immediately!
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