A Banana Milkshake is a creamy, sweet, and refreshing drink that blends ripe bananas with milk and ice cream (or frozen bananas) for a cool treat I can enjoy any time of day. Whether I’m having it for breakfast, dessert, or a quick energy boost, this shake is one of the easiest and tastiest ways to enjoy bananas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s super simple and ready in minutes. The bananas make it naturally sweet and thick, and I can easily customize it with different mix-ins or flavors. It’s a great way to use up overripe bananas, and it always feels like a treat—even though it’s made with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Ripe bananas (the riper, the sweeter)
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Cold milk (any kind—dairy or plant-based)
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Vanilla ice cream or frozen banana slices (for creaminess)
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Honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
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Vanilla extract (optional)
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Ice cubes (if I want it colder or thicker)
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Optional toppings: whipped cream, cinnamon, chocolate chips, or banana slices
Directions
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I peel and slice the bananas and add them to a blender.
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I pour in the milk and add ice cream or frozen banana slices.
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I add honey and vanilla extract if I want a sweeter or more flavorful shake.
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I blend until smooth and creamy—about 30 seconds.
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I pour it into a glass and top it with any extras I like, then serve right away.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 2 servings and takes just 5 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
Sometimes I add peanut butter or almond butter for a richer, more filling shake. I’ve also blended in a scoop of cocoa powder for a chocolate-banana version or a dash of cinnamon for a cozy twist. If I’m looking for a lighter option, I use unsweetened almond milk and skip the ice cream.
Storage/reheating
Banana milkshakes are best enjoyed fresh, right after blending. If I need to store it, I keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but I give it a good shake or re-blend before drinking. I don’t reheat milkshakes—cold is the way to go.
FAQs
Can I make it without ice cream?
Yes. I freeze banana slices and blend them with milk for a creamy texture without the ice cream.
What milk works best?
Any kind—whole milk gives it richness, while almond, oat, or soy milk make great dairy-free versions.
How do I make it thicker?
I use frozen bananas or add more ice cream. A few ice cubes also help with thickness.
Can I add protein?
Yes. I add a scoop of protein powder or a spoonful of nut butter for extra nutrition.
Can I make it sugar-free?
Definitely. If the bananas are ripe enough, I usually don’t need any added sweetener at all.
Conclusion
This Banana Milkshake is a creamy, classic favorite that’s quick to make and endlessly customizable. Whether I’m cooling down on a hot day or just craving something smooth and sweet, this shake always hits the spot. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for banana lovers like me.
Banana Milkshake
- Author: Olivia
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Drinks, Smoothie
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Banana Milkshake is a creamy, naturally sweet drink made with ripe bananas, milk, and ice cream or frozen bananas. It’s a quick, refreshing treat perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream or frozen banana slices
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 4–6 ice cubes (optional, for thickness)
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, cinnamon, chocolate chips, banana slices
Instructions
- Peel and slice the bananas and add them to a blender.
- Pour in the milk and add the ice cream or frozen banana slices.
- Add honey and vanilla extract, if using, and a few ice cubes for extra thickness.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds.
- Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream, cinnamon, or other toppings if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use frozen bananas for a thicker, creamier shake without ice cream.
- Add nut butter or protein powder for an energy boost.
- Use plant-based milk for a vegan version.
- Skip sweeteners if bananas are very ripe.
- Best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in the fridge up to 24 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
