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Home  ›  Recipes  ›  Course  ›  Breakfast  ›  Smoothies

Banana Protein Shake

See Recipe Review

Posted:

04/15/24

Updated:

09/10/24

By:

Ashley Walterhouse

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

This Banana Protein Shake is like drinking an old-fashioned banana milkshake, but healthy! It’s made with frozen bananas, yogurt, protein powder, nut butter, milk, warm spices, and vanilla. A high protein treat, great for post-workout fuel or on-the-go mornings. Gluten free and vegan friendly.

three banana protein shake glasses with cinnamon sticks, dripped almond butter and glass straws

  • Why You’ll Love This
  • Ingredients Overview
  • How to Make a Protein Shake
  • Serving Suggestions
  • How to Store
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Banana Protein Shake
  • More Homemade Protein Recipes You’ll Love

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If you love banana smoothies, try my Blueberry Banana Smoothie and Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie.

Why You’ll Love This

  • A creamy texture, healthy fats, healthy protein shake recipe.
  • Great way to increase your protein intake for your daily diet!
  • Enjoy as a nutritious breakfast or post-workout treat to get in all those essential nutrients.
  • Nutty and creamy, it’s one of the best protein shakes you’ll ever have!

Ingredients Overview

This banana protein shake recipe requires a handful of simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, fridge, and freezer. We will need:

  • frozen bananas chunks – I always have a zip top bag of frozen bananas in my fridge. They make a great protein shake addition, ingredient for banana smoothies, or healthy ice cream treat. If you only have fresh bananas, simply slice some ripe bananas, pop them on a baking sheet, and freeze for 1 hour, or until frozen. Or, add 1 cup of ice if short on time.
  • yogurt – I like plain Greek yogurt or Skyr yogurt for the extra thick texture and high protein content. You can use a plant-based yogurt like coconut yogurt or cashew yogurt, but the protein content will be lower.
  • protein powder – the best protein powder is the one you will enjoy. I like vanilla protein powder for extra flavor, but you can use plain or even chocolate protein powder with a little cocoa powder for a chocolate banana protein shake recipe. Use a vegan protein powder or plant-based protein powder if that is your preference.
  • nut butters – any one of your favorite nut butters will do. Use my almond butter recipe, my homemade cashew butter recipe, or peanut butter. For a nut-free version, go for sunflower seed butter or tahini.
  • sweetener – use raw honey, maple syrup, or a Medjool date to sweeten things up a bit. If you have less of a sweet tooth or prefer no added sugar, omit the sweetener altogether.
  • ground spices – a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and flavor.
  • vanilla extract – to compliment the banana flavors.
  • milk of choice – I like unsweetened cashew milk, but you can use any plant-based milk like unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, hemp milk, oat milk, cashew milk, or soy milk, or regular whole milk if not dairy-free.
equip protein powder graphic.

banana protein shake ingredients measured out with text labels over ingredients

Find the full detailed instructions with measurements in the recipe card below, at the end of this post.

How to Make a Protein Shake:

This healthy banana protein shake recipe takes less than 5 minutes to make.

1

Add Ingredients

Add all ingredients to a high powered blender.

overhead view of ingredients in blender for a protein shake recipe.

2

Blend and Drink Up!

Blend until smooth and no more chunks of bananas remain.

overhead view of blended protein shake in blender cup.

Serving Suggestions

This banana shake with protein powder is a great meal replacement to replace a serving a food when you are short on time or find yourself running out the door in the morning.

Because it is so high in protein, it also makes for the ideal post-workout fuel after a hard workout to keep your energy levels up for the rest of the day.

blender pouring a banana protein shake into glasses

How to Store

Leftover banana shake will keep for up to 1 day in the fridge, for best consistency, in a mason jar with a tight fitting lid or airtight container.

For best results, give it a quick whiz in the blender just before enjoying.

two banana protein shakes with glass straws, dripped with almond butter next to cinnamon sticks on wooden boards.

Recipe FAQs

Are banana protein shakes healthy?

A protein shake with bananas is a delicious and nutritious choice, especially in the morning or after a workout. The bananas provide natural sweetness and whole food nutrients while also supporting muscle recovery and digestion.

Are protein shakes good for weight loss?

Protein shakes are good for weight loss when used as a meal replacement technique to get in more protein and less processed carbs or sugar. As with all general nutrition advice, moderation is key.

Should you put bananas in your protein shakes?

Bananas are a delicious addition to protein shakes because they provide a rich, creamy consistency. Keep in mind, bananas are high in carbs and natural sugars, so you may want to substitute with a lower carb fruit if watching your blood sugar.

What is the best protein powder?

The protein powder you choose depends on many factors including taste, preferred source of protein, dietary goals (vegan, dairy free, etc), and price point, among others. Options include whey protein powder, brown rice protein, hemp protein, and so many more.

How to make protein shakes taste better?

I have found that adding a pinch of ground spices like cinnamon and nutmeg really enhances the flavor of a protein shake and takes away some of that chalky taste.

If you make this Banana Protein Shake recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating on the blog! I love hearing from you, and it helps others learn more about the recipe too. Xx Ashley

5 from 2 votes

Banana Protein Shake

Prep: 5 minutes minutes
Total: 5 minutes minutes
This Banana Protein Shake is like drinking an old-fashioned banana milkshake, but healthy! It’s made with frozen bananas, yogurt, protein powder, nut butter, milk, warm spices, and vanilla. Great for post-workout fuel or on-the-go mornings. High protein, gluten free, vegan friendly.
three banana protein shake glasses with cinnamon sticks, dripped almond butter and glass straws
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Author: Ashley Walterhouse
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Servings 2

Ingredients

  • 2 cups frozen banana chunks
  • 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt or Skyr
  • 2 servings vanilla protein powder
  • 1 tablespoon natural almond butter
  • 1/2 tablespoon raw honey
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, or sub vanilla bean powder
  • 1 cup unsweetened cashew milk, or milk of choice

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to blender, blend until smooth, taste test for consistency.
  • Add more milk if you’d prefer a thinner milkshake.
★ Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Recipe Notes:

SERVINGS – feel free to half recipe for one serving. 
BANANAS – I keep frozen banana chunks in freezer for smoothies. If you don’t have frozen bananas, you may use fresh bananas and add 1 cup of ice if you’d like a thicker texture. Adjust liquid to desired consistency.
YOGURT – feel free to use vanilla yogurt if you prefer a sweeter shake, just note that carb and sugar count will change.
PROTEIN POWDER –  Protein count will change depending on what you use. My favorite simple protein powder is Equip Foods. Use code FITMITTEN to save 15%.
STORAGE – leftover protein shake will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 days. Blend once more just before enjoying.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 smoothie, Calories: 250kcal (13%), Carbohydrates: 32g (11%), Protein: 20g (40%), Fat: 6g (9%), Saturated Fat: 3g (19%), Fiber: 3g (13%), Sugar: 18g (20%)
Like this?Leave a comment below!

More Homemade Protein Recipes You’ll Love:

  • Matcha Protein Shake
  • Chocolate Protein Bars
  • Homemade Rx Bars
  • Chocolate Cashew Protein Energy Balls

photography by Monica Le Stevens Photography

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About

Ashley Walterhouse

Ashley Walterhouse is the founder of Fit Mitten Kitchen, based in the Greater Lansing Area of Michigan, AKA “the Mitten.” Ashley grew up as a picky eater but later discovered that eating healthy was actually easy and fun. She started FMK in 2015 as a way to share her newfound love of developing healthier recipes for all to enjoy.
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5 from 2 votes

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Recipe Rating




25 responses

  1. Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut
    October 10, 2015

    5 stars
    This looks so yummy!! I’m definitely including this in my banana recipe round-up for Lifehack. Thanks for sharing in the Facebook group! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      October 10, 2015

      Yay! Thanks so much Amanda. You’re the best 🙂 Have a great weekend!!

      Reply
  2. Rachel Mansfield
    October 4, 2015

    5 stars
    THIS COMBO!!!! Kay definitely making this as my afternoon snack one day this week, sounds AMAZING!

    xx

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      October 4, 2015

      Thank you, Rachel! I hope you like it as much as I do 🙂

      Reply
  3. Heidi @ Food Doodles
    October 3, 2015

    Yummy! I so need to try this for my next protein shake. It looks awesome, love the nutmeg in it too 🙂

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      October 4, 2015

      Thanks, Heidi! I love nutmeg and always try to sneak it into cookies or muffins when I can 😉

      Reply
  4. Emilie @ Emilie Eats
    October 2, 2015

    Ashley, these pics are gorgeous! I’ll have to try this and sub the yogurt 🙂

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      October 2, 2015

      Aw, thanks Emilie! 🙂 Are you DF? Have you tried coconut yogurt? I’ve only had it a couple times but I remember it being pretty good! You could also always just leave it out entirely, won’t change the texture too much!

      Reply
  5. Kristin
    October 2, 2015

    As you describe the old milkshake blender I can picture my grandparents! This sounds really good, thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      October 2, 2015

      Thanks for stopping by, Kristin! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Chrissa – Physical Kitchness
    October 2, 2015

    OH YUM – Ashley, you’ve outdone yourself! This looks amazing! The combo in the title totally sucked me in. Can’t wait to try it. (Confession-when I delivered my son the first thing I asked for at the hospital was a chocolate milk shake)…. 😉

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      October 2, 2015

      HA! Chrissa I think we are twins. I will probably do the EXACT same thing 😀

      Reply
  7. Georgie
    September 29, 2015

    I used to LOVE milkshakes that came in those metal containers. Especially strawberry or banana. These photos are amazing Ashley. This looks so deeeelish! Totally pinning.

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      September 29, 2015

      Aw, thank you Georgie! <3

      Reply
  8. Beverley @ sweaty&fit
    September 29, 2015

    this is literally what i have every morning!! its healthy but tastes soo good! the only thing i’ve been missing are the spices – i will throw those in next time 🙂

    Reply
  9. Christina
    September 29, 2015

    ummm woooooah now this is amazing. i am making this as soon as my bananas are good to freeze! my granma used to take my sister and I to burger king (my parents have always been anti-fast food) to buy us Icees lol and I thought it was the holy grail

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      September 29, 2015

      Hahaha, grandparents are the best!!

      Reply
  10. Lauren | Just a Pinch
    September 29, 2015

    Ahhhhh THIS LOOKS SO GOOD. This reminds me of the Vanilla Bean frappucino from Starbucks. Can’t wait to remake this!

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      September 29, 2015

      Frappucino sounds so good right now. It is HUMID here today out East! I’m sure you’re enjoying the little humidity out in Seattle 😉

      Reply
  11. Jess @hellotofit
    September 28, 2015

    Giiiiirl you KNOW I love my sweets. ESPECIALLY ice cream!! My dad used to make – don’t judge – ice cream sandwiches using a croissant!! Haha. I bet this tastes so so delicious.

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      September 28, 2015

      Oh my gosh Jess that is amazing! Props to your dad! This is a judge-free zone up in her’ 😉

      Reply
  12. Dani @ Dani California Cooks
    September 28, 2015

    I still haven’t tried cashew milk!

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      September 28, 2015

      Oh it is my favorite!! I always reach for that over almond now!

      Reply
  13. Sam @ PancakeWarriors
    September 27, 2015

    oh yes, I do love a good protein shake that tastes just like dessert! I can’t get enough of the spices right now, and this is a great break from the pumpkin spice everything 🙂 Love this as a post workout shake! Pinning!

    Reply
    1. Ashley
      September 27, 2015

      You can never have too many dessert-like protein shakes in your arsenal! 🙂 Thanks, Sam!

      Reply

Hey there!

I’m Ashley – I started Fit Mitten Kitchen in 2015 to share healthier recipes. Here we balance real food with desserts and healthy snacks making life easy, nutritious and delicious.

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