For some serious energy, super fast, blend up my Easy Energy Almond Butter Banana Smoothie. Though I hesitate to call this a smoothie because it tastes like a creamy, rich milkshake! Soyshake? Hempshake? Whatever you call it, the delicious taste and texture is undeniable.
Fresh Almond Butter. I made my smoothie with freshly ground Almond Butter from Whole Foods. Nothing beats fresh. And this recipe will give you something to do with those black-spotted ripe bananas on your counter – banana bread isn’t your only option. This cravable vegan smoothie recipe is super easy with only seven simple ingredients. Get it!….
Almond Butter Inspired. I was inspired to make this smoothie after I purchased fresh ground almond butter at Whole Foods Market. It was my first time using WF’s fresh almond butter grinder – grind it yourself in the store. Delicious! If you can find fresh almond butter you’ll be in for a real treat. But even a high quality bottled butter will be fine for this simple, delicious recipe.
Frozen Bananas. You will need two frozen bananas for this recipe. Be sure to freeze your bananas when they are very ripe – a few black spots. And be sure to slice your ripe bananas into quarters before freezing them, so that they will blend easily once used. A clunky, hard, whole frozen banana does not blend easily. Obviously, you will need to prepare for this recipe in advance – start freezing those bananas! Note: two ripe fresh bananas will not work in this recipe. The smoothie would be too mushy and gooey. You need frozen fruit.
Healthy Smoothie. This smoothie is a good source of vitamin E, fiber, protein and potassium. Plus it is packed with energy from healthy fats (from the almonds) and high quality carbohydrates (from the bananas, natural sweetener and non-dairy milk). Choose a well fortified non-dairy milk and you should be getting some healthy, essential vitamins like vitamin B12 and vitamin D. Plus those bananas are easy on your tummy, for some quickly digested energy. I tried this smoothie with both soy and hemp milk and was very impressed with the flavor and nutrient profile.
Easy Energy Almond Butter Banana Smoothie
vegan, serves 2
2 cups non-dairy milk, vanilla flavor
*soy or hemp pref’d
2 frozen bananas, ripe
2 Tbsp raw almond butter, not salted is pref’d
*fresh ground almond butter is best
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp agave or maple syrup
1 cup ice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
optional: a few dashes of cayenne
garnish: roasted almonds
Directions:
1. Place all ingredients in a high power blender like a Vitamix. Blend on high until smooth and thick.
2. Pour into glasses and garnish with roasted almonds.
*disclosure: This post contains a Vitamix affiliate link. Ready to buy the best blender ever? Get free shipping by using my link!
This looks absolutely dreamy! Thanks so much for the recipe–the vinegar addition is interesting!
Nora,
The apple cider vinegar cuts the rich flavors of the milk and almonds and banana. It adds a very subtle tart edge. You really can't taste it as 'vinegar' You will just taste a better smoothie. I love adding a tinge of acv to all my smoothies that are acid-free. I don't add it to smoothies containing citrus or tart berry flavors.
Kathy
…ps it is great in papaya-peach smoothies too…with an apple juice and soy milk base. Yum!
🙂 ~K
How delicious!! i have been craving almond butter lately and am going to try this as soon as I can!!! Looks so good and good for you 🙂
This looks seriously delicious! How can one go wrong with almond butter and bananas?
I can't wait to try this. I have fresh almonds… should I just run them through a food processor.
Pattie,
Gosh, I don't know how good your food proc. is, but if it can make those almonds into buttery cream – go ahead! I know a few grinding juicers that can make nut butters, but never a food processor.
But my food processor is pretty dinky. My juicer is a SuperAngel and does make nut butter though..
Anyways, let me know if it worked out deliciously!
~Kathy
I made it today! Delicious 🙂
Awesome Pattie. Glad it was delish.
Yum Yum Yum.
~K
I made this last night and it was AMAZING. Thanks so much!!!
Hi Kathy,
I just whipped this up this morning and I cannot tell you how delicious it is. This is a smoothie that I would make again and again. I think it is one of your best smoothie recipes, because it has only a few ingredients that most people already have at home, yet the taste is out of this world.
I am fully energized and ready to go out for a hike now!
Warmly,
Jessica
Thanks Jessica! What a great comment. I'm so glad you like it. I love it too..better than any dairy shake out there!!
~K
I'm addicted to smoothies and forever looking for new ones. I cannot wait to try this one! I always have a batch of frozen bananas ready and waiting in my freezer so this is perfect! I like Trader Joe's Almond Butter – never tried Whole Foods. Will have to!
I've now made this smoothie 3 days in a row – it's a keeper! (Guess I'm a creature of habit!) This morning I added a little bit of coconut milk (I had leftover in the fridge) and I love it both ways. I've also added a bit of water and put in some protein powder. But yes, I did use the apple cider vinegar and it gives it a little something special.
Thanks for the great recipe! My old strawberry banana blend was getting a little old..
Holmes~
I made it again today too! Love it. So simple, easy to drink and satisfying. And easy to get creative with, as you clearly did! So glad it banished your straw-banana boredom. I know the feeling!
Kathy
Made this today and my husband said that is awsome just like a milkshake. He who hates bananas, dieting, and all things labeled raw drank it up. Will be making more soon!
this is awesome! I switched the agave to dates, and today when I made it again I added blueberries. This might be the world's best smoothie.
Never been a fan of almond butter (I know, blasphemy!) but I might try peanut butter and almond milk. THAT sounds good!