Description
This Vanilla Cinnamon Banana Smoothie is a quick, creamy, and naturally sweet beverage perfect for breakfast, a refreshing snack, or post-workout refuel. Made with ripe or frozen bananas, almond milk, warming cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla and maple syrup, it’s a wholesome, nutrient-packed treat with optional additions like oats and chia seeds for extra texture and nutrition.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, preferably frozen
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or preferred milk)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Flavorings and Sweeteners
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey, to taste)
Optional Additions
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (or flax seeds)
- A handful of ice cubes (if using fresh bananas or preferred extra frostiness)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Bananas: If using fresh bananas, peel and break them into 2-3 pieces each for easier blending. For the best creamy texture, frozen bananas are highly recommended. Look for ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum natural sweetness.
- Measure Out All Your Liquid Ingredients: Measure 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk (or your milk of choice) and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Having liquids pre-measured helps ensure a smooth and quick blending process. Add the liquid first to the blender carafe.
- Assemble Your Dry Flavorings and Sweeteners: Get your 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup (or honey) ready. If using optional additions like rolled oats, chia seeds, or flax seeds, have them measured out as well.
- Load Your Blender Smartly: For perfect consistency, load your blender in this order: First, pour in the 1 cup of almond milk. Next, add the 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Then, sprinkle in the 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and any optional additions like oats or seeds. Finally, add the 2 frozen banana pieces and any optional ice cubes. This layering ensures efficient blending.
- Begin Blending: Secure the lid tightly on your blender. Start blending on a low speed initially to break down frozen ingredients without straining the motor. Gently pulse if needed to get things moving.
- Gradually Increase Speed and Use a Tamper: Once ingredients start to break down, gradually increase the blender speed to medium, then to high. If your blender has a tamper, use it to push down ingredients towards the blades, ensuring even incorporation. Avoid adding more liquid unless absolutely necessary.
- Blend Until Perfectly Smooth and Creamy: Continue blending on high speed for about 60-90 seconds, until the smoothie reaches a perfectly smooth, creamy, and uniform consistency with no visible lumps. The texture should be thick enough to coat a spoon but still pourable. If too thick, add a tiny splash (1-4 tablespoons) of milk and re-blend. If too thin, add more frozen banana or a tablespoon of chia seeds.
- Pour and Serve Immediately: Once glorious and velvety smooth, carefully remove the lid and pour your Vanilla Cinnamon Banana Smoothie into your favorite glass or smoothie jar. Enjoy the enticing aroma and rich texture.
- Optional Garnishes for a Touch of Elegance: For an extra special touch, dust the top with an additional sprinkle of ground cinnamon, or adorn the glass with a thin slice of fresh banana or a small sprig of mint. Garnishing enhances the overall sensory experience.
- Sip and Savor Your Creation: Take a moment to truly appreciate your freshly made Vanilla Cinnamon Banana Smoothie. Savor every sip of this naturally sweet, incredibly satisfying, and wholesome treat. It’s perfect as a quick breakfast, a revitalizing snack, or a post-workout refuel.
- Cleaning Up (A Quick Tip): To make clean-up a breeze, immediately after pouring, rinse your blender carafe and lid with warm water. For stubborn residue, add a drop of dish soap and some warm water to the blender, secure the lid, and run it on high for 15-30 seconds to self-clean.
Notes
- Frozen bananas create a creamier, colder smoothie—perfect for texture.
- Adjust maple syrup or honey quantity to taste based on your preferred sweetness.
- The addition of rolled oats and chia seeds boosts fiber and makes the smoothie more filling.
- Use unsweetened almond milk to keep calorie and sugar content low; substitute with other milk types as preferred.
- Add ice cubes only if using fresh bananas or you want extra chill and frothiness.
- Clean your blender promptly to prevent sticky residue buildup and simplify washing.
