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Almond Milk Smoothie Recipe with Banana and Protein

Refreshing, delicious, and simple to prepare, this Banana Almond Milk Smoothie is naturally sweet, luxuriously creamy, and ready in minutes. It’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and works well as a quick breakfast, a post-workout refuel, or an afternoon pick-me-up.

banana almond milk smoothie in glass with straw

Table of contents

  • What you’ll need
  • Instructions
  • Frequently asked questions
  • More smoothie recipes

I make smoothies almost every day. Whether it’s for breakfast, after a workout, or a midafternoon energy boost, having a few go-to combinations keeps mornings and busy afternoons simple and tasty. This Banana Almond Milk Smoothie quickly became a favorite—it balances natural sweetness with creamy almond flavor and takes just minutes to blend.

At the heart of the recipe are common pantry staples: almond milk and almond butter add a rich, nutty base while banana provides smooth texture and natural sweetness. A touch of honey and warming cinnamon round out the flavor, and hemp hearts add a subtle nutty protein boost. If you want more protein for recovery after exercise, stir in a scoop of your preferred plant-based protein powder.

Ingredients for almond milk smoothie

What you’ll need

  • Banana – fresh or frozen. Using a frozen banana makes the smoothie thicker and colder.
  • Almond butter – creamy almond butter gives a silky texture; crunchy works too if you prefer some texture.
  • Almond milk – plain unsweetened is ideal, but vanilla unsweetened almond milk adds a hint of sweetness.
  • Honey – swap for maple syrup to make the smoothie vegan.
  • Hemp hearts – optional, for plant-based protein. Chia or ground flaxseed are good alternatives.
  • Ground cinnamon – a little adds warmth and depth.
  • Ice cubes – or use frozen fruit for a thicker, fresher-tasting drink.
  • Blender – a good blender helps achieve a smooth, creamy texture quickly.

Instructions

  1. Add the banana, almond butter, almond milk, honey, hemp hearts, cinnamon, and ice to your blender.
  2. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting the almond milk to reach your preferred consistency.
  3. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately. If you used frozen banana or frozen fruit, you may not need any ice.
smoothie in glass with straw

Frequently asked questions

  • Can I freeze almond milk for smoothies? Freezing almond milk is not recommended because it often separates and changes texture once thawed, which can affect the smoothie’s creaminess.
  • How much almond milk should I use? Start with 1/2 cup almond milk for a thick smoothie. If you prefer a looser consistency, add more in small increments until you reach the desired texture.
  • Can I add other frozen fruit? Yes. For a banana-berry version, replace the ice with one cup of frozen strawberries or mixed berries. If you add sweet frozen fruit, you can omit the honey to reduce added sugars.
  • How can I make this vegan or higher in protein? Use maple syrup instead of honey to make the recipe vegan. To boost protein, add a scoop of plant-based protein powder or an extra tablespoon of hemp hearts, chia, or nut butter.
smoothie in glass with straw, sitting next to bananas

More smoothie recipes

Try these other smoothie ideas for variety and new flavor combinations:

  • Banana Date Shake
  • Superfood Green Smoothie
  • Heart-Healthy Fruit Smoothie
  • Vegan Avocado Smoothie Bowl
  • Acai Blackberry Smoothie

Banana Almond Milk Smoothie

Description: Refreshing and smooth, this Banana Almond Milk Smoothie blends banana, almond butter, and almond milk for a creamy, dairy-free treat. It’s quick to make, naturally sweet, and easily customized for breakfast, recovery, or a quick snack.

Servings: 1 smoothie
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
Author: Whitney Bond

Ingredients

  • 1 banana, peeled and diced (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons creamy almond butter
  • 1/2 cup plain unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
  • 1 tablespoon hemp hearts (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup ice cubes or 1 cup frozen fruit

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients in a blender.
  2. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, adjusting liquid as needed for your preferred consistency.
  3. Serve immediately. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few hemp hearts if desired.

Notes

  • Replace ice with one cup of frozen strawberries for a banana-berry variation.
  • To make the recipe vegan, swap honey for maple syrup.
  • Add plant-based protein powder to turn this into a post-workout recovery shake.
  • For a thicker smoothie, use a frozen banana or add less almond milk; for a thinner drink, add more almond milk.

Nutrition Facts (approximate)

Calories: 472 kcal; Carbohydrates: 53 g; Protein: 14 g; Fat: 26 g; Fiber: 8 g; Sugar: 33 g; Calcium: 282 mg; Potassium: 662 mg.