Creamy Banana Colada Smoothie

Creamy Banana Colada Smoothie

Yields: 1 serving Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana, preferably frozen for a thicker smoothie
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or frozen
• 1/4 cup coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1-2 tablespoons shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, optional)
• Ice cubes (if using fresh banana and pineapple)
• Optional toppings: banana slices, shredded coconut, granola, a drizzle of honey or agave

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients: In a blender, combine the frozen banana, pineapple chunks, coconut cream (or coconut milk), pineapple juice, and shredded coconut (if using).
2. Blend until smooth: Blend all the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more pineapple juice or water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If you used fresh fruit, add a few ice cubes and blend again until the smoothie is chilled and smooth.
3. Pour and garnish: Pour the smoothie into a glass.
4. Add toppings (optional): Garnish with extra banana slices, a sprinkle of shredded coconut, granola, or a drizzle of honey or agave for added sweetness and visual appeal, as shown in the image.
5. Serve immediately: Enjoy your creamy and tropical Banana Colada Smoothie right away!

Notes:

• For a more intense coconut flavor, you can use coconut extract (start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to taste).
• If you don’t have coconut cream, using full-fat coconut milk that has been refrigerated overnight (and scooping out the thick cream from the top) works well.
• Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding a little honey, agave, or other sweetener to your preference.
• For a different twist, you could add a few chunks of mango to the smoothie for extra tropical flavor.
• If you want a thinner consistency, use more pineapple juice or add a bit of water or milk (dairy or non-dairy).