Creamy Banana Milkshake

Creamy Banana Milkshake

This recipe makes a rich, thick, and refreshing banana milkshake, perfect for a treat or a quick snack.

Yields: 2 servings Prep time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2-3 ripe bananas (preferably frozen, for an extra thick and cold shake)
• 2 cups cold full-fat milk (or your preferred milk)
• 2-4 tablespoons granulated sugar, honey, or maple syrup (adjust to your sweetness preference and banana ripeness)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but highly recommended)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional, for added warmth)
• A pinch of salt (enhances flavor)
• 4-6 ice cubes (if not using frozen bananas, adjust for desired thickness)
• Whipped cream, for topping (as seen in the image)
• Extra banana slices, for garnish (as seen in the image)

Equipment:

• Blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving glasses
• Straws (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bananas: If using fresh bananas, peel them and break them into smaller pieces. If you want a really thick and cold shake like in the picture, it’s highly recommended to freeze your ripe bananas beforehand. To do this, peel and slice ripe bananas, then spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 2-3 hours, or until solid. Once frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for later use.
2. Combine Ingredients in Blender: Add the following ingredients into your blender:
   • The prepared banana pieces (frozen or fresh).
   • Cold milk.
   • Sweetener of your choice (sugar, honey, or maple syrup). Start with 2 tablespoons and add more later if needed.
   • Vanilla extract (if using).
   • Ground cinnamon or nutmeg (if using).
   • A pinch of salt.
   • Ice cubes (if not using frozen bananas).
3. Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid on your blender. Start blending on a low speed, then gradually increase to high. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no banana lumps remaining. You may need to stop the blender and scrape down the sides with a spatula a few times to ensure everything is incorporated.
4. Check Consistency and Sweetness:
   • Consistency: If the milkshake is too thick, add a little more milk (1 tablespoon at a time) and blend again until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can add a few more frozen banana pieces or ice cubes and blend again.
   • Sweetness: Taste the milkshake. If it’s not sweet enough for your liking, add another tablespoon or two of your chosen sweetener and blend briefly to incorporate.
5. Pour and Garnish: Pour the creamy banana milkshake into your serving glasses.
6. Add Toppings (Optional, but Recommended for the Look):
   • Generously top each milkshake with a dollop of whipped cream, as shown in the image.
   • Arrange a few fresh banana slices on top of the whipped cream for a beautiful presentation and extra banana flavor.
7. Serve Immediately: Serve your delicious banana milkshakes immediately with straws and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Banana Milkshake:

• Ripe Bananas are Key: Use very ripe bananas (those with brown spots) for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
• Frozen Bananas for Thickness: Freezing your bananas beforehand is the secret to a super thick, frosty milkshake without diluting the flavor with too much ice.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste as you go! The sweetness will depend on the ripeness of your bananas and your personal preference.
• Experiment with Flavors:
  • Chocolate Banana: Add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder or chocolate syrup.
  • Nutty Banana: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter for a protein boost and creamy texture.
  • Spice it Up: A pinch of cardamom or a tiny bit of ginger can also be interesting.
  • Healthy Boost: Add a scoop of protein powder, chia seeds, or flax seeds.
• Use Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold milk and frozen bananas/ice cubes will ensure a perfectly chilled milkshake.