If you grew up in a household like mine, a banana milkshake wasn’t just a drink — it was an experience. My grandmother used to make it as a quick after-school treat, and the scent of banana, vanilla, and just a hint of cinnamon still takes me right back to those warm kitchen moments.
This easy banana milkshake is creamy, satisfying, and packed with wholesome banana flavor. Whether you’re whipping it up as a breakfast boost, a post-workout cool-down, or a fun drink for a summer barbecue, it’s one of those simple pleasures that never goes out of style.
Best part? You only need a few ingredients, a blender, and 5 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Banana Milkshake
- 🍌 Banana-rich flavor – Made with real ripe bananas for natural sweetness and creaminess
- 🕒 Quick to make – Just 5 ingredients and less than 10 minutes
- ❄️ Perfect for any time of year – Refreshing in summer, comforting in winter
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly – A hit with kids and adults alike
- 🌱 Easily customizable – Make it dairy-free, protein-packed, or even a dessert-style shake
Ingredients (Serves 7)
- 7 medium ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
- 3 cups (720ml) milk — dairy or plant-based (almond, oat, soy, etc.)
- 3 cups vanilla ice cream (or frozen yogurt for a lighter option)
- 3 tbsp white sugar (adjust to taste or substitute with honey, maple syrup, or stevia)
- ¾ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for warm depth of flavor)
- 21 large ice cubes (3 per serving)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 tsp vanilla extract for a richer flavor
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 3 tbsp peanut butter for protein boost
- ¼ cup oats for a more filling shake
- Protein powder for fitness-focused versions
Equipment Needed
- Blender (high-powered is best for ice and frozen ingredients)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chilled glasses for serving
How to Make an Easy Banana Milkshake
ste.p 1
- Peel and slice bananas. For a thicker shake, freeze the banana slices for 30 minutes before blending.
ste.p 2
- In a large blender, add:
- Bananas
- Milk
- Ice cream
- Sugar
- Cinnamon
- Ice cubes
- Blend on high for 30–60 seconds until smooth and frothy. Scrape down sides if needed.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
- Taste your milkshake. Add more sugar for sweetness, more milk to thin it out, or more banana/ice cream for richness.
Step 4: Serve Immediately
- Pour into chilled glasses and serve with a straw.
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, banana slices, drizzle of honey, cinnamon dusting.
Tips for the Best Banana Milkshake
- Use ripe bananas – The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful the shake.
- Pre-freeze bananas – This helps thicken your shake without needing too much ice.
- Add ice last – This keeps your blender from overworking and gives you a smoother texture.
- Balance sweetness – If your bananas are super ripe, you may not need any added sugar at all.
Variations and Flavor Ideas
1. Chocolate Banana Milkshake
- Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder or chocolate syrup for a classic twist.
2. Strawberry Banana Milkshake
- Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries.
3. Peanut Butter Banana Shake
- Add ¼ cup of creamy peanut butter and a pinch of sea salt.
4. Vegan Banana Milkshake
- Use dairy-free milk (like almond or oat) and swap ice cream for frozen bananas or vegan ice cream.
5. Breakfast Shake
- Add oats, flaxseed, or protein powder for a meal-on-the-go.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make ahead: Blend and store in an airtight bottle or jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze in popsicle molds for banana milkshake ice pops!
- Avoid browning: Add a splash of lemon juice if you plan to store for more than a few hours — it helps preserve the banana color.
When to Serve Easy Banana Milkshake
- Breakfast or Brunch – Pair with pancakes or granola for a hearty meal.
- Afternoon Snack – Great energy booster for kids and adults.
- Dessert – Serve with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle for a milkshake bar experience.
- After Workout – Add protein and blend with unsweetened almond milk for recovery fuel.
Nutritional Boost (Optional)
- Oats: Fiber and texture
- Chia seeds: Omega-3s and protein
- Spinach: A handful blends in without affecting taste
- Greek yogurt: Extra protein and tang
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without ice cream?
Yes! Use frozen banana slices and a bit more milk for a creamy, smoothie-like texture.
What milk works best?
Whole milk makes it extra creamy, but almond, oat, or soy milk all work well for different dietary needs.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Absolutely. The bananas add plenty of natural sweetness — feel free to skip or reduce added sugar entirely.
Can I make this milkshake ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served fresh. If storing, keep it sealed and chilled, and shake well before drinking.