This vegan banana bread smoothie is rich, creamy, and thick with a flavor reminiscent of banana bread batter, only better. In addition to its sheer deliciousness, this vegan banana bread smoothie packs a punch of digestion-friendly soluble fiber, cardio- and neuro-protective antioxidants, and feel-good vitamins + minerals.
I'm living in the shadows of a banana bread obsession. Or perhaps it's just a banana obsession in banana bread's clothes. Bananas have taken over my food choices and grocery list, and I've had little say in the matter other than, "gimme more". In the past few weeks alone, I've made: OSG's banana bread twice, banana pancakes, banana ice cream, and countless banana smoothies. This vegan banana bread smoothie came to be during a smoothie-making session at the peak of the banana craze, and I've been slurping it down ever since.
It's rich, creamy, and thick with a flavor reminiscent of banana bread, only better.
In addition to its sheer deliciousness, this vegan banana bread smoothie smoothie packs a punch of fiber, healthy fats, and feel-good vitamins + minerals. Here's a look at the rundown of the nutritional goodness tucked away in its interior:
Bananas
Bananas are one of the best mood-boosting foods thanks to their tryptophan and B6 content. How do these two positively affect mood? Carbohydrates (e.g., sweet bananas) allow the brain to absorb tryptophan, and B6 swoops in to help convert tryptophan to serotonin. There are few foods that I feel an instant energy and mood boost from but bananas are one of them.
Walnuts
Walnuts offer a boost of brain-balancing neuroprotective compounds, including vitamin e, omega-3 fatty acids, folate, and melatonin. So much so, in fact, that walnuts are considered to be one of the ultimate brain foods. An aptly identified perk considering their brain-like shape, wouldn't you say? Walnuts also boast a nice amount of plant-powered protein, polyunsaturated fats, and polyphenols, the last of which appear to play a role in the prevention of degenerative diseases.
Oats
Oats lend a kick of soluble fiber, manganese, and biotin. In addition to the cholesterol-lowering benefits induced by their high fiber content (i.e., fiber removes cholesterol from the digestive system that could otherwise end up in the bloodstream), oats contain cardio-protective antioxidant compounds called avenanthramides that are entirely unique to them. A study conducted at Tufts University (published in The Journal of Nutrition)Â suggested that avenanthramides help prevent free radical damage, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Almond Butter
Natural almond butter is packed with monosaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), skin-boosting vitamin E, and energizing riboflavin (i.e., B2). In addition to almond butter's generous offering of healthy fats, it's also rich with fiber, plant protein, and antioxidants.
Medjool Dates
Affectionately referred to as "mother nature's candy", Medjool dates pack a rich, caramel-like sweetness. Lucky for us, their benefits extend far beyond their gooey delectability. Dates contain oodles of digestion-friendly soluble fiber as well as iron, selenium, magnesium, manganese, and potassium.
Now, to make this nutrient-rich smoothie, you'll add all of the above to a high-speed blender along with almond milk (or your plant-based milk of choice), a splash of vanilla, a dash of cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt.
Give it all a jaunt around the blender and then taste. If you prefer a cooler, slightly thinner smoothie, add a handful (or two) of ice cubes and blend again.
Finally, pour into two glasses, serve it up, and sip down all that dreamy, banana-y luxuriousness.
📖 Recipe
VEGAN BANANA BREAD SMOOTHIE
Ingredients
- 2 very ripe and speckled bananas, peeled, sliced, and frozen
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- ¼ cup old-fashioned rolled oats, soaked in boiling water for 10 minutes and drained
- ¼ cup raw walnuts
- 1 to 2 Medjool dates, pitted
- 1 tablespoon natural almond butter
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- â…› teaspoon fine sea salt
- Ice (if a cooler, thinner smoothie is desired)
Instructions
- To a high-speed blender, add the bananas, almond milk, oats, walnuts, dates (if using), almond butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and sea salt. Blend on high until smooth.
- Taste. If desired, add a handful (or two) of ice and blend again.
- Pour into two glasses. Top as desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
Karlie says
I am OBSESSED with OSG banana bread so I will for sure be making this <3
Ashley says
Me too! That banana bread is the best. Hope you enjoy it, Karlie! xo
Connie says
Also made OSG banana bread twice on Saturday mornings in the last month. Will be making this smoothie tonight - yum!
Ashley says
What a coincidence. Must be the winter weather—we're all craving bananas and comforting quick bread. Hope you enjoyed it, Connie!
Celeste Jackson says
It's funny that I used to dread when my bananas would turn brown and felt forced to make banana bread so I wouldn't waste them. I guess I thought of them being too sugary and I preferred them on the green side. NOW, I am wishing them to brownness mostly so I can make YOUR smoothies! How times change and our knowledge changes due to bloggers like you. Thank you for this recipe!
Casey the College Celiac says
Banana bread in SMOOTHIE form?!? Only the best combination ever!
Ashley says
Thanks, Casey! Hope you're doing well. Enjoy!
das says
It's funny that you don't publish comments that you don't like. As in the one I sent last week about this recipe being nothing new. das
Ashley says
Hi, Das. I hope you're doing well. I'm not sure to which comment you're referring, because this is the first one I've received from you on this post. For the record, my rule is to publish all comments, favorable or unfavorable, so long as the person is 1) respectful in their delivery (e.g., no profanity, personal attacks, etc.) and 2) honors their identity (i.e., first name and email address). I don't believe in screening comments that offer honest feedback, be that feedback positive or negative. If you commented and it didn't get approved, it was probably eaten by the spam filter. Unfortunately, there are hundreds of spam comments that come through each day, and I'm not able to screen them to ensure all of them are truly spam.
Thanks for your feedback on the smoothie. All the best.
Chip says
Made this today and it was delicious. With the Vitamix, I didn't even need to soak the oats. It really does taste like banana bread! Now I'm just wondering if I could add some greens next time.
Ashley says
So happy to hear you enjoyed it, Chip, and thank you for your notes. I bet you could sneak some baby spinach or even some kale in without affecting the flavor much! Happy sipping. :)
jen says
Really delicious!
Onlyeatplants says
I was looking for a change from my regular banana peanut butter chocolate smoothie. This turns out to be really delicious, tasted like banana bread even if I forgot to soak the oats. Will for sure do it again. Thanks for sharing!
Ashley says
So glad you enjoyed it! Happy New Year!
Carly says
yum yum YUM this smoothie is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing your delicious creations. Also, your food photography is gorgeous!
Ashley says
Thank you, thank you, Carly! Happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks for taking a moment out of your day to come back and share your thoughts and rating. Means so much. :)
India Puryear says
Only had one banana, still made it and it was so easy and delicious! It’s a great breakfast because it is filling and held me over until lunchtime. I usually have to tweak recipes but this was perfect. I am adding this to my fave smoothies. Thank you!
Ashley says
So happy to hear you're enjoying the recipe, India! Thanks for taking time out of your day to come back and share your thoughts and rating—means so much. :)