One serving of this banana shake is going to boost your energy levels and keep you going through the busy mornings.
About
Banana shake is basically a sweetened drink made by blending ripe bananas, milk, ice cream, flavorings and a sweetener. There are different kinds of banana milkshakes made across the world with varying ingredients like ice cream, whey powder, protein powder, whipping cream, dry milk etc. Let us reserve all these processed ingredients for a special occasion when you want to indulge in a dessert drink. Instead try out my simplest and healthy recipe to make all-natural banana shake at home. If you prefer to limit fancy processed ingredients in your daily diet, I am sure you will love this. My mom, a fitness freak always made our milkshakes with lots of nuts, dates and other kinds of dried fruits. Apart from adding protein, vitamins and minerals, these ingredients also add healthy fats to the shake. So this recipe is the way my mom would make for us. With so many good things in one shake, this makes for a great energy boosting drink for all age groups including toddlers and kids. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medicine system advises not to combine fruits and dairy as they make an incompatible combination. It is believed that consumption of these combinations can disrupt the healthy digestive system in the long run. I have grown up with all these beliefs so we use vegan milk for our banana shake & all other shakes as well. However this is just our way of making banana shake as a refreshment. If you want to make an ice cream shop style shake then simply add ice cream instead of the nuts & water/milk in the recipe. I have the details below and in the recipe card. In this post I have shown 2 ways to make banana shake.
How to make banana shake (stepwise photos)
- Add 2 ripe bananas. Here I have also added 20 to 24 cashews for a protein boost. You may skip them if you don’t prefer or add 6 scoops of vanilla ice cream instead. Cashews give a more rich and creamy consistency to your banana shake. Also you can optionally soak them for 3 to 4 hours for health benefits.
- You may skip this step if using ice cream. Add sugar or honey as per your taste. 2 tbsps is a good amount. I used 4 pitted dates instead of sugar. Just note that adding too many dates can alter the color of your shake. Also add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or ¼ tsp cardamom powder.
- I also add 1 tsp vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Pour 1½ cups chilled milk. If using ice cream you will need only half a cup of milk. I used this homemade almond milk here. You can also use coconut milk.
- Blend everything to smooth shake. You may add more milk if you prefer to thin down or add more bananas to thicken. Pour banana shake to serving glasses immediately and serve.
How to make banana milkshake with almonds
Years ago we stopped using store bought vegan milk and moved on to making our own at home. To make this banana shake, I do not blend and extract the milk from the nut pulp but instead add the nuts to the blender and make the milk. Then simply add the fruit and flavoring ingredients. Blend it to a smooth, rich and creamy shake.
- If using regular milk, then boil, cool and chill in the fridge. According to ayurveda boiled milk is easier to digest.
- I make almond milk instead of using regular milk. So I wash and soak the almonds for 4 to 6 hours. However you can skip and just add them directly to the blender.
- Peel off the skin. If well soaked the peels just come off easily.
- Give the nuts a good rinse.
- Add them to the blender.
- Add the sweetener. I added 2 dates. Do add as needed.
- Pour chilled water or milk. You can also use coconut milk.
- I added vanilla extract. Cinnamon powder goes well during winters and cardamom powder during summers.
- Blend until the nuts are smoothly blended and you have frothy milk.
- Add bananas. Break them to 2 to 3 parts.
- Blend until smooth and frothy. Serve banana milkshake immediately. More similar recipesLassi RecipeDry fruits milkshakeCarrot milkshakeApple milkshakeChocolate shake
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