If you’re craving something cool, creamy, and fruity that comes together in just a few minutes, this Creamy Strawberry Banana Smoothie is exactly what you need. It’s the perfect blend of sweet strawberries, ripe banana, and just enough creaminess to feel like a treat while still being totally approachable for busy mornings.
This smoothie works beautifully as a quick breakfast on the go, a refreshing afternoon snack, or even a light dessert when you’re in the mood for something sweet but not heavy. You can easily customize it to be dairy-free, extra protein-packed, or kid-friendly, making it a staple recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
With simple ingredients from your fridge and freezer, this Creamy Strawberry Banana Smoothie gives you that café-style smoothie shop flavor without ever leaving your kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
This smoothie keeps things simple and familiar, but a few smart ingredient choices make it extra creamy, flavorful, and satisfying. Here’s what goes into it and how you can easily tweak it to match what you have on hand.
Frozen strawberries: Frozen strawberries give the smoothie a thick, frosty texture and bright berry flavor. If you only have fresh strawberries, add a handful of ice cubes to help chill and thicken the smoothie.
Ripe banana: A ripe banana adds natural sweetness and creaminess without needing much added sugar. For an even thicker texture, slice and freeze the banana ahead of time. If you’re not a banana fan, you can reduce the amount or swap part of it for frozen mango or peaches.
Greek yogurt: Plain or vanilla Greek yogurt makes the smoothie rich and creamy while adding protein to keep you full longer. You can use regular yogurt instead, or swap for a dairy-free yogurt if you’re avoiding dairy.
Milk: Any milk works here—whole, 2%, skim, or your favorite plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy. Choose what you enjoy and have in the fridge. For an ultra-creamy smoothie, whole milk or oat milk are great options.
Honey or maple syrup: Just a drizzle helps balance the tanginess of the yogurt and the berries, especially if your fruit isn’t very sweet. Use honey, maple syrup, or agave, or skip it entirely if your banana is very ripe.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors and gives the smoothie a dessert-like aroma. It’s optional, but adds a cozy, homemade touch.
Ice cubes (optional): If you like your smoothie extra thick and frosty, a few ice cubes will help. This is especially helpful if you’re using mostly fresh fruit instead of frozen.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Blender (high-speed is ideal, but any standard blender works)
- Measuring cups and measuring spoons
- Cutting board and knife (for slicing banana or prepping fresh fruit)
- Spatula or spoon to scrape down the sides of the blender
- 2 tall glasses or smoothie jars for serving
- Straws or reusable smoothie straws (optional but fun)
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein boost: Add a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder to turn this smoothie into a more filling breakfast or post-workout drink.
- Green smoothie twist: Toss in a small handful of baby spinach or kale. The color will change, but the strawberry banana flavors will still shine through.
- Chocolate strawberry version: Add 1–2 tablespoons of cocoa powder or chocolate protein powder for a chocolate-covered strawberry vibe.
- Tropical flair: Swap part of the strawberries for frozen pineapple or mango for a brighter, more tropical flavor.
- Nutty richness: Blend in 1–2 tablespoons of peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
- Extra fiber and crunch: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds, ground flaxseed, or rolled oats to make the smoothie more satisfying.
- Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free yogurt and plant-based milk to keep the smoothie completely vegan.
How to Make Creamy Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 medium ripe banana (fresh or frozen, sliced)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 3/4 to 1 cup milk of your choice
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 3–4 ice cubes (optional, for extra thickness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Creamy Strawberry Banana Smoothie comes together very quickly. You’ll need about 5 minutes to gather and measure your ingredients, plus another 1–2 minutes for blending. In less than 10 minutes total, you’ll be sipping a cold, refreshing smoothie. Cleanup is easy too—a quick rinse of the blender and you’re done.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Add the liquids and yogurt first
Pour the milk into the blender, then add the Greek yogurt. Starting with the liquids and softer ingredients at the bottom helps the blender blades move more easily and creates a smoother blend, especially if you’re using frozen fruit.
2. Layer in the fruit and sweetener
Add the frozen strawberries and sliced banana on top of the yogurt. If you’re using honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract, drizzle them over the fruit. This layering helps everything blend evenly without overworking the blender.
3. Add optional ice and any extras
If you like your smoothie extra thick and frosty, add a few ice cubes. This is also the time to add any extras like protein powder, chia seeds, or nut butter. Place them on top of the fruit so they blend in smoothly.
4. Blend until smooth and creamy
Secure the lid and start blending on low speed, gradually increasing to high. Blend for about 45–60 seconds, or until the mixture looks completely smooth and creamy with no large chunks of fruit remaining. If the smoothie seems too thick, add a splash more milk and blend again. If it’s too thin, add a bit more frozen fruit or a few extra ice cubes.
5. Taste and adjust, then serve
Give the smoothie a quick taste. If you’d like it sweeter, add a bit more honey or maple syrup and blend again for a few seconds. Once you’re happy with the flavor and texture, pour the smoothie into glasses, add straws if you like, and enjoy immediately while it’s cold and creamy.
Pro Tips for Best Texture & Taste
A few simple tricks can make the difference between a good smoothie and one that you’ll want to make every single week. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.
- Use at least one frozen fruit: Keeping either the strawberries or the banana frozen is the key to a thick, milkshake-like texture without needing a lot of ice.
- Adjust thickness with milk or ice: If your smoothie is too thick, add milk a little at a time. If it’s too thin, blend in a few extra frozen berries or ice cubes.
- Choose a ripe banana: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your smoothie will be, which means you may not need much added sweetener.
- Blend in stages if needed: If your blender struggles with frozen fruit, pulse a few times first or blend the liquids and yogurt alone before adding the fruit.
- Serve right away: Smoothies are best enjoyed fresh. If they sit too long, the texture can thin out as the frozen ingredients melt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Creamy Strawberry Banana Smoothie dairy-free?
Yes, it’s very easy to make this smoothie dairy-free. Simply use a plant-based yogurt (such as coconut or almond yogurt) and your favorite non-dairy milk like almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk. The texture will still be creamy, and the strawberry banana flavor will shine through.
How can I make this smoothie more filling for breakfast?
To turn this into a more substantial breakfast, add a scoop of protein powder, a tablespoon of nut butter, or 2–3 tablespoons of rolled oats before blending. These additions add protein, healthy fats, and fiber, helping keep you satisfied for longer.
Can I prepare this smoothie ahead of time?
This smoothie is best enjoyed right after blending, but you can prep it ahead in a couple of ways. One option is to portion the fruit into freezer-safe bags or containers, then just add yogurt and milk when you’re ready to blend. You can also blend the smoothie and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, giving it a quick shake or stir before drinking, though the texture may be slightly thinner.
Can I freeze leftover smoothie?
If you have leftovers, you can pour the smoothie into an ice cube tray or popsicle molds and freeze it. Blend the frozen cubes later with a splash of milk for a quick, slushy-style smoothie, or enjoy it as a frozen treat on warm days.