Banana Shake
A thick, creamy banana shake blended with milk, vanilla ice cream, and honey. Make it in 5 minutes for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
By TastyTrails Kitchen ยท Published ยท Updated
Jump to RecipeBanana shake is a simple blended drink made with ripe bananas, milk, and something creamy for body. This version is in the classic American diner-style mold, with vanilla ice cream for a thicker texture and a little honey for extra sweetness.
What makes it work is using very ripe bananas, blending just until smooth, and adjusting the thickness with a few ice cubes only if needed. If your bananas are especially sweet, you can reduce the honey or leave it out entirely.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, peeled and broken into chunks
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, cold
- 1/2 cup (65 g) vanilla ice cream
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) honey
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
- 4-6 ice cubes, optional
Instructions
- 1
Peel the bananas and break them into chunks. For the sweetest flavor and smoothest texture, use bananas with plenty of brown speckles on the peel.
- 2
Pour the cold milk into a blender first. Add the banana chunks, vanilla ice cream, honey, and vanilla extract.
- 3
Blend on medium speed for 15-20 seconds to break up the banana. Increase to high and blend for another 20-30 seconds, until completely smooth and creamy with no visible lumps.
- 4
Check the consistency. If you want a colder, thicker shake, add the ice cubes and blend on high for 10-15 seconds, until frothy and lightly thickened.
- 5
Taste the shake before serving. If your bananas are very ripe, it may be sweet enough as is; if needed, blend in a little more honey for 5 seconds.
- 6
Pour into 2 glasses and serve right away while cold and foamy. The shake is best when the top still looks lightly frothy from blending.
Tips for the Best Banana Shake
- Use ripe bananas with brown spots; underripe bananas make the shake less sweet and slightly starchy.
- For a thicker shake, freeze the banana chunks for 1-2 hours before blending, then skip the ice so the flavor stays concentrated.
- If you want a less rich drink, replace the ice cream with an extra 1/2 banana and a handful of ice, but the texture will be lighter.
- Blend the milk in first and the heavier ingredients after it; this helps the blender catch smoothly without overworking the motor.
- If the shake is too thick, add 2-4 tbsp (30-60 ml) more milk and blend briefly. If it is too thin, add a few more ice cubes or a little more ice cream.
- Honey can be omitted if the bananas are very sweet, or replaced with 1-2 tbsp (12-25 g) sugar or maple syrup.
Storage and Reheating
Banana shake is best served immediately, since it loses its frothy texture and the banana can darken as it sits. If needed, refrigerate it in a covered jar for up to 1 day and shake or re-blend before serving. It is not ideal for freezing because the texture turns icy when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make banana shake without ice cream?
Yes. Replace the ice cream with 1 extra banana or 1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream for richness. The shake will be less dessert-like but still creamy.
How do I make banana shake thicker?
Use frozen banana chunks, reduce the milk slightly, or add a few ice cubes. A little extra ice cream also thickens it quickly.
Can I make this banana shake ahead of time?
You can make it a few hours ahead, but it is best fresh. If refrigerated, stir or re-blend before serving because it will separate slightly.
Is banana shake healthy?
It can be a satisfying snack, but this version is more of a treat because it includes ice cream and honey. For a lighter version, reduce or omit the honey and replace the ice cream with more banana.
Quick Info
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
0 min
Servings
2
Difficulty
Easy
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (estimated)
