Let’s talk first jobs and ice cream.
One of my first working gigs was at a soda shop attached to a movie theatre – Midwest theaters did it right. I was about 16 and I snagged the job “soda jerk,” which meant I scooped all the ice cream sundaes, shakes, apple pie a la modes, and made fresh cherry limeades. Basically, I looked and smelled like a giant popsicle by the end of the night.
It was kind of the dream, except for two things: 1) Restocking involved lugging dozens of 10-pound ice cream containers around with my weak chicken arms. And 2) being around ice cream all day. Hello temptation.
My favorite flavor combination has always been some form of chocolate, banana, and peanut butter. I’m surprised I never put bananas and peanut butter cups between bread and called it lunch (but now that I think of it, that’s a good idea).
We were allowed a minimal amount of treats while at work and only received a small discount on food, but that never stopped me from ordering giant salads during my lunch break and then whipping up a hot fudge peanut butter banana shake for my car ride home. Life was good.
Not much has changed these days. I still love all things peanut butter, banana and chocolate. However, with dairy out the door, I reach for cashew- and coconut-based frozen treats. Another favorite – and perhaps the most simple creation – involves frozen bananas.
This recipe is has three very good things going for it:
1) It requires just 5 ingredients and 5 minutes to make.
2) It’s naturally sweetened and relatively healthy.
3) It tastes seriously close to a real milkshake!
Frozen bananas provide a sweet, ice cream-like base
Dates a touch of sweetness
Almond milk extra creaminess
Peanut butter a salty kick + protein + healthy fats
& cacao powder antioxidants and subtle chocolate flavor
This has been my go-to mid-afternoon snack when I can’t quite make it till dinner or a healthy dessert when I want something sweet. But really, it’s so healthy and satisfying that it could even be a suitable breakfast.
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment and rate it, and be sure to take a picture and tag it #minimalistbaker on Instagram! We LOVE seeing our recipes come to life in your kitchens. Cheers, friends!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Shake
Ingredients
SHAKE
- 1 large ripe banana (previously peeled, sliced and frozen // 1 large banana equals ~200 g)
- 2 Tbsp salted natural peanut butter (if unsalted, add a pinch of salt)
- 1-2 pitted dates (if not sticky and moist, soak in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain)
- 1 Tbsp cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups Almond Breeze Almondmilk Original Unsweetened
- 1/2 cup ice (optional)
ADD-INS optional
- 1 Tbsp cacao nibs for “chocolate chip” effect (blend in or use as topping)
- 1 Tbsp flax or hemp seeds (for added nutrition)
- Dairy-free chocolate sauce (for drizzling inside glass)
- Coconut whipped cream (for topping)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except almond milk to the blender. Add in almond milk 1/2 cup at a time, adding only enough to allow the ingredients to blend together. Add more for a thinner shake and less for a thicker shake.
- Taste and adjust flavors, adding more banana or dates for sweetness, cacao for chocolate flavor, and peanut butter for saltiness. Optional: Add a handful of ice for extra thickness.
- Serves 1 generously (as original recipe is written). Best when fresh, though leftovers will keep covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You could even freeze this into popsicles!
Notes
Nutrition (1 of 1 servings)
Julia says
Yum!! I only put 1/2 banana, no dates and it was perfect :) Thank you for this recipe.
Chance says
I don’t get it… I typed in things to make with peanut butter only, and this is giving me all kinds of ingredients that i don’t have.
Nadja Croft says
Hi there MB! I found your blog about a year ago, I guess, and you are definitely one of my first “go-tos” for truly fantastic tasteful and healthful recipes! I’ve been wanting to comment on that for awhile, and what brings me to this comment is that lured in by this great looking recipe, I wanted to ask your take on the ingredients of this brand of almond milk regarding healthful aspects of the product: Almondmilk (Filtered Water, Almonds), Calcium Carbonate, Sea Salt, Potassium Citrate, Sunflower Lecithin, Gellan Gum, Natural Flavors, Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D2, D-Alpha-Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E).
Rose says
Just madd this for bkfast and it is delicious!!! Made one additional and added 2 tablespoons of protein powder and used macadamia milk instead of almond. Thanks so much for the recipe!
Deena says
This wonderfully tasty recipe (or nearly so) has been around for years, and you can find it in some form in many different recipe sites! When I was a teenager we got shakes like this at a beach we went to in California. Later on (I’m in my 50’s now), we changed it to plant-based milk, and we still love them! :)
Not sure why you add the salt? We have never added salt, since there is so much sodium in just about everything you buy at stores! :P It’s GREAT without it! Just thought I’d mention that for those that are low to no sodium people. :)
mollie says
how long is this
McKenzie says
My kids thought it was ice cream. #momwin! Thanks for the great recipe!
Alexis Hinde says
Omg I googled for some good vegan milkshakes using cacao last night and I made this one because it looked so simple and I had all the ingredients. I made it for my three kids and my husband and I and our minds weren’t blown. It reminded us of a chocolate frosty. Creamy, thick, chocolaty, sweet and a little salty. Perfect. Thanks for sharing! I’ll be making this again!
Dee says
This was amazing I added frozen apples and added dark chocolate almond milk. Did not use dats this is a great healthy snack !
Debbie says
Divine! Works well with soymilk and I used only 1 cup per serving. I doubled the recipe and added 5 crushed ice cubes and it was a perfect consistency. Note to self for next time: I would recommend a high-powered blender because there were little chunks of dates in mine still but it was still delish and I didn’t mind. Loved that it had no added sugar! Thanks Dana!
Bonfei says
I have all the ingredients except dates. Would the smoothie be ok without dates?
Hi! The dates are used to sweeten the shake, you can sub it for your sweetener of choice or try it without!
Deena says
I don’t use dates in mine because it tastes sweet enough to me without. So it’s certainly possible and good, just maybe not as sweet as some may like.
Veronica says
Best recipe! Added some vanilla plant based protein powder for more nutrition!!
Angélique says
Just made this and it turned out super yummy! Definitely a keeper. I especially love the thick shake-like consistency. Thank you for sharing!
revi says
hi this looks delicious! i’m making it right now. it says 2 tbs (32g) peanut butter and 1tbs (5g) cacao powder. did you mean 1 tsp cacao powder?
Rebecca Hawkins says
WOAH this is amazing!! My kids thank you ?
Jim says
Dana, this was AMAZING! I am three days post stomach surgery, on a full liquid diet and this made my day. I could handle only 6oz so I made the rest into frozen pops–something to look forward to!
Jen says
I added 1/2 an avocado, some frozen, diced butternut squash and a handful of spinach. You couldn’t taste anything, but peanut butter and chocolate! Delicious!
Melodie says
I typically love chocolate and peanut butter but I’m wondering if I can leave out the peanut butter when I want that pure chocolate flavor. Would that work? I’m am loving the idea of freezing this as popsicles! I will have to try that!
Pam says
I made this and it was absolutely delicious!!! I also added 1/4 cup of LSA with ice to make it a bit more substantial/meal replacement. Highly recommend it to anyone trying to eat clean and is craving a sweet treat!
Maria says
AMAZING!!!! I followed the recipe exactly and used two dates. I couldn’t believe that I was drinking something healthy because it was so sweet, rich, and delicious!
Efi says
Do you make the chocolate sauce by yourself?
Hi! Yes! Find the recipe here!
Peony says
Oh my gosh! I just made this and it was amazing :) It was the best smoothie of my life XD For real! I think I’m going to save it for very special occasions :)
Lauren says
I made it and loved it! I had all the ingredients in house other than the dates, I opted to proceed without it , and was pleased with the results, had it for breakfast and Dinner very satisfying. :)
Rachel says
I just tried this smoothie twice, once over the weekend and a few minutes ago. The one I made today was delicious! My first experience was not quite there so I wanted to give a few tips on the optimal smoothie.
The issue I had the first time, with the soaked dates, the smoothie’s wasn’t completely cold. Even with the frozen banana and cold coconut milk (I used coconut milk instead of almond), the temperature is what threw me off the first time. I also added too much liquid and no ice.
The second time, I planned ahead, stuck my giant mug in the freezer while I stepped away for a few minutes, and I added two ice cubes. I also followed the directions this time and added just enough liquid so it covered the ingredients slightly. So it was thicker and this time, cold. Tasted DELICIOUS that way. Hope this helps someone and I’m so glad I have a healthier alternative to Reeses PB cups. ;-)
Sofia says
I tried it emidiately cause I always have bananas in the freezer.. I played a little but with it and it tastes just like a chocolate icecream milkshake. Made me happy :)
Vegan Mummy says
What can I use in place of the dates? I hope to make this for my little girl and I but I hate dates.
Ethyl Ruehman says
Minimalist Baker is literally my best friend. Honestly, it is so nice to just crave things, have an idea of what I have in my kitchen and minimalist baker ALWAYS keeps me covered. I don’t have to run to the store to get that 2 tsp. of one ingredient, and I know it’ll always end up delicious. I always end up using ingredients I didn’t expect to use but already have, and it always has the awesome, vegan nutrition needs I value in my food!
Thank you Minimalist baker!!
Laura says
Love this recipe. It’s dangerously good, as in, it’s soooo delicious you might want one every day kind of good! Have made it several times for my teenager kids when they get out of school and they love it. Sometimes I use peanut butter and sometimes almond butter….both are good.
Thanks for all you do.
Silvia says
I need to try this asap – looks amazing! I need to know how you get the chocolate drizzle inside the glass to look like that though! When do you drizzle it? I feel like if I did it, it would just end up mixed into the smoothie and not pretty and visible on the glass like yours. What’s your secret??? :)
Amanda says
I wanted to say thank you for this recipe! I have a 5 year old who won’t eat, and while meeting with a nutritionist and his DR to discuss ways of getting healthy calories into his diet, they suggested this! He drinks it all and I sneak in extra calories for him with whole fat organic milk instead of the Almond Breeze. It’s delicious and he’s FINALLY EATING SOMETHING. Really….thank you so much for something quick & easy enough that I can make in the morning before work and school! xoxo
allison says
This is DELICIOUS! Tastes just like a milkshake to me
Dan says
Best smoothie EVER!!
Kathleen says
This recipe is AMAZING. It’s now a regular that I make :) I substitute the cocoa powder for vegan chocolate protein powder, and it’s a perfect drink as a snack, dessert, post-workout, or for any chocolate craving!
Toby mcVegan says
boy oh mighty, she thiiiick, tho not succulent. The consistency was a pragmatic and exsistencial experience.
Abigail says
Peanut butter and banana sandwiches were a “thing” growing up! We stirred peanut butter and a little maple syrup, slathered it on the bread, then added a layer of sliced banana…instant yumminess lol
Amanda says
This is an amazing recipe. We used refrigerated bananas and opted for the ice cubes, and multiplied everything by four so our family could enjoy it. SO DELICIOUS :) Thanks for a great drink recipe.
Harvey says
For me it was totally delicious I’m new to vegan recipes but have literally bought a food processor and a good blender just o make these recipes! Anything chocolate and anything peanut butter. Is a good combo for me. This was a totally winner doesn’t even taste vegan!! Yummmmmy
Diane says
Thiw is my new favorite smoothie! WOW. It tastes like a thick fabulous awful for you indulgence! I literally just finished it and am considering making another. Haha
Haley says
It makes a solid chocolate milkshake. Great healthy snack to keep you full and give you some energy.
Krista Shew says
Yum! Added a handful of spinach which gives a funny colour but can’t taste it :)
Crystal Liu says
My husband and I love it so much! I don’t have almondmilk, so I use coconut milk instead. also delicious. Thank you!!
Elsa Cline says
I was pleasantly surprised! Thanks for the delicious treat!
Madeline M says
I’m looking for a smoothie that calls for 6 dates. Will this smoothie still taste good with that many dates? Is there anything I could adjust to the recipe to balance out the sweetness? Thanks.
More peanut butter will always balance out the dates! Good luck.
Kitty says
I love it ! Definitely worth your time.
Amy Davidson says
I cheated a little because I still consume small amounts of non-vegan foods. I am not a vegan– but rather a health-aware mama trying to cut out more and more of the “gunk.”
So, I added some milk chocolate chips to this just because I’m also a minimalist and use whatever I have in the kitchen cupboard. :)
Otherwise, no changes. This is incredible.
Liz Hodge says
I make this shake for breakfast quite often, it is one of my favorite shake/smoothie recipes!
Meaghan Cherico says
Just made this as a post workout snack! its delicious and refreshing. My fiance even likes it although he prefers milkshakes with vanilla icecream :)
Courtney says
So yummy, it was like drinking a really thick and creamy glass of chocolate milk… Peanut butter + Chocolate = the best breakfast shake ever!
Colleen says
“Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh.my.god” is literally what I said, out loud, to myself when I tasted this.
This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
Amy says
Just made this and added protein powder as a post workout. Best smoothie ever!!
Sierra says
Love love LOVE this smoothie recipe, so simple yet so delicious. Peanut butter, chocolate AND banana in one healthy recipe? It can’t get better than this. I made mine with homemade almond milk which made it extra creamy and snuck in a teaspoon each of wheatgrass power and pumpkin seeds which were completely undetectable. Sometimes I omit the dates and I find it is still sweet enough. I make this smoothie at least once a week, it’s such a treat. Thank you Dana!
Dana says
I’m drinking it right now and it’s super tasty, but everytime I put dates into a smoothie I get all these little date chunks stuck in my straw. It must be my blender.. But besides that it’s great! And my name is Dana too!!
Karen says
I had to add about 3 bananas instead of 1 as well as ice to get it thick enough but it’s super yummy! Thank you!
Graisy says
I want one of these every day!
Ha! Me too! xoxo
Alison says
This and so many of these recipes look amazing. Is there a way you can put the saturated fat content of the recipes up? Post heart attack I am looking more towards vegan food to minimise my cholesterol intake. Thanks
Updated! The good thing is all of the fat in this shake is from healthy sources.
Alison Fraser says
Thanks!
Georgia says
Even better, dip bananas in dark chocolate then freeze them!! Slightly defrost then add them to the shake! Makes it so much better!!
Adri says
I loved your recipe! Since I’m from Brasil and 1. We don’t have fresh dates in Amazonia 2. I’m not that healthy, I added reese’s sticks and dammmn! So delicious.
We don’t have almond breeze either, so I replaced with fat-free milk. Still awesome :) thanks.
Melissa says
I absolutely love this recipe. It’s so easy, but it tastes so good. I’ve been making this almost daily for weeks now. Thank you so much.
Laura @ The Green Forks! says
I was pleasantly surprised how the texture of this smoothie was truly like a milkshake. It was wonderful! In both flavor and consistency.
Emily says
Made this shake for breakfast this morning, and added in some hemp and chia seeds. SO GOOD!! So chocolatey and delicious, will definitely be making this again!! Thanks Dana!
Wonderful! Glad you enjoyed it, Emily!
leila says
this shake is the BOMB! my daughters love it and so do i. so easy and seriously delicious. thank you for your amazing recipes! your site is the fist i check when looking to make something new and i love getting the blog updates in my inbox. CHEERS!
Ha! Yes! Thanks for sharing!!
Kalee says
This recipe was beyond delicious!!! I never thought of using dates before, but I think I’ll be using them more. :)
p.s. Your photos are amazing!
Paige says
Drooling is an understatement. Finding me some dates, like… as soon as earthly possible. I have a million and one dietary restrictions (it seems) and this site is everything to me, right now. Thank you for caring about food and making things delicious for those of us who don’t have time to figure it out!!!
Tannah says
In your recipes, (such as this one) that ask for dates, do you use dried dates or fresh dates?
Fresh, I believe. They’re always moist and tender when I get them.
Nicola says
I’ve just made this for the second time. I used sweetened soy milk this time so I didn’t need the dates. It is so so good and guilt-free too! Thanks for sharing your delicious recipes and gorgeous photos!
Jamaluddin Rahmat says
Wow…
I change CACAO with CHOCOLATE and Almound Breeze with cream milk.
The taste is very very sweet.
SB says
If only Almond Breeze didn’t have carrageenan in it.
Cate says
As a cancer survivor I say, avoid the carrageenan! I use dark chocolate Silk instead… Makes the best smoothie ever!
Amy G says
This is AMAZING. I have already made it and emailed it to 3 people. Thank you!
Yay! Thanks for sharing, Amy!!
Stephanie says
This has been breakfast for the last 2 mornings. I just love eveything about it, taste, texture, super creamy awesome deliciousness. Go forth and blend, you will not be disappointed!
Yay! Thanks for the love and feedback, Stephanie!
Mariana says
I just made this for my dinner and oh, my god. Soooo delicious.
Sadly we don’t get Almond Breeze in Brasil (a little help, please!) so i just made my own veggie milk. Probably not as creamy as originally intended, but still.
Thanks for this life/sanity saver.
Brittany Allan says
What a great smoothie idea! I have never put dates in my smoothies, but I really want to try this one! I love banana in my smoothies and I love the idea of putting frozen banana in!
Allison says
I’ve made this twice now and it is so good! The first time I was planning on taking a photo and using your hashtag, but I gobbled it up too fast. Whoops. Thanks for the great recipe!
So grea!! Glad you enjoyed it, Allison!
Audrey says
I’ve made this shake twice in the past few days! So good! I have a question, though. Do you have a trick to preventing date chunks? I soak them in warm water and I use a Blendtec. I don’t really mind them, but if I ever make this for friends I want it to be so ridiculously smooth that they can’t believe it!
Hi Audrey! My best tip is just to blend super super well on high speed for 60-90 seconds. You can also soak and then mince them before adding to help with blending. Lastly, strain before pouring! Best of luck!!
Karuna Poole says
I made this recipe within hours of receiving it, couldn’t wait for frozen bananas. It was the heaven I expected it would be.
I made it again this morning but instead of the peanut butter I used two tablespoons of the Simple Grain Free Granola. That made it even better!
So great! Thanks for sharing, Karuna!!
Kathy Mader says
Uh-oh, now it’s a toss up as to which is my favorite…this shake (which is absolutely delicious), or your Creamy Chocolate Breakfast Shake (pure love). Haven’t tried freezing the banana ’cause I guess I’m afraid it’ll turn brown…I’m weird like that. But I do need to give it a try. Your blog is such a joy. Thank you!
Rebecca Miller says
Our household loves PB + Banana shakes but we tried this one (with some additional ingredients from our norm) and it was a crowd pleaser. Thank you for the recipe!
Great! Thanks for sharing, Rebecca! Glad everyone enjoyed it!
Lisa says
Looks amazing! Any idea on the macro content?
No I don’t, sorry!
Ami@NaiveCookCooks says
Looks amazing!!
Monique @ Ambitious Kitchen says
Love the dates in this shake! Honestly nut butter and dates have been a dream come true for me lately. For some reason I’m having a hard time finding really good ones unless I go to Whole Foods but sometimes that’s just what needs to happen. There’s a little cafe in Chicago that makes these incredible vegan smoothie bowls with coconut meat, banana, dates and almond butter. Looks like I have one I can make at home now! :) Thanks!
Right? I love that combo. I always get mine at Trader Joe’s and just look at the tin to make sure they’re all moist and not wrinkly. That smoothie bowl sounds amazing!! Next time I’m in Chicago… ;D
Kelly says
Where in Chicago?
Amy says
It’s funny that I’m only seeing this recipe now because this has been my delicious breakfast for the last few weeks! However, my version is slightly different because my potassium levels get quite high when I eat a whole banana and dates in one day, so I omit the dates (it’s sweet enough for me with the banana) and use half a small frozen banana. Also I add in chia seeds and hemp seeds.
Chia seeds + hemp seeds are lovely additions!!
Lou says
Just fancied something sweet – and I had everything to hand – wow it’s so nice! And filling too so covers all the requirements. Thank you x
Leigha @ The Yooper Girl says
lol, I work at a pizza shop and have such a smell by the end of the night! Not to mention the layer of flour over everything.
Dana, I’m catching up on your blog after not reading for a while, and I just wanted to say that your photography game is off da CHARTS. Like, amazing. Keep it up, girl!
So kind! Thanks Leigha!!!
Cassie says
Ooh la la, sounds like my kind of treat!
Mel @ The Refreshanista says
I make a similar smoothie sometimes but I never thought of using dates to sweeten! Great idea, I bet it adds a little extra caramelly sweetness :) totally going to add dates to my next one!
Lissa says
Wow. I love the way your chocolate peanut butter banana shake looks. It’s so healthy. I think that it would be great as a frozen popsicle. I will try this soon. Thank you for your post.
Great idea! Report back if you try it!
Rachel Sperry says
I just made this and it blew my mind. Absolutely delicious… AND tasted so much like a milkshake!
Yay! Thanks for sharing, Rachel! It’s one of my favorite snacks for sure!
Abby says
Ummm, I want that job! <3
And these shakes look ah-mazing. I love these flavors on their own, so combined?! YES!
You can have it! I resigned like 10 years ago :D Hope you try this one, Abby!
Lisa @ Strum Simmer Sip says
Yum! I love adding dates to my smoothies and yes cacao nibs are such great add ins for a “chocolate chip” effect but they are so bitter alone! I can’t wait to try this :)
Lisa
Let me know if you do, Lisa!
Vicky says
OMG!!!! Where have you guys been all these time?!
I was about to lick my monitor.
Ya! Welcome! Hope you stick around ;D
Ana @ Ana's Rocket Ship says
This has just been added to my menu plan. For Friday (after gym dinner). Friday is sooooooo looooooong away. How will I cope?
DO IT. Report back!
Ana @ Ana's Rocket Ship says
I will- the chocolate sauce is on my shopping list- cause I don’t want to make it without the chocolate sauce do I :P
No, you really don’t ;D
Margaret says
I love combining peanut butter with banana and chocolate always makes everything better! :) This looks delicious!
Rachael says
Looks so good!! I have to get the ingredients to make this soon!
olly says
ahh so thick and creamy! i need this now :) does anything else go better together than chocolate and pb?
I’m convinced no. You get me ;D
Motte says
oh my doesn’t look this look amazing! I am all about shakes and smoothies at the moment so I will definitely have to try this!! Will have to put it on the breakfast table tomorrow… :)
x motte
Gaby says
Yes please!!! This looks delicious!!!
Hannah Elizabeth says
Oh my goodness Dana, you read my mind!! I’ve been doing more with dates lately because I finally broke down and “got spendy”, buying the big Costco box, lol…but I just have been really craving one of your shakes. I had a riff of your PBJ one and LOVED it. But this one? I mean, it has chocolate AND peanut butter, sooo better!! This is happening this weekend! Thank you! You make my food heart happy. :)
Hope you give it a try, Elizabeth!
joanfrankham says
yummy, just made this and it was so quick. will post on instagram.
Can’t wait to check!
Jane says
Despite being cold and wet and 10pm right now in my corner of Australia…can I just say Y.U.M?! Vegan heaven in a glass… I’m still licking down the sides!
Alexa [fooduzzi.com] says
“Basically, I looked and smelled like a giant popsicle by the end of the night.” – YES. I used to work at a cafe…I smelled like caramel macchiatos and steamed milk every night. It was like I was my own personal Yankee Candle shop.
But this shake…yes please! Chocolate & peanut butter truly is the perfect pair. Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Ha! I feel your pain.
Emma Everleigh says
This sounds amazing! Must try this soon. xxx