This healthy kefir protein smoothie features sweet banana, creamy natural peanut butter, and probiotic rich milk kefir. This simple recipe comes together in under 5 minutes and makes a nourishing and filling breakfast smoothie that boasts over 30 grams of all natural (no protein powder needed) protein.
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One of my favorite easy and healthy breakfast ideas is the lovely kefir smoothie! I have a multitude of recipes on my blog, and I've been making my own milk kefir at home for at least 5 years now, so it's fair to say I've tried many kefir smoothies in my day!
This kefir protein smoothie is a recent favorite, and has been a tasty one that I enjoy alongside my toddler, who can't seem to get enough of all my yummy kefir smoothies (yes, even my Kefir Green Smoothie). While I would consider him a truly picky eater, he gets a good dose of fruits (and vegetables) through kefir smoothies, and so I'm constantly coming up with new recipes to serve.
A Yummy Kefir Protein Smoothie
This Banana and Peanut Butter Kefir Protein Smoothie is loaded with all-natural protein (no protein powders here!) and is completely satisfying and filling for an easy breakfast or snack.
This recipe makes enough for two moderate portions, or you can drink it all to yourself for a mega-filling smoothie that is packed with 30 grams of protein!
Thanks to the protein in the milk kefir, plus the protein in the peanut butter, you'll have a hunger crushing kefir smoothie that also happens to taste super delicious.
Let's get started!
Ingredients
- Milk kefir: This can be store bought, or you can make it yourself at home like I do!
- Banana: You will need 1 large overripe banana. I prefer to use frozen, since this helps thicken the smoothie!
- Peanut Butter: Some natural peanut butter helps add protein, fat, and flavor to this kefir protein smoothie.
- Honey: Raw or regular honey is the perfect choice for a sweetener. The flavor compliments peanut butter and banana perfectly.
- Vanilla extract and cinnamon
A Good Quality Blender
In addition to these simple ingredients, you'll need a high powered blender! The Ninja Professional is a great budget option, and Blendtec and Vitamix are the top of the line.
How to Make a Kefir Smoothie with Banana and Peanut Butter
It's SO easy to make this healthy kefir protein smoothie! Once you have your banana, peanut butter, and other ingredients, all you have to do is add them to the jug of a high powered blender!
Blend your smoothie on high until everything is incorporated and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the blender if needed, and blend again.
Once your smoothie is...well, smooth, taste and adjust for sweetness or additional cinnamon. If you need more of either, add and blend again.
Pour into a large tumbler, or into two pint-sized glasses and serve!
Tips for Success:
- While you can certainly use very ripe, fresh bananas for this kefir smoothie recipe, I would recommend using frozen bananas if possible! They add a lovely thickness to the smoothie, and it's a great way to use any frozen bananas you have on hand.
- If you don't have frozen bananas, you can use very ripe, fresh bananas + a few ice cubes to thicken your banana and peanut butter kefir smoothie.
- If you have lots of very ripe bananas on hand, peel them and cut them on half. Place the bananas on a parchment lined baking sheet and place it in the freezer. Once the bananas are completely frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and use in your favorite smoothies in the future. Or thaw for banana bread or banana muffins.
Variations and Substitutions
Dairy Free: If you want this recipe to be dairy free, you can use coconut kefir in place of the milk kefir! While the protein count will be significantly less, it should still be ultra satisfying.
Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Banana: Add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa or cacao powder to your smoothie. Up the sweetener to your taste, and sprinkle with your favorite chocolate chips.
Almond Butter Kefir Smoothie: If you would prefer, you can use almond butter in place of the peanut butter in this recipe.
Maple Syrup Sweetened: While we sweeten with honey for this recipe, you can substitute with maple syrup if desired. You may need to add more to get the same level of sweetness, since honey is just a tad sweeter.
More Healthy Kefir Smoothie Recipes
- Strawberry Kefir Smoothie
- Kefir Green Smoothie
- Blueberry Kefir Smoothie
- Berry Kefir Smoothie
- Mango Pineapple Kefir Smoothie
- 3 Healthy Kefir Smoothie Recipes - Buttered Side Up Blog
- Chocolate Banana Kefir Smoothie - Foodal
Banana & Peanut Butter Kefir Protein Smoothie
This healthy kefir protein smoothie features sweet banana and creamy peanut butter, for the ultimate satisfying kefir smoothie. All natural with no added protein powders, this healthy breakfast smoothie will keep you full for hours!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups milk kefir
- 1 large frozen banana, halved
- 3 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Add all of your ingredients to the jug of a powerful blender (Like a Blendtec or Vitamix).
- Blend on high speed, stopping to scrape down the edges of the blender if needed.
- Blend until everything is smooth and well incorporated. Taste and adjust for seasonings or sweetness (if needed) and blend again.
- Pour into a large tumbler, or two pint-sized glasses and serve immediately.
- Drizzle with additional peanut butter and a few chocolate chips, if desired.
Notes
Sweeter: Increase the banana to 1 ½ of a large banana OR increase the honey to your taste.
Maple Syrup: Substitute the honey for maple syrup if desired. You may need to increase the amount used, since maple is not as sweet as honey.
Dairy free: Use coconut kefir in place of the milk kefir in this recipe.
Chocolate: Add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa or cacao powder; increase the sweetener to taste.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: ½ of recipeAmount Per Serving: Calories: 330Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 444mgCarbohydrates: 39gFiber: 4gSugar: 27gProtein: 15g
Nutrition information is an estimate only.
Wendell Smith says
I add a half cup of old fashioned rolled oats to a dry blender, and process for about 10 seconds. Then, a few chopped dried figs and a chopped pitted date along with a cup of water, and let the mixture sit for a while to avoid loud noises from the blender! Dried fruit can also be soaked in water overnight. Once the oat-fruit mixture has sat for a while, say 15-30 minutes, process briefly and add the kefir and the remaining ingredients.
Yum!
Dolly says
That sounds like a yummy naturally sweetened smoothie! I like to add oats to smoothies too - it's so much more filling!