How to Make a Banana Milkshake

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

With a few ingredients, a banana milkshake is easy to make and is super satisfying. It can be made in minutes. What's not to like?! Now the question is, with dairy or without?

Ingredients

Traditional Banana Milkshake

  • 1-2 bananas (preferably frozen)
  • 1 cup (8 ounces) ice
  • 1/2 cup (4 ounces) milk
  • 2 1/2 tsp sugar, sugar substitute, or honey
  • 1 scoop (3 ounces) vanilla ice cream
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
  • 4-6 chopped almonds (optional)
  • Any additional flavors you may desire (mango, pineapple, spinach, kale, blueberry, etc.)

Non-Dairy Banana Milkshake

  • 1-2 bananas (preferably frozen)
  • 1 cup (8 ounces) ice
  • 3/4 cup (6 ounces) orange juice or soy/almond milk
  • Sugar, sugar substitute, or honey (to taste)
  • Any additional flavors you desire (mango, pineapple, spinach, kale, blueberry, etc. Oats, quinoa, almonds, and peanut butter can be used as thickening agents)
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Making a Traditional Banana Milkshake

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bd\/Make-a-Banana-Milkshake-Step-1-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-a-Banana-Milkshake-Step-1-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bd\/Make-a-Banana-Milkshake-Step-1-Version-6.jpg\/aid131682-v4-728px-Make-a-Banana-Milkshake-Step-1-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's best if frozen. As long as it's ripe, it'll be fine. When it's frozen, it's colder and it eliminates the need for more ice.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Banana Milkshake
    If the ice is crushed, it'll be much easier on your blender and the process will go a lot faster.
    • What kind of milk? That's up to you. Watching calories? Go non-fat, soy, or almond. Want something creamier? 2% or coconut milk will do the trick.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Banana Milkshake
    This is where your creativity can take over. Vanilla is standard and will let the banana shine, but the world is your Baskin Robbins right now. If you wanted 31 different flavors in your milkshake, it could happen. What are you hankering for?
    • Some recommendations? Peanut butter, chocolate, peanut butter chocolate, strawberry, coconut, mango, or coffee. And if you can handle it, banana.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Banana Milkshake
    This is for a bit of a zing and texture, but can be omitted. If you don't have almonds on hand but would like something else in your milkshake, consider adding 1/2 cup of oats, quinoa or peanut butter.
    • Love almonds? Go on, add more!
    • Now, add vanilla extract, if desired. It'll bring out the natural vanilla flavors in your shake.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Banana Milkshake
    If ice gets lodged in the bottom of your blender, take your spoon and mix it between blending sessions. Aside from that, the blending process should take a minute or two.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Banana Milkshake
    At last, this is an excuse for a taste test! Try a spoonful and gauge how much sugar it needs, if any. Honey is a good natural alternative, and a sugar substitute (such as Splenda) is good, too. A teaspoon or two ought to be enough.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Banana Milkshake
    In a cold mug, the milkshake will stay cold and thick longer. If you have leftovers, keep them in the fridge or the freezer until you crave more.
  8. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Banana Milkshake
    The recipe above serves 2. Next time, try your own variation -- banana goes well with many flavors and is a perfect platform for trying wacky combinations.
    • If you'd like, garnish it with a cherry, whip cream, chocolate chips, or chopped almonds.
    9. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Making a Non-Dairy Banana Milkshake

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Banana Milkshake
    Frozen bananas are good for a colder, thicker milkshake.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Banana Milkshake
    Crushed ice is easier on your blender. And for the liquid, you can go two routes:
    • A milk substitute, such as soy, almond, or coconut. Your traditional milkshake combines well with chocolate, peanut butter, and other, sweeter, nuttier flavors.
    • Juice, like orange, apple, or pineapple make a smoothie that combines better with other fruits and vegetables -- like blueberries, mango, kale, or spinach.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Banana Milkshake
    Bananas are sweet enough that they don't need added sugar and if you've used juice or coconut milk, the concoction may be sweet enough. Why don't you give it a taste and see?
    • As for additional flavors, the ones mentioned in the previous step will be great, but the limits are only your imagination. If it's fruity, vegetable-y, chocolatey, or nutty, it might work! Go for 1/2 cup or less, depending on how powerful you want the flavor..
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Banana Milkshake
    Whip it up! It should only take a minute or two. It may need mixing once or twice before it's done if the ice decides to be difficult. Adjust thickness by adding extra liquid or fruit as necessary.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Banana Milkshake
    This recipe makes 2 servings. If there's any left over, pop it into a glass and chill it for later.
    • Garnish with a straw and whipped cream, cherries, chocolate chips, nuts, or a fruit wedge.
    6. Advertisement


Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Could I add some cocoa in?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but cocoa powder itself is fairly bitter, so I would recommend adding in some chocolate chips or chocolate syrup instead.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 24
  • Question
    Do I have to use frozen bananas?
    Community Answer
    It's better for a colder and thicker milkshake, but it will work without them being frozen.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 10 Helpful 34
  • Question
    What type of blender would you recommend using?
    Community Answer
    I highly recommend the NutriBullet, which is a bit pricey, but very good quality.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 17 Helpful 27
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Read Video Transcript

      Tips

      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Blender
      • Glasses
      • Spoon

      You Might Also Like

      The Best Milkshake Recipe Ever Invented
      How to
      Make a Chocolate Milkshake
      How to
      Make a Banana Smoothie
      How to
      Make a Banana Milkshake Without a Blender
      How to
      Make a Simple Strawberry Smoothie
      How to
      Make a Fruit Smoothie
      How to
      Make an Apple and Banana Milkshake
      How to
      Make a Fruit and Yogurt Smoothie
      Advertisement

      References

      1. https://www.yummly.com/recipes/banana-smoothie-no-dairy
      2. https://www.yummly.com/recipe/Banana-Almond-Crush-Smoothie-511443?columns=4&position=4/42
      3. http://noblepig.com/2014/01/pineapple-banana-smoothie-nondairy/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make a banana milkshake, slice 1-2 ripe or frozen bananas and place them into your blender with a cup of ice. For a healthy shake, pour in juice, milk, or milk substitute; for a sweeter alternative, use a scoop of ice cream instead. Add a handful of chopped almonds, oats, or quinoa for extra texture, or go with peanut butter or other chopped fruits for a burst of flavor. Blend the ingredients for a minute or two, then do a taste test. Add sugar, honey, or vanilla extract if it’s not quite sweet enough, blend until smooth, and enjoy. If you want to learn how to garnish your milkshake, keep reading!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,204,866 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Eng Anesu

        Jan 18, 2017

        "Thanks a lot for this post, I had no idea whatsoever on how to make a shake."
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement