Banana Smoothie with Oat Milk

This dairy free banana smoothie is made with oat milk and is incredibly versatile and delicious.

Add peanut butter to make it a peanut butter banana smoothie with oat milk or add oats to make it a banana breakfast smoothie with oat milk.

I love smoothies when the weather gets hot. It just cools you right down!

This banana smoothie with oat milk is one of my favorites, both for its flavor and because it is so adaptable.

I love adding in peanut butter for a peanut butter banana smoothie.

I also love adding in oats, whether I'm having a banana smoothie or a peanut butter banana smoothie, in order to make it a breakfast smoothie.

If you like this recipe, you may also enjoy my strawberry smoothie with oat milk and strawberry banana smoothie with oat milk.

You also may like my banana smoothie with almond milk.

Do Smoothies have Dairy?

Smoothies don't have to, but they usually contain dairy because they usually are made with milk and/or yogurt.

Choosing your Brand

I have tried a handful of oat milk brands and I can tell you, not all oat milks are created equal.

Some brands taste like oats and have the consistency of water. Other brands have a milder taste and are slightly reminiscent of milk. Oatly and Alpro are my two go-to brands.

When I visit New York, I really like Oatly, which I find to taste like regular milk and to be a little extra creamy. I'd assume this is true in Canada too.

In Israel, I only use the barista version of Oatly, which is still more watery than the regular Oatly in the States. I expect it is the same in Europe because that is where it is imported from.

For Israel and Europe, I find the Alpro oat milk indistinguishable from the Oatly Barista. However, the Alpro "Not Milk" oat milk I find to be almost identical to milk but a little sweeter - which I like.

WHY USE OVERRIPE BANANAS?

There are a few benefits to using overripe bananas. 

First and foremost, older bananas give a stronger flavor than fresh bananas - the darker the better.

Secondly, it allows you to repurpose them instead of having food wasted. 

Types of Vanilla

Vanilla comes from a pod commonly known as a “vanilla bean”, which comes from the vanilla orchids.

Vanilla pods have been used for flavoring since the Aztecs and was introduced to Europe by a Spanish conquistador, along with cocoa.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is created by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol for some time. This is the most commonly used type of vanilla.

Vanilla Sugar

Vanilla sugar is common in Europe and some parts of the Middle East, like Israel. 

It is made from vanilla beans sitting in sugar, vanilla bean powder mixed with sugar, or sugar mixed with vanilla extract.

In some countries, like Italy, you can also find vanilla powdered sugar, which is used for confections.

Vanilla Paste

Vanilla paste is generally a specialty item.  It is a thick paste that contains a blend of the scraped-out vanilla pod seeds and vanilla extract. 

You can use it as you do vanilla extract and it will leave flakes of vanilla bean like you see in vanilla bean ice cream.

Imitation Vanilla

Imitation Vanilla, otherwise known as artificial vanilla or vanilla essence, is made from synthetic vanilla. 

This is the compound that naturally occurs in vanilla beans and gives it its flavor.

Can I use imitation vanilla?

Many will tell you that you should use high quality vanilla, just like they say you should use the best cocoa. 

However, most of us will probably not be willing to pay the hefty price that comes with exceptionally high-quality ingredients.

Overall, vanilla is very expensive, so the extract is as well. 

So, if you’re not going to get regular quality vanilla extract, you might as well use imitation vanilla.

Can vanilla extract be used as a substitute for vanilla beans?

Yes, vanilla extract can be used as a substitute for vanilla beans. Use about 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for each inch of vanilla bean.

How to Store Vanilla

Pure vanilla extract and other vanilla products should be kept away from heat and light, and should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

What Type of Dairy Free Yogurt Should I use?

You should use a neutral or vanilla flavored dairy free yogurt.

Yogurt made from soy, almonds, coconut, and oats all will work fine here.

What if I don't have or want yogurt in my smoothie?

The yogurt makes the smoothie creamy, but it can easily be left out if you prefer.

All you have to do is switch the yogurt out for more oat milk.

How To Freeze Fruit For Smoothies

To make smoothies even easier, freeze fresh fruit into portions. 

To freeze bananas for smoothies, peel the bananas and cut them into round disks.

Arrange, in one layer, on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Slide the baking sheet into the freezer and freeze until hard (two to three hours).

When the bananas are hard, divide it between freezer-safe bags and keep it in the freezer for your next smoothie.

If you’d prefer the lazy way, I often just stick a full banana into a freezer safe bag and blend it whole.

Banana Smoothie Variations

If you’re looking for a plain banana smoothie, this recipe alone is delicious.  However, I’ve given a list of optional additions if you’d like.

Add the listed amount of peanut butter for a peanut butter banana smoothie.

Add oats to make this banana smoothie a breakfast banana smoothie.

Or, you can add both oats and peanut butter to make a peanut butter banana breakfast smoothie.

If you don’t use extremely ripe bananas (or over ripe bananas), you may not find it sweet enough, which is where the honey comes in.

Make Ahead of Time

You can easily make this recipe ahead of time.

All you have to do is put the bananas, yogurt, and anything else you want in the blender - except oats, if you plan on using them.

Blend it up until it is nice and smooth. Then, pour the smoothie into a freezer safe resealable bag.

Once you're ready to use the smoothie, let it sit out until it's defrosted enough to put into the blender.

Place the smoothie in the blender, add the milk and oats if desired, then blend until smooth again. Once it has a nice pourable consistency, put it in a cup, and serve.