Banana Smoothie without Milk

This banana smoothie is made without milk and is incredibly creamy and delicious! Best of all, this recipe is really easy and simple to make.

This dairy free banana smoothie is made without milk, but does call for dairy free milk. If you don't have any on hand, just switch it out for water, or combine additional yogurt and water to create a milk-like mixture.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is.

You can use whatever dairy free milk you have or even water.

You can add oats, peanut butter, or almond butter.

If you like this smoothie, you may also like my dairy free strawberry smoothie and dairy free strawberry banana smoothie.

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. 

Do Smoothies have Dairy?

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

Which dairy free milk should I use?

Honestly, it's whatever you have on hand or prefer.

My go-to is a neutral flavored full fat oat milk because I find that they are the most similar to regular full fat milk.

Almond milk works well here, too. I personally like using an unsweetened barista almond milk because it is more similar to regular full fat milk, but whatever you have will work.

You can also use coconut milk, though it may have a subtle coconut flavor if you do. Coconut milk has more fat and is similar to using a light cream, but it won't make a noticeable difference.

I've never used soy milk, so I don't have any opinions on it, but you can use that as well.

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 dairy free 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.