Strawberry Banana Smoothie with Ice Cream

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Have you ever wondered if you could add ice cream to your smoothie? Of course you can! Indulge a little with this delicious strawberry banana smoothie with ice cream, our family’s favorite treat that’s more like a creamy strawberry banana milkshake.

Why We Love This Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe

We normally don’t add ice cream to our smoothies, but every once in a while we want a really decadent smoothie that’s a real treat (or even dessert!). I love that this smoothie combines the health benefits of fresh fruit with just a bit of ice cream for a rich, creamy smoothie (some would even call it a strawberry banana milkshake recipe!).

Of course, this isn’t a weight loss smoothie. It would be considered a dessert smoothie, so treat it as a delicious treat made with simple ingredients.

Ingredients in Our Strawberry Smoothie

Banana

Bananas are not only delicious, they also make for great smoothies. Bananas add sweetness, creaminess and thickness to any smoothie. They are high in potassium and packed with essential vitamins and minerals that can give your body an energy boost. Plus, their natural sugars help balance the acidity of some fruits, making them easier on your stomach. Choose slightly overripe bananas for best flavor, and I really love to use frozen bananas, but a fresh banana works, too.

Strawberries

Strawberries are a great addition to smoothies because they add flavor, sweetness and nutrition. They are packed with antioxidants which help protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals. Strawberries also have fiber, vitamin C and manganese, all of which have greathealth benefits. Their light tartness is the perfect counterbalance to some of the sweeter ingredients in your smoothie, making it even more enjoyable to drink!

Strawberries and banana are a flavor combination made in heaven. Use fresh strawberries or frozen in your fruit smoothie.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is an excellent choice for any smoothie as it adds a creamy, rich texture while providing a wealth of health benefits. Greek yogurt is high in protein and calcium, making it perfect for those looking to build muscle or strengthen bones. It also contains active cultures that aid digestion and can even help boost your immune system. Plus, the simple addition of Greek yogurt to your smoothie will make it far more filling than other ingredients.

If you are vegan or dairy free, feel free to substitute with a plant based yogurt such as one made with soy milk or almond milk. There are even plant based Greek yogurts out there that would be a great way to substitute for a smoothie made nondairy.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Ice cream doesn’t usually make it to our list of smoothie ingredients, but sometimes you just need the perfect treat that’s both healthy and indulgent at the same time. Well, okay, mostly healthy! Ice cream turns this simple smoothie recipe into a thick milkshake with the perfect milkshake texture.

Feel free to substitute here as well. Use an ice cream made with dairy-free milk, try a variety with no added sugar, substitute strawberry ice cream for even more strawberry flavor. There really is no right or wrong here, as this takes the classic strawberry banana smoothie up a notch.

Vanilla Bean (Optional)

For just a bit more vanilla flavor, try scraping a vanilla bean or adding a splash of vanilla extract, especially if you are using strawberry ice cream in this strawberry milkshake recipe. If you are using vanilla ice cream it’s fine to leave this out.

Ice (Optional)

For an even thicker shake, consider adding a few ice cubes to your blender.

How to Blend Our Strawberry Banana Shake

This couldn’t be easier! When you are in the mood for a sweet treat, simply add all ingredients to your blender and blend until smooth. This recipe doesn’t even need a high powered blender as all the ingredients are soft. (If you add the ice then a high powered blender can make the mixture smoother, but it’s not required).

If you want a thicker smoothie, blend again with more ice cream or ice. For a thinner smoothie, try adding in some whole milk, heavy cream, or dairy free milk.

You’ll Also Love These Other Strawberry Smoothies

How to Customize This Basic Recipe

There are many ways you can make this smoothie your own. Here are just a few:

• Adding greens such as fresh spinach or kale. Tossing in a handful of greens adds a ton of nutrients without affecting the flavor of your smoothie. Keep in mind it will alter the color, though!

• Blending in chia seeds, hemp seeds or flaxseed. These seeds are nutrient powerhouses and can add a ton of nutrients to your smoothie without any flavor change.

• Almond milk or coconut water to give the smoothie more liquid content and thin it out.

• Nut butter for added protein and healthy fat. Try almond butter, cashew butter or peanut butter.

• Fresh ginger for a slightly spicy flavor, which is excellent for digestive troubles.

• Cacao for natural sweetness and an antioxidant hit. You can also use chocolate protein powder.

Final Thoughts on Our Strawberry Banana Smoothie with Ice Cream

Ultimately, a strawberry banana smoothie with ice cream is a delicious and refreshing treat. Whether you’re looking for a light snack or an indulgent dessert, this flavorful combination is sure to hit the spot. It’s easy to customize and allows you to get creative with your ingredients — from extra greens and chia seeds to almond milk and coconut water! Have fun experimenting in the kitchen, then enjoy your homemade smoothie creation!

Happy Blending!
Amanda