Banana, PB, & Cinnamon Milkshake

~Jackie~

I have to say that I am not the biggest fan of milkshakes, and would normally choose a fruit smoothie on a hot summer day than a dairy-loaded milkshake. But, after not having one for as long as I can remember I had a craving this past weekend and made the most delicious and refreshing banana, peanut butter, and cinnamon milkshake. I have memories of my best friend and I making milkshakes before we went to jump rope practice every week in elementary school. We would create so many flavors using different cookies (chocolate chip, M&M, Oreo)… probably not the best thing to have before we jump roped for two hours, but they were the best treat to come home from school and make. Now that I’m 15 years older (yikes!), I decided that maybe I should try and make a “healthy” milkshake, but was determined to make it taste just as delicious. This particular one is not low in calories, but it is high in protein, nutrient dense, and perfect for an after workout snack or hot summer day treat.

I tried to keep the ingredient list short and use items that I already had in my house to make this quick milkshake. Frozen Greek yogurt is a great lower-calorie and higher protein dairy to use than full-fat ice cream or gelato and it tastes just as delicious. Banana and peanut butter are the perfect pairing, but I wanted a little more of a complex flavor so I decided to add in some cinnamon too, after all that is one of mine and Amanda’s favorite ingredients! The cinnamon (along with a dash of vanilla) helps tone down the bold flavors of the banana and peanut butter and brings it all together. 

I really wanted to stay away from using ice because it can water down the milkshake and almost turn it into a smoothie so I cut up and froze my banana instead to act as the ice cubes. Freezing the banana before putting it into the blender with all the other ingredients helps keep the milkshake thick and creamy. I also like to add some vanilla whey protein to my milkshakes (or smoothies) if I make them after a workout. This is an easy way to sneak in extra protein and it tastes delicious in the milkshake. You can even mix in some cocoa powder or chocolate flavored whey protein powder if you like the combination of banana, PB, and chocolate (who doesn’t!). This milkshake is the perfect drink to treat yourself to and not have to feel guilty about! Cheers to summer and creamy treats!