The Ultimate Banana Strawberry Smoothie: Banana Split in a Glass

I’ve finally perfected the banana strawberry smoothie of my dreams! Last week during our family movie night (we were watching that new animated film my 8-year-old is obsessed with), I whipped up these banana split-inspired smoothies that literally had everyone fighting over the blender dregs. I wanted something simple yet delicious that would make our Friday night feel special without requiring a PhD in mixology.

How to Make the Best Banana Strawberry Smoothie at Home

Remember those classic banana splits with the three perfect scoops of ice cream, hot fudge, and that iconic cherry on top? This easy strawberry banana smoothie captures all those banana split flavors without the sugar crash that sends my son bouncing off the walls until midnight. Lisa stopped by during my recipe testing phase and declared it “dessert in disguise,” which might just be the greatest compliment ever.

I’ve been experimenting with smoothie recipes for months now (my kitchen has witnessed everything from green spinach smoothies to elaborate delicious breakfast smoothie bowls), but this strawberry and banana smoothie combo might just be my masterpiece.

Banana Strawberry Smoothie Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, frozen and sliced
• 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
• 1 cup milk of choice
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt for extra creaminess
• 2 tablespoons chocolate fudge sauce, plus more for drizzling
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Whipped cream for topping
• Maraschino cherries for that authentic banana split vibe
• Sprinkles (because my inner child demands it). Or granola if you want to pretend this is a super healthy smoothie 🙂 (I mean, besides the whipped cream and the fudge, it is!)

Optional:

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup – optional if your bananas aren’t super sweet (15ml)
• A tablet of chocolate for topping

Simple Smoothie Recipe Instructions

1. Toss your frozen banana slices and strawberries into your blender. Between us, frozen fruit is the secret to achieving that thick smoothie texture without watery disappointment.
2. You can now add the milk and Greek yogurt to the blender. I discovered during my extensive “smoothie research” (aka making breakfast every day for three months straight) that Greek yogurt makes fruit smoothie recipes with yogurt infinitely creamier.
3. Drizzle in the chocolate fudge sauce, honey (if using), and vanilla. This transformative trio is what takes this from “morning smoothie” to “OMG, is this actually ice cream?”
4. Blend everything until smooth and creamy. My ancient blender takes about 60 seconds and usually requires me to stop and scrape down the sides while muttering encouragement to it.
5. Give the consistency a quick check. My daughter likes her smoothie recipes ultra-thick while Mark prefers his slightly thinner, so adjust with a splash more milk if needed.
6. Pour your banana smoothie recipe creation into glasses and get decorating! Add a generous swirl of chocolate sauce (channeling my barista dreams), a fluffy cloud of whipped cream, and that non-negotiable cherry on top.
7. Sprinkle with colorful jimmies if you’re feeling fancy or trying to impress your Instagram followers. I added these when serving these as fun drinks for kids at our last playdate and the excitement was off the charts.

Best Smoothie Recipe Storage Tips

This easy smoothie recipe is definitely at its prime when fresh – the color is brighter than my mood after a long day, and the texture is absolutely perfect!

If you absolutely must store leftover smoothie, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. A quick stir before drinking will handle any separation issues.

Want a smoothie hack that made me feel like a genius parent? Pour any leftover fruit smoothie into popsicle molds! My son thought these frozen smoothie pops were the greatest invention since Minecraft when I served them as fun summer drinks for kids during last July’s heatwave.

Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Banana Smoothies

Can I make this simple smoothie recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! I made this for a vegan friend using almond milk and skipping the yogurt altogether. The banana strawberry smoothie was still deliciously thick and creamy, thanks to those frozen bananas working their magic.

How do I make a super thick smoothie?

For those thick smoothie recipes that practically require a spoon, freeze not just your bananas but your strawberries too! Using less liquid also helps create that milkshake-like consistency. Sometimes I’ll even add a handful of ice cubes if I’m after that perfect thick smoothie texture.

Are these smoothies good party drinks for kids?

These banana smoothie creations have saved me at multiple playdates and birthday parties! I’m actually planning to serve these as kids party drinks at my son’s upcoming birthday celebration (or should I go for my strawberry smoothie with salted caramel?). Setting up a DIY smoothie bar with toppings has been my go-to strategy for entertaining the elementary school crowd while looking like I have my life together.

Why This Strawberry Banana Smoothie Works for Any Occasion

The versatility of this banana smoothie recipe is honestly what keeps it in heavy rotation at our house. Monday morning breakfast? Banana smoothie. After-school hunger emergency? Strawberry smoothie. Sneaky dessert that counts as fruit? Add those toppings and nobody will question your parenting choices!

I served these at book club last month and a friend couldn’t believe there wasn’t actual ice cream involved. The strawberry banana smoothie with yogurt creates such a rich texture that it genuinely tastes like something you shouldn’t be allowed to have for breakfast.

Banana Split Smoothie Magic

Here’s my hot take: this banana strawberry smoothie has officially replaced my fancy coffee shop habit three days a week. It satisfies my sweet tooth while still containing actual fruit, which means I can file it under “health food” in my mental categorization system (ok, maybe without that whipped cream).

Whether you’re whipping this up as part of your breakfast smoothie rotation, serving it as fun kid drinks at your next gathering, or blending one as a midday pick-me-up when that 3PM energy crash hits, this easy strawberry banana smoothie bridges the gap between treat and somewhat-responsible adult choice.

And isn’t finding that balance what our life is all about? Well, that and figuring out how to fold fitted sheets, which remains my personal Everest.

Save this pin for whenever you want to treat yourself!