Fruity, frosty, and just the proper amount of buzz.
Hello!
This Espresso Banana Freeze is going to be your new favorite pick-me-up if you want something chilled and creamy that’s also really easy to make and naturally delicious.
It only has four ingredients: banana, almond milk, ice, and a shot of espresso. It’s creamy like a milkshake, refreshing like a smoothie, and has just enough coffee to wake you up without making you jittery.
I made this for the first time on a hot afternoon when I didn’t want another sweet iced coffee but needed something enjoyable to drink.
I had a frozen banana in the freezer and half a cup of cold coffee still in the pot. After only one short blend, I was hooked. It’s now my favorite 3 p.m. ritual.
Makes:
1 smoothie (approximately 12 ounces)
Time:
Five minutes, plus the time it takes to freeze the banana
Things You Need
- Blender
- Knife
- Board for cutting
- Cup for measuring
Things to Do Ahead of Time
You can freeze pieces of banana in small bags ahead of time so you can easily grab them and combine them. Make more espresso than you need and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to drink it.
What You’ll Need
- 1 banana that is ripe and frozen in pieces
- 1/2 cup of chilled almond milk without sugar
- One shot of espresso that has cooled down
- 1/2 cup of ice cubes
How to Do It
- If you haven’t already, freeze the banana.
Peel the banana and chop it into pieces. For at least two hours or overnight, freeze in a single layer. - Put the frozen banana in the blender.
Put the frozen banana chunks in first so they are closest to the blade. - Add almond milk
Add 1/2 cup of cool almond milk. - Put in few ice cubes
Add half a cup of ice.
- Put in espresso
Add the cooled shot of espresso. - Mix until there are no lumps.
Blend everything together on high until it’s very creamy and there are no lumps. - Pour and serve
Pour into a large glass and drink right away!
Mistakes that happen a lot
- If you use hot espresso, it will melt the ice and destroy the texture.
- Not freezing the banana: The banana needs to be frozen to get that thick, creamy texture.
- Too much ice makes it watery. For the optimum consistency, use 1/2 cup.
Leftovers and how to store them
You should eat this one straight immediately, but if you have some left, you may keep it in the fridge for up to a day. You should shake or stir it before drinking because it can separate a little.
Changes and Substitutions
- No espresso?
Use strong cold brew or instant coffee that has been dissolved in a little hot water and then chilled. - No milk made from almonds?
You can use oat, soy, or even conventional milk. - Extras: For a mocha twist, try adding a dash of cinnamon, a scoop of protein powder, or a teaspoon of cocoa powder.
What to Serve With
- A snack bar or energy nibble
- Almond butter and honey on toast
- A side of berries mashed together
Ideas for Meal Plans
This smoothie is a terrific addition to:
- A piece of toast with peanut butter and chia seeds on it.
- A breakfast sandwich full of vegetables.
- A short bite between Zoom calls, going to the gym, and getting groceries.
Why I Love This Recipe
- The mix of banana and coffee just has a certain vibe to it. It seems special even if it’s simple.
- It takes five minutes to start drinking.
- There is no extra sugar; the banana gives it its sweetness.
- It tastes like a coffee shop treat, but you don’t have to leave your house.
- It can be breakfast, a snack, or a better iced coffee.
- Not a single dairy product or animal product.
This recipe works because of science.
- Banana = creaminess: When you combine frozen bananas, they taste like ice cream. They are soft and starchy, which gives you the rich, milkshake texture.
- Espresso = flavor boost: One shot offers a strong coffee flavor without taking away from the banana.
- Almond milk makes a silky base that helps everything mix together and makes it lighter.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use normal coffee instead of espresso?
- Yes! Just make sure it is strong and chilly.
- What if I don’t have a blender?
- You actually do need a blender for this one; hand mixers won’t make it smooth enough.
- Is it possible to make this sweeter?
- Yes, you can add a date or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
Last Thoughts
This Espresso Banana Freeze is the best combination of relaxation and energy. This recipe is like a small treat for yourself during the day, yet it only takes five minutes to make. I’d love to know how it turned out if you attempt it! Please leave a comment below to let me know what you think or to ask any questions you may have!