I have been on the biggest smoothie kick these last few weeks. Well, smoothies and milkshakes. I suppose technically you could consider this one a milkshake too because it uses almond milk, but it also has banana so…let’s go with smoothie. This way, if you decide to make it as a mid-morning snack, it’s perfectly acceptable.
Not that there’s anything inherently wrong with having a milkshake at 10am. That actually sounds like a great way to kick off the workweek, no?
In addition to my smoothie obsession, I’ve also been really into almond extract. Is it just me, or is the smell of almond extract one of the best smells on the planet? I think more than most any other extract or spice, almond is probably my favorite. Every time I use it, I consider dabbing a little on my wrists and wearing it as a perfume. Would that be weird?
This smoothie is right on the cusp of decadent milkshake and melty soft serve, but it’s light enough that you can enjoy it sans guilt every day of the week if you choose (I did, and I’m still going strong). Something about the combination of creamy frozen banana and sweet almond extract is totally addictive.
And the fun paper umbrella and hot pink straw? I think I may add them to every beverage moving forward.
- ½ C. Almond Milk
- ½ Frozen Banana
- ½ Tsp. Vanilla Bean Paste (or Pure Vanilla Extract)
- ½ Tsp. Almond Extract
- ¼ Tsp. Xanthan Gum (optional)
- Sweetener to Taste (I used about 5 drops of liquid Stevia)
- Approximately 5-6 Ice Cubes
- Add the almond milk, frozen banana, vanilla, almond extract, xanthan gum (if using), and ice cubes to the blender.
- Blend and add sweetener according to your taste preference.
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What’s your current favorite smoothie combination?
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
I had my wisdom teeth taken out 2 weeks ago, so I think I’ve made every combination of smoothie under the sun recently. Peanut butter and banana always wins me over though! Maybe one day I can keep my hands out of the PB jar and try this recipe
Ugh, wisdom teeth. I pretty much lived on smoothies and frozen yogurt when I had my wisdom teeth taken out. I joked that it was the mot effective diet I had ever been on.
Peanut butter and banana never gets old!
I’m a big fan of strawberries, bananas, and that orange-strawberry-banana Dole juice. Although I don’t have cute umbrellas to put in my smoothies, so they are somewhat lacking.
I haven’t had that Dole juice on forever, but I used to love it! The umbrellas were a total impulse buy on my part – totally unnecessary, but so fun.
I agree about the smell of almond extract being the BEST. I wouldn’t judge you if you wore it as a perfume- but I’d probably want to stand next to you and sniff away! I love that a little goes a VERY long way when you use it for baking, too.
haha I’d attract you and probably all of the bugs outside!
That looks so smooth and comforting and rich (but without all the fat and calories associated with richness). This drink would be perfect for this warm weather right now.
I adore the smell of almond extract. When I worked in a coffee shop I would be constantly sniffing the bottle of amaretto syrup we had for coffee, and now I use Dr.Bronner’s almond castile soap in the shower which smells divine! Looks like a yummy smoothie
I was so close to buying the Dr. Bronner’s almond soap from iherb the other week, but I went with peppermint instead. I’ll definitely be going with the almond next time now that I know it’s good!
You’ll love it! Dr.Bronner’s lasts forever though so you’ll have to wait a while..
Finally made this today, delicious. It was my first time trying xantham gum and it worked a treat thickening up the lovely almondy banana mix. Perfect alongside toast with almond butter and jam for breakfast
I’m so happy you liked the smoothie! It’s one of my favorite flavors. Almond extract never seems to get old for me.
Gotta go with PB and banana too…I always come back to that one. Although I have been using TJ’s Very Berry Mix (cherries, blueberries and raspberries I think) with cocoa powder, almond milk, greens and a few nuts (walnuts or almonds) and I do have to say that one does not disappoint either!
Do you know if TJ’s carries almond extract? Where do you get yours?
That smoothie sounds fantastic! I love the berry/chocolate combo.
I haven’t seen almond extract at my TJ’s, but I know places like Whole Foods have it, or even Stop & Shop.
I feel the same way about almond extract. That stuff is amazing. You need to throw a spoonful of almond butter into this…it will rock your face off. I’ve literally been making almost the same exact smoothie (with ab & some vanilla protein powder) for weeks now. Cannot.get.enough.
I’m all out of almond butter (the horor), but maybe I’ll try some sunflower seed butter today. That sounds amazing!
that looks so refreshing & yummy! also, I’m passing along a Versatile Blogger award! link here:
http://ksvegrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/05/polenta-pie-and-versatile-blogger-award.html
Thanks so much for recognizing my blog! I’m excited to check out the others you listed!