I drink a lot of protein-fortified smoothies while training for marathons and half marathons. These protein shakes ensure I am achieving my protein goals week by week.

Smoothies are a quick and easy way for me to get the essential nutrients I need to ensure adequate nutrition while I train.

Ingredients and Tips

Milk: Chose the type of milk based on your preferences. I enjoy soy milk. However, dairy-free options include coconut milk, almond milk, or option to use cow’s milk..

Ripe Bananas: I prefer to use frozen banana chunks for creamy texture smoothies.

Creamy Peanut butter: Option to use chunky or smooth. This is an essential flavor in this smoothie and provides a dose of healthy fats. If you don’t have peanut butter you can create another easy recipe variation with nut butters.

Non-fat Greek Yogurt: I usually have unflavored, Greek Yogurt in my fridge. I like to add this for boost of extra protein and thickness If keeping this smoothie vegan, the option to omit the yogurt and swap for plant-based milk or yogurt.

Vanilla: Vanilla Extract for extra flavor

Optional: Vanilla protein powder ( chocolate protein powder will work too for a chocolate peanut butter smoothie) Also, check out this smoothie if you love peanut butter and chocolate.

Dates: Feel free to use more or less dates based on your sweetness preference. I like to limit the added sweetness to my smoothies and adding dates allows me to eliminate added sugar in my smoothie recipes. If you want an even sweeter smoothie or don’t have dates on hand, maple syrup works well.

Optional – Ice cubes: I say ice cubes are optional because I don’t usually use them. The frozen bananas and yogurt keep this smoothie thick and flavorful.

How to Make This Smoothie

Add Ingredients

Starting with the Milk, add all ingredients to a blender.

Blend

In a high-speed blender, blend the ingredients on high speed until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Taste the smoothie and adjust the flavors to taste. I.e. add more peanut butter 1 tsp at a time, vanilla, or dates for sweetness. This ensures you have a tasty smoothie suited to your preferences.

Serve and Garnish

Once you are satisfied with the taste and consistency, pour your smoothie into a glass. Garnish with date caramel, crushed peanuts, whipped cream, a sprinkle of turbinado sugar, or warmed peanut butter drizzle. Enjoy!

Note: Other Add-ins include flax meal, collagen powder, or chia seeds. This smoothie is best consumed day of but if you do have leftover smoothie, you can freeze it in ice cube trays to add to your next peanut butter smoothie creation! This smoothie is very similar to my variation of Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie recipe, another delicious drink with cocoa powder and chocolate protein powder for chocolatey goodness!

FAQ (Ask a Dietitian!)

What is in a peanut paradise at Tropical Smoothie?

Typically this smoothie has Peanut butter, bananas, yogurt, milk, and ice. My version of this recipe incorporates dates, vanilla extract, and protein powder too!

Is Peanut Paradise Tropical Smoothie healthy?

Yes, A peanut paradise tropical smoothie is healthy! It is always important to consider portion sizes, added sugars, and ingredients customized based on an individual’s nutrition needs, allergies, and intolerances.

Check out this article about How To Make A Healthy Flexitarian Breakfast to learning more about Healthy Eating!

How many calories are in the Peanut Paradise Smoothie from Tropical Smoothie Café?

Supposedly, the Peanut Paradise smoothie from Tropical Smoothie Café has 600 to 700 calories in a 24-ounce smoothie.

My variation of this smoothie includes 366 calories per serving and 21g of protein. The beauty about making your copycat smoothies from home is you can customize the ingredients to exactly what you want. Not only is the smoothie super delicious but it is also way less expensive to make the smoothie from home!

Enjoy This Smoothie Recipe? Try These Smoothies Too!

Berry Bliss Smoothie

Oreo Milkshake (without ice cream)

Strawberry Smoothie Bowl [Vegan and High Protein]

Close up image of the date caramel rim and sliced banana garnish on the peanut paradise tropical smoothie cafe copy cat smoothie

Peanut Paradise Tropical Smoothie (Copycat)

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN

This Peanut Paradise Tropical Smoothie Café copycat is creamy, nutty, healthy, and delicious.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Course Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings serving

Calories 366 kcal

Equipment

1 Blender

Ingredients

1/2 cup unflavored soymilk or other milk of choice
1 frozen banana
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
2 tbsp vanilla protein powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 dates