How To Make Panera Strawberry Banana Smoothie At Home
This Strawberry Banana Smoothie tastes like a Panera Smoothie! This recipe is perfect for those chaotic mornings when you need something quick and portable for “on-the-go” breakfast. Rather than skip breakfast, grab a couple of yummy breakfast cookies, or better yet, whip up a smoothie like this Panera Copycat.
Smoothies are a great way to get your daily servings of fruits and veggies while also being a busy bee. From leaving for work extra early to prepare for that presentation, to dropping the kids off at school, to hitting up the gym at 5 am before you tackle your day, let’s face it, sitting down and enjoying breakfast just isn’t realistic. But when you do have time, this recipe can be enjoyed when you can mindfully savor every lick, sip, and slurp.
How To Make a Panera Bread Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe
Making your very own Panera Strawberry Banana Smoothie at home is easy!
Let’s start with the ingredients.
Fruit: Strawberries & Bananas
For this recipe, I chose frozen strawberries and bananas. You could also use strawberry puree, or fresh strawberries and bananas in this recipe. I prefer to use frozen fruit so I do not need any ice.
Make this a Panera Strawberry Smoothie by omitting the bananas or a Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie by omitting the strawberries and adding a spoonful of peanut butter! Note, that the nutrition facts for your smoothie will change depending on what fruits and ingredients you use.
Liquid: Milk of Choice
My milk of choice is soy milk for its flavor and nutritional value. You could use almond milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or cow’s milk in this fruit smoothie recipe.
Sweetness: Dates
This sticky & sweet dried fruit is my go-to sweet addition to my smoothies. At times, I might even use date syrup. Some other sweet choices include maple syrup, honey, or (my gosh) refined sugar. My sweetener choice is based on the flavor profile of the smoothie but also my mood!
Example: I might use maple syrup in a banana oatmeal smoothie to give it an extra “breakfasty” taste.
Fat: Nut Butter or Fat Plain Greek Yogurt
Fat is essential for my creamy smoothies. Have you ever made a smoothie and it was all foam?! I have, and there is nothing I despise more (being a little dramatic here but it really is disappointing).
There are a few explanations for the foam (which I will definitely be diving into in a future blog post) but I stick to one rule to prevent foam and ensure creaminess, always add fat. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water and is often the culprit of foaminess. Insoluble fiber can be found in many fruits and vegetables that we put in our smoothies.
Adding fat is one of my best tips to prevent the fiber from foaming up! But really, I also love the taste and satiation the added fat brings!
Some other fats that are excellent in a healthy smoothie include:
- Whole milk, which also functions as a liquid
- Avocado, which is especially delicious when combined with blueberries
- Full-fat plain Greek yogurt
- Nuts and/or seed butter. One of my favorite nut/seed butter to use is Almond. I just love the taste of almond butter in a smoothie, especially when paired with almond extract. It is the perfect subtle flavor that has the taster going, hmmmmm yummy, that’s so good, what is that flavor I am tasting?!
Protein Powder or Collagen Powder Add Ins
I like to add protein powder to most of my smoothies. The added protein keeps me satisfied and helps me meet my protein needs for the day! One of my favorite delicious breakfast hacks is to include at least 30g of protein in my healthy breakfast meal!
To help me keep track of my protein I use the food diary also known as MyFitnessPal exercise tracker (in my opinion the best macro tracking app). It helps me stay on top of the grams of protein I am consuming throughout the week. Plus, it’s free!
More Ingredient Add Ins
More Strawberry Banana Smoothie with Delicious Add-Ins!
- Creatine: 3-5g of creatine is ideal for supporting muscle strength and recovery, especially if you’re on a fitness journey. This flavorless addition blends easily without altering the smoothie’s creamy texture.
- Chia & Flax Seed Mix: Combining chia and flax seeds provides a powerful mix of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. Together, they support heart and digestive health, help keep you full longer, and add a gentle nutty flavor that complements the smoothie’s sweetness. Just a tablespoon or two is all you need!
- Apple Juice or Fruit Juice: A splash of apple juice or any preferred fruit juice adds a natural sweetener, intensifying the fruity flavors.
- Coconut Yogurt: For a creamy smoothie with a tropical twist, mix in a spoonful of coconut yogurt.
- Frozen Cauliflower: Adding a handful of frozen cauliflower florets or riced cauliflower is a clever way to thicken your smoothie without extra sugar or calories. Cauliflower is packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making your smoothie creamy, nutrient-dense, and you still have a super delicious smoothie.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: A drizzle of honey or maple syrup can add subtle natural sweetness without overpowering the fruit flavors.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Add All Ingredients
Place all your measured ingredients into a blender. This could include fruits, liquids, yogurt, and any additional flavorings or supplements.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
Secure the blender lid and blend until the mixture is smooth. Check for any unblended chunks and blend again if needed.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Give your smoothie a taste and adjust based on your preferences:
- Too thick? Add a bit more soy milk (or your preferred liquid).
- Too thin? Add more yogurt or ice to thicken it up.
- Not sweet enough? Add a date or a small amount of sweetener.
Serving Suggestions
Take your smoothie to the next level with these creative serving ideas:
- Classic Glass: Serve in a chilled glass with a straw or fruit garnish.
- Smoothie Bowl: Pour into a bowl and top with granola, fruit, or seeds.
- On-the-Go: Pour into a thermos for an easy, portable snack.
- Layered: Feeling extra? Combine two smoothie flavors for a fun layered effect.
- Frozen Popsicles: Perfect for leftovers! Pour into popsicle molds and freeze for a cool treat.
Speaking of Leftovers
In addition to making Frozen Popsicles, you can also try these other options:
- Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for a quick snack later. I prefer smoothies fresh, but it’s a good option for short-term storage!
- Freeze in Ice Cube Trays: Pour into ice cube trays and freeze. Later, blend the smoothie cubes with milk and fresh fruit for an easy, ready-to-go smoothie.
More Recipes
Craving a Green Smoothie? Try my Green Breakfast Juice!
My favorite Berry Smoothie Recipe
My favorite smoothie bowl recipe
A Smoothie Article I wrote for educational purposes on how to make a fantastic smoothie.
Craving a dessert bar? Try my High Protein Cookies and Cream Bars!
Panera Strawberry Banana Smoothie Copycat Recipe
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 cup frozen bananas
- 3 pitted medjool dates If not pitted, remove the pit in advance
- 2 cup unsweetened soy milk
- 5 tbsp protein powder unflavored, strawberry, or vanilla
- ¼ cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
Instructions
Step 1: Add All Ingredients
- Place all your measured ingredients into a blender. This could include fruits, liquids, yogurt, and any additional flavorings or supplements.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
- Secure the blender lid and blend until the mixture is smooth. Check for any unblended chunks and blend again if needed.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
- Give your smoothie a taste and adjust based on your preferences:Too thick? Add a bit more soy milk (or your preferred liquid). Too thin? Add more yogurt or ice to thicken it up. Not sweet enough? Add a date or a small amount of sweetener.
Notes
Nutrition
Hi, I’m Sarah Harper, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist passionate about cooking, eating, and sharing all things food! At The Addy Bean, you’ll find a variety of flexitarian recipes designed to inspire and empower you to explore the delicious world of plant-based eating. My mission is to make plant-forward meals approachable, enjoyable, and part of your everyday life!
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