Why You’ll Love Chai Spice Banana Smoothie Recipe
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The chai spice blend gives it cozy, comforting flavor—think cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg and cloves—without needing a full dessert.
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Frozen bananas give it a thick, creamy texture that almost feels like soft-serve.
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It’s flexible: you can use your favorite nut butter or swap in seed-based protein or healthy fats for added nutrition.
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It’s quick: about 8 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the chai spice:
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1 Tbsp cinnamon
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1 Tbsp cardamom
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½ Tbsp ginger
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½ Tbsp cloves
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½ Tbsp nutmeg
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½ tsp black pepper
For the smoothie:
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1 tsp chai spice mixture
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2 frozen bananas, sliced
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1 to 1½ cups milk (unsweetened almond milk recommended)
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2 Tbsp almond butter or other nut butter
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2 Tbsp ground flax seed or chia seeds (optional)
Directions
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Make the chai spice mixture by combining all the spices for the chai blend in a small bowl. Whisk until well-blended and store in an airtight container if you have leftovers.
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In a blender, combine the frozen bananas, milk, nut butter, chai spice mixture, and optional flax or chia seeds. Puree until smooth. Add more milk if a thinner consistency is desired.
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Garnish and serve immediately. You can top it with a drizzle of nut butter, banana slices, chopped nuts, cacao nibs, or your favorite garnish.
Servings and timing
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Yield: 2 servings
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Total time: About 8 minutes
Variations
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Swap almond butter for peanut butter or cashew butter depending on your preference.
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Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder (plant-based or other) to boost protein.
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For a green twist, add 1 cup of spinach or kale. If your blender isn’t high-powered, blend the greens with milk first, then add remaining ingredients.
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Turn into popsicles by pouring the smoothie into popsicle molds and freezing for a refreshing treat.
Storage/Reheating
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Best enjoyed immediately after blending for optimal texture.
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If stored, keep in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours. The smoothie may separate—stir or re-blend before drinking.
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For longer storage, freeze in popsicle molds. Allow to soften slightly before enjoying.
FAQs
What if I don’t have cardamom or one of the chai spices?
You can still make a simplified version with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I use fresh bananas instead of frozen?
Yes, but using fresh bananas may result in a thinner, less creamy texture. Add ice or other frozen fruit to thicken if needed.
Is this smoothie sweet enough without added sugar?
If your bananas are very ripe, they should provide enough sweetness. You can add maple syrup or honey if needed.
Can I use a different kind of milk?
Yes, you can use soy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or any preferred milk alternative.
What if I’m allergic to nuts?
Use a seed-based butter like sunflower or pumpkin seed butter instead of almond or peanut butter.
Can I make the chai spice mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store it in an airtight container for up to one year.
What about adding other fruits?
You can blend in frozen berries, mango, or other fruit. Adjust the liquid to maintain a good smoothie consistency.
Can I add a liquid sweetener?
Yes, a touch of maple syrup, agave, or honey can be added if you’d like it sweeter.
What if my smoothie is too thick or too thin?
Add more milk to thin it out or more frozen banana or ice cubes to thicken it.
Can this be used as a post-workout recovery drink?
Yes. Add protein powder and boost healthy fats with more nut butter or chia/flax seeds for a great post-workout option.
Conclusion
This Chai Spice Banana Smoothie delivers all the warmth and comfort of chai in a creamy, naturally sweet drink. It’s nutritious, quick to make, and endlessly customizable—perfect for busy mornings or healthy snacks. Whether you’re craving something cozy or cool, this smoothie is sure to hit the spot.
