Savor the nutty delight of our Peanut Paradise Tropical Smoothie, a healthy twist on a classic that offers both flavor and nutrition in every sip. This creamy dream tastes just like a PayDay candy bar in a smoothie form. It really is delicious!
At home, we replicate this popular smoothie from Tropical Smoothie Cafe using clean and healthy ingredients like superfoods and organic peanut butter.
We swap turbinado sugar for the natural sweetness of dates for a more nutrient-dense and whole-food experience.
Don't forget to check out our collection of copycat recipes for more delicious smoothie inspiration, including the Bahama Mama, and Peanut Butter Cup.
Before you begin blending, we encourage you to set healthy intentions to enhance your experience. To learn more about this practice, visit our free guide on using intentions and affirmations for a mindful and enriching smoothie-making ritual.
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Ingredients
Peanut Butter: Peanuts are one of the most heavily pesticide-sprayed crops. This is one reason we choose to always opt for organic peanut butter. Another is the hydrogenated oils and ultra-processed additives in conventional peanut butter. This is an important reason to make this recipe at home- to ensure you get the highest quality peanut butter.
Almond Milk: A staple for achieving creamy consistency, almond milk is a plant-based favorite. Opt for unsweetened, organic almond milk to ensure your tropical smoothie peanut paradise is as pure as it is delicious.
Greek Yogurt: While Tropical Smoothie Cafe uses non-fat yogurt, we prefer organic vanilla bean Greek yogurt for its rich texture and healthy fats. Full-fat yogurt contributes to a creamier smoothie and provides essential nutrients.
Medjool Dates: Sweet, natural, and packed with potassium, fiber, and antioxidants, Medjool dates are the perfect replacement for added sugars. Go for organic dates to enhance your banana peanut butter smoothie with unprocessed sweetness.
Vanilla Protein Powder: We love Truvani for its clean, plant-based ingredients, but a high-quality vanilla whey protein is equally effective. Whichever you choose, it adds a robust vanilla flavor and boosts the protein content significantly.
Frozen Banana: A ripe banana, when frozen, lends a sweet, frosty thickness to smoothies. It's an easy way to add natural sweetness and a smooth texture to your peanut butter paradise.
Ice Cubes: optional
Instructions
Prepping the Dates: Begin by softening the dates in warm water if they feel too firm, which should take around 10 minutes. Once they're pliable, drain any excess water.
Creating the Base: Pour the creamy peanut butter, scoops of protein, cup of Greek yogurt, prepared dates, and almond milk into your high-speed blender. Whip these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth blend.
Incorporating the Banana: Introduce the frozen banana chunks to the mixture. Continue to blend at high speed until the banana is fully integrated.
Fine-Tuning the Texture: For those who love a little bit more thickness, add a cup of ice to the blend. Give it a taste; you may want to enhance the flavor with an extra spoonful of peanut butter or another date.
Ready to Serve: Once you've reached the perfect balance, pour the milk-like mixture into your chosen glass to serve. This is the moment to relish your homemade, nutritious smoothie.
Hint: Don't forget to pause and scrape down the sides in between blends. Peanut butter tends to stick, and we want every bit of that deliciousness in every sip.
Substitutions and Variations
Sweeteners: Depending on your preference and the sweetness of your protein powder, you might skip sweeteners or opt for natural ones like maple syrup, raw honey, or even a sprinkle of coconut sugar. For a sugar-free option, try pure monk fruit or organic stevia.
Nut Butter: Ditch the creamy peanut butter for almond or cashew butter if you're in the mood for a change. They offer a unique taste and can be a delightful twist on the classic Peanut Paradise Smoothie.
Seeds and Healthy Oils: A spoonful of hemp or chia seeds or sprouts will thicken your smoothie and add healthy fats and proteins. Flax oil is another great add-in for omega-3s.
Greens and Fruits: A handful of spinach will go unnoticed in taste but not in nutrition, and adding fresh fruits like pineapple or mango can infuse the sweetness of tropical fruits.
Chocolate Touch: A bit of cacao powder makes for a chocolatey smoothie without the guilt. If you're feeling indulgent, toss in some dark chocolate chips.
Dairy-Free Choices: Use coconut yogurt and dairy-free milk like almond or soy milk to keep things lactose-free. Opt for a plant-based vanilla or pea protein to maintain the high protein content.
Milk Varieties: Feel free to experiment with dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or oat milk for a different flavor and creaminess.
Extra Nutrition: For an extra healthy kick, consider adding superfoods such as spirulina, maca, or matcha.
Storage
Don't let it go to waste if you find yourself with a leftover smoothie, pour it into an airtight container and refrigerate; it will stay fresh for up to a day.
This method works best when storing in individual portions.
Consider pouring the leftover smoothie into ice cube trays for longer storage. Once frozen, these smoothie cubes can be quickly blitzed in a blender for a fresh-tasting smoothie anytime, or added to other beverages for a flavorful twist.
Another creative and fun option is to use popsicle molds. Pour your smoothie into these molds and freeze.
This transforms your smoothie into a frozen treat, ideal for hot days or as a healthy dessert option. It's a great way to portion the smoothie into individual servings and makes for an easy, grab-and-go snack.
Top tip
If using a standard blender, always start by blending your liquid ingredients with the softer ones first. This includes your almond milk and soaked dates. Adding these before the frozen bananas and ice ensures a more efficient blend, preventing any strain on your blender's motor. A high-speed blender like the Vitamix works best!
FAQ
The original Peanut Paradise Tropical Smoothie typically contains peanut butter, non-fat Greek yogurt, frozen bananas, turbinado sugar, and protein powder. This combination creates a creamy, nutty, and slightly sweet smoothie, packed with the flavors of peanut and banana.
Yes, many tropical smoothie recipes, including the Peanut Paradise, often include added sugars for sweetness. Turbinado sugar, a less processed form of cane sugar, is commonly used. It adds a caramel-like sweetness to the smoothie. However, we still prefer to use natural sweeteners like dates or raw honey!
The protein content in a peanut butter smoothie can vary based on the ingredients used. Typically, a smoothie made with peanut butter, Greek yogurt, and added protein powder can contain between 20 to 30 grams of protein per serving. This makes it an excellent choice for a high-protein meal or snack. The exact amount will depend on the quantities and types of protein powder and Greek yogurt used.
More Smoothies
Looking for other smoothie or juice recipes like this? Try these:
Recipe
Peanut Paradise Smoothie - A Healthy Copycat Recipe
Equipment
- Measuring spoons and cup
- Silicone spatula
- Tall glass
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 large frozen banana
- ½ cup Greek yogurt full-fat for creaminess
- 2 Medjool dates pitted
- 1 cup almond milk or water adjust for desired thickness
- Optional: ice cubes
Instructions
- Soak Dates: If the dates are hard, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain.
- Blend Main Ingredients: In a blender, combine the peanut butter, protein powder, Greek yogurt, soaked dates, and almond milk/water. Blend until smooth.
- Add Frozen Banana: Incorporate the frozen banana and blend again until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Consistency and Flavor: For a thicker smoothie, add ice cubes. Taste and adjust the flavor as needed, perhaps with more peanut butter for richness or an additional date for sweetness.
- Serve: Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
If you love this smoothie, please like, share, and save it for later. Your support by subscribing means a lot to us, and we'd love to hear how you personalize your high-protein peanut paradise. Drop a comment with your variations and experiences! Each glass is a step toward a healthier, more vibrant lifestyle.
Be well,
Natalie
Natalie says
This is really good and easy to make!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
This is so delicious. I used frozen banana and had a delicious milk shake!! Having another tomorrow.
Natalie Perry says
Wonderful!
Nora says
That was one creamy treat! So good! Thanks for this fantastic smoothie recipe!
Natalie Perry says
You are welcome 🙂
Andréa says
This looks like such a delicious and healthy smoothie. I can't wait for summer to come by!
Natalie Perry says
It is delicious. Let us know how you enjoy it!
DK says
Great recipe - I love peanut butter smoothies! And thanks for all of the great nutritional information on your post!
Natalie Perry says
Welcome! 🙂