Strawberry banana smoothie

A creamy strawberry and banana smoothie flavoured with cinnamon and made with your choice of milk. Blend it for a quick breakfast or an easy snack, and serve it straight away for the freshest flavour.
Ingredients
- 2 handfulsDutch strawberries
- 1 small or half a largebanana
- 1 teaspooncinnamon
- 250 mlplant milk (or goat's milk or lactose-free milk)
- 1 tablespoonlinseed
Instructions
- 1
Blend until smooth
Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend for about 1 minute, until evenly smooth. Serve with a few ice cubes if you like.
What is a strawberry banana smoothie?
A smoothie is a drink made by blending fruit with a liquid until smooth. This version pairs strawberries and banana with cinnamon and linseed, and the recipe is labelled Dutch cuisine.
The banana gives the drink body, while the strawberries bring a bright, fruity flavour. Plant milk makes it easy to prepare without dairy, though the recipe also offers goat's or lactose-free milk.
Nutrition and macros by portion
The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 240 calories, 6g protein, 36g carbs, 9g fat.
| Portion | Adjustment | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lighter | Use unsweetened plant milk | 168 kcal | 4g | 25g | 6g |
| This serving | As written | 240 kcal | 6g | 36g | 9g |
| Hungry | Add a larger banana | 360 kcal | 9g | 54g | 14g |
The banana and strawberries provide most of the smoothie’s carbohydrates, while the milk contributes some protein and the linseed supplies most of the fat. To make it a more complete breakfast, have it alongside a protein-rich food such as yoghurt or an egg.
Choosing the fruit
Strawberries: Use ripe berries for a fragrant, naturally sweet flavour, and remove their green tops before blending. If the berries are particularly large, cut them in half so they blend evenly.
Banana: A small banana or half a large one is enough for this single serving. A ripe banana blends readily and makes the texture creamier.
Getting a smooth blend
Liquid first: Pour the milk into the blender before adding the fruit and other ingredients; this can help the blades catch and move everything around. Blend for about 1 minute, as directed, until there are no obvious pieces of fruit.
Blender check: If the mixture is not moving, stop the blender and push the ingredients down safely before blending again. Avoid reaching into the blender while the blades are moving.
Balancing cinnamon and linseed
Cinnamon: Its warm flavour is noticeable in a simple fruit drink, so measure the teaspoon rather than adding an unmeasured heap. Blend it in with the other ingredients for an even taste.
Linseed: It adds a gently nutty note and can make the smoothie feel more substantial. Blend it thoroughly so it is distributed throughout the drink.
Serving it at its best
Serve the smoothie as soon as it is blended, when its texture is at its smoothest. A few ice cubes, as suggested in the recipe, make it colder without changing the method.
For breakfast, pair it with toast or porridge if you would like something to eat alongside it. It also works well on its own as a small snack.
Adjusting the texture
Thicker: Use frozen strawberries or add a few ice cubes, then blend until smooth. The frozen fruit may make the mixture firmer, so add a little more milk if the blades struggle.
Thinner: Blend in a small splash of extra milk until it reaches the consistency you prefer. Add it gradually to avoid making the drink too runny.
Recipe notes & tips
- Hull the strawberries before putting them in the blender.
- Use ripe fruit for a sweeter-tasting smoothie without adding anything extra.
- Start with the milk in the blender jug to help the fruit move towards the blades.
- Blend for about 1 minute, checking that the fruit is evenly mixed.
- Add ice cubes for a colder drink, as suggested in the recipe.
- Drink it soon after blending for the best texture.
Variations
- Use frozen berries: Blend them straight from frozen for a colder, thicker drink.
- Change the fruit: Swap some of the strawberries for another soft fruit you enjoy.
- Choose your milk: Use plant milk, goat's milk or lactose-free milk as listed.
- Boost the cinnamon: Add a little more only if you prefer a stronger spice flavour.
- Add ice: Blend in a few cubes for a chilled, more refreshing texture.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using underripe fruit: The flavour can be tart; choose ripe strawberries and banana when possible.
- Adding too much cinnamon: It can overpower the fruit; measure the teaspoon carefully.
- Blending for too little time: Pieces may remain; blend for about 1 minute until smooth.
- Pouring in extra milk at once: The smoothie can become thin; add any extra gradually.
- Leaving it to stand: The texture can change; serve soon after blending.
How to store
For the best texture, drink the smoothie straight away. If needed, keep it covered in the fridge and use it within 24 hours; shake or stir well before drinking. Freezing is possible, though thawed smoothie may separate and need another blend.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes. Blend them from frozen for a colder, thicker smoothie, and add a little extra milk if the mixture is too thick to move.
Which milk should I use?
The recipe allows plant milk, goat's milk or lactose-free milk. Choose the one you prefer; an unsweetened option keeps the drink less sweet.
Do I need to peel the banana?
Yes, remove the peel before adding the banana to the blender. Use one small banana or half of a large one.
Can I make it without linseed?
You can leave it out, though the taste and texture will be a little different. Blend the remaining ingredients until smooth.
How can I make it colder?
Add a few ice cubes, as suggested in the recipe, or use frozen strawberries. Blend until the ice is incorporated.
Can I prepare it ahead?
It is best freshly blended, but you can refrigerate it covered and drink it within 24 hours. Stir or shake it before serving if it has separated.
Cook it from the original
This recipe comes from cookinglife.eu. Their page has the author’s own photos, notes and tips — the best place to cook it from.
Open the recipe on cookinglife.eu