3-Ingredient Apple Banana Smoothie
This apple banana smoothie is as simple as it gets: three ingredients, a blender, and about five minutes. It’s creamy, lightly sweet, and the kind of breakfast you can make before your coffee finishes brewing.
No fancy milks or powders. Just real fruit and a little yogurt to make it smooth. Perfect for busy mornings or a quick afternoon pick-me-up.
Why This Smoothie Works
I love how the apple gives it a fresh, barely-there sweetness without needing extra sugar. The banana makes it creamy enough to feel like a milkshake, but it’s just fruit and yogurt.
It’s my go-to when I want something fast that still feels like a real breakfast. The yogurt adds a little tang and protein, so I’m not hungry an hour later.
Ingredients
- 1 sweet apple (Gala or Fuji): no need to peel; the skin blends in and adds fiber.
- 1 ripe banana: spotty and soft for the most natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup plain whole milk yogurt: gives the creamiest texture; Greek yogurt works but you may need a splash of water to thin.
Variations / Substitutions
- Use vanilla yogurt: swap plain for vanilla yogurt if you want a sweeter taste without adding honey.
- Make it dairy-free: use coconut yogurt or oat yogurt; the smoothie will be a touch less thick but still creamy.
- Add a spoonful of nut butter: almond or peanut butter adds protein and a richer flavor.
- Toss in a pinch of cinnamon: a warm spice that makes the apple flavor pop.
- Sneak in a handful of spinach: it turns the smoothie green but you won’t taste it.
If you like this, try our Mango Lassi Smoothie.
How to Make Apple Banana Smoothie
Step 1: Chop the Fruit
Core the apple and cut it into rough 1-inch chunks (leaving the skin on is fine). Peel the banana and break it into a few pieces. This takes about 2 minutes and gives your blender a head start on breaking down the fruit.
Step 2: Blend the Smoothie
Add the apple chunks, banana pieces, and 1/2 cup plain yogurt to a blender. Blend on high for 30 to 45 seconds, until completely smooth with no visible bits of apple. If the smoothie feels too thick for your liking, pour in a splash of water or milk and blend a few seconds more.
Step 3: Pour and Serve
Pour the smoothie into a glass and drink it right away. It will be pale yellow, creamy, and naturally sweet. A quick swirl with a spoon right before your first sip keeps it from separating too fast.
A Few Notes Before You Start
- If your blender struggles with raw apple, chop the pieces smaller or layer the yogurt in first so the blade catches the fruit easier.
- For an extra-cold smoothie, freeze the banana chunks for 30 minutes before blending.
- A tiny pinch of salt can brighten the fruit flavors without making the smoothie taste salty.
Scale it up for more servings:
| Serves | Apple | Banana | Yogurt |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 1/2 cup |
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 cup |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a green apple?
Yes, but it will be noticeably tart. Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to balance it.
Is this smoothie filling enough for breakfast?
With the yogurt, it has enough protein to hold you for a couple of hours. To make it more substantial, blend in 2 tablespoons of oats.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Not really. It will separate and thin out as it sits. This one is best blended and drunk fresh.
What if I only have milk, not yogurt?
You can substitute 1/2 cup of milk, but the smoothie will be thinner. A splash of yogurt or a few ice cubes can help with texture.
Apple Banana Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Core the apple and chop into chunks; peel and break the banana into pieces.
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend on high for 30 to 45 seconds until smooth, adding a splash of liquid if needed.
- Pour into a glass and serve right away.
