Easy mornings start with simple drinks like this Homemade Banana Milk, smooth and lightly sweet, made from ripe bananas and cold milk, ready in minutes.
This post feels a little special to me. This Homemade Banana Milk is so simple, I am not even sure it qualifies as a recipe, but it is my eldest daughter’s favourite treat, and she insisted I put it on the blog. So here it is.
When I was a child, my mum would often make me a frullato, a smoothie, for afternoon tea. I now do the same for my kids. It makes a nutritious snack and an easy way to get some fruit into them.
Pear and banana was my favourite smoothie growing up, and this banana milk grew from that memory. It is a small tribute to those afternoons from my childhood. I hope you enjoy it as much as my kids do.
Why We Love Homemade Banana Milk
- Helps turn very ripe bananas into something useful instead of throwing them away.
- Feels like a banana smoothie, with a mild banana flavour and a lighter, more drinkable texture.
- This easy banana milk keeps sugar levels lower than most chocolate or strawberry milk sold in cartons.
Key Ingredients for Milk with Banana
Banana
Ripe banana adds natural sweetness and thickness to the drink. Use bananas with a few brown spots, as they mash and blend more easily than firm ones.
Milk
Cold milk keeps the drink fresh and easy to drink. Full-fat milk gives a creamier result, while semi-skimmed makes it lighter. Oat milk also works if you prefer a dairy-free option.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup sweetens the drink smoothly. A light or medium maple syrup suits this recipe well and blends easily without settling at the bottom.
Find the complete list with measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make Banana Milk
Step 1: Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until completely smooth.
Step 2: Strain the mixture, then serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Banana milk tastes creamiest with full-fat cow’s milk, while semi-skimmed cow’s milk gives a lighter drink. Non-dairy milk such as cashew milk, coconut milk, or soy milk can also be used.
Yes, simple add-ins can be blended in if you like. A scoop of vanilla or unflavoured protein powder works well, as does a light sprinkle of chia seeds or ground flax seeds. Keep amounts small so the texture stays smooth.
No, a regular household blender works well for this recipe. Cut the banana into smaller pieces and blend a little longer to help achieve a smooth, even consistency.
Yes, fruits like pears or strawberries can be blended in small amounts. Adding too much fruit will change the flavour and thickness.
Extra Help from the Kitchen
Cut Banana into Smaller Pieces – Cut the banana into small chunks before blending to help it break down faster and blend more evenly.
Start on Low Speed – Start blending on a low setting, then increase gradually to keep the milk from becoming too frothy.
Adjust Sweetness After Blending – Taste the banana milk after blending and add more maple syrup only if needed, as banana sweetness can vary.
Rinse the Sieve with Cold Water – Rinse the sieve lightly with cold water before straining to help the liquid pass through more easily.
Chill the Glasses – Chill serving glasses in the fridge for a short time to keep the banana milk cold for longer, especially in warm weather.
Variations and Twists
Add a Touch of Vanilla and Water for a Korean-Style Drink – Add a small splash of cold water and a splash of vanilla extract to the banana, milk, and maple syrup before blending to make the drink lighter and easier to sip.
Use Plant-Based Milk Instead of Dairy – Replace regular milk with oat milk or plain almond milk while keeping the same blending method for a dairy-free option with a slightly different flavour.
Serve with Ice for a Cooler Drink – Add a couple of ice cubes to the blender or directly to the glass to keep the banana milk colder, especially on warm days.
Mix Banana Milk into Cold Cereal or Granola – Pour the prepared banana milk over cereal or granola for a simple breakfast using the same blended drink.
Add a Pinch of Sea Salt and Cinnamon – Stir in a very small pinch of fine salt and a light sprinkle of cinnamon after blending to balance sweetness and add mild warmth.
Ways to Use Banana Milk
Baked Goods – Use banana milk in muffins, pancakes, or quick breads instead of regular milk to add mild banana flavour and keep baked goods soft.
Breakfast Cereals – Enjoy it over cereal, oatmeal, or overnight oats for an easy breakfast with a light banana taste.
Smoothies – Use banana milk as the liquid base for smoothies to add flavour without needing extra fruit.
Porridge and Oats – Stir banana milk into warm porridge or soaked oats to gently sweeten them without adding sugar.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store banana milk in an airtight container, such as a sealed bottle or jar, in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. Shake well before serving, as natural separation may occur. Serve cold.
More Homemade Drinks to Try
Homemade Banana Milk Recipe
Easy mornings start with simple drinks like this Homemade Banana Milk, smooth and lightly sweet, made from ripe bananas and cold milk, ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 large banana
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 –1½ tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions
-
Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until completely smooth.
-
Strain the mixture, then serve immediately.
Hello! What do you mean by filter? Through a strainer? Cheese cloth?
Hi Laura
A fine mesh strainer works well for this. You just want the milk to be completely smooth, just like… milk. 🙂