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This classic Korean banana milk is the perfect way to enjoy sweet ripe bananas in a creamy and silky drink. It is comforting yet refreshing and brings a nostalgic taste that many grew up enjoying. Whether you sip it for breakfast as a light snack or as a cool treat on a hot day, you are in for a real delight. I started making this at home to use up those spotty bananas always sitting on the counter and now my friends ask for a jar every time they visit.
My family was hooked on banana milk after the first try. Blending it fresh at home beats anything store bought and makes our house smell like a bakery.
Ingredients
- Ripe bananas: about seven inches long These provide natural sweetness and creamy texture. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots as they blend into the smoothest base and impart the richest flavor
- Regular whole milk or oat or almond milk for a dairy free version: Choose a milk with higher fat for creaminess. Always check that your nondairy milk does not have sharp flavors to keep the drink mellow
- Granulated sugar: Adjust based on your ripeness of bananas. Fresher less ripe bananas will need a touch more sugar for that classic sweet banana milk finish. Taste as you go
- Sweetened condensed milk: This lends a thick milky undertone and boosts the old fashioned sweetness. For best results pick a high quality brand that tastes clean and milky instead of cloying
- Vanilla extract (optional but recommended): This adds a gentle bakery like aroma which deepens the banana flavor. If using opt for real vanilla not imitation for best taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Bananas:
- Peel three medium ripe bananas and slice them into thin pieces Toss them into a large mixing bowl or a deep measuring jug
- Blend the Base:
- Add two thirds cup milk sugar and condensed milk to the bananas If you are adding vanilla pour it in now Use an immersion blender to blend everything until the mixture looks pale and smooth with no more banana lumps
- Combine with Milk:
- Pour your banana milk base into a large pitcher or drink container Add the rest of the milk and mix thoroughly with a spoon. This step thins out the banana puree and gives that signature drinkable consistency
- Add Texture (optional):
- If you like texture chop one or two more bananas into tiny cubes and stir them in now This mimics the little chewy bits found in some storebought versions
- Chill or Serve:
- Banana milk tastes best served very cold Chill in the fridge for at least one hour or serve immediately over ice for a quick cold glass
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You Must Know
- Great source of potassium and vitamins thanks to fresh fruit
- Perfect for using up overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste
- Easily adjustable for vegan and dairy free preferences
My favorite part of making banana milk is letting my kids pick which milk to use and whether to add extra chunks. Watching them steal sips from the fridge always reminds me of summers at my grandparents with homemade fruit drinks.
Storage Tips
Store leftover banana milk in a tightly sealed container in the fridge It stays fresh for up to three days but is always best the day you make it. If it starts to separate just give it a good shake before pouring. Any leftover condensed milk should be kept in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a month and works great in coffee or desserts.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap in oat milk or almond milk for a dairy free banana milk Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a different sweetness If you do not have condensed milk replace with extra sugar or a splash of extra milk to taste though the drink may lose some creamy body
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Serving Suggestions
Pour banana milk into small glass jars for a classic Korean café look or serve in a tall glass over plenty of ice. This drink pairs beautifully with toast or pastries for breakfast or as an afternoon pick me up with cookies. Try pouring over cereal or oatmeal instead of regular milk for a banana boost.
Cultural Context
Banana milk holds a special spot in Korean food culture and is often enjoyed as a nostalgic treat for both kids and adults. It became popular decades ago as a ready to drink boxed beverage that brought together fun flavor and milky goodness. Making it at home brings a little bit of Korean comfort into your own kitchen no matter where you live.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use plant-based milk options?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk with oat, almond, or any preferred plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
- → How ripe should the bananas be?
For the best sweetness and flavor, use overripe bananas with plenty of brown spots.
- → How long does homemade banana milk last?
Store it in the fridge and consume within three days for optimal freshness and flavor.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness?
Absolutely. Vary the amount of sugar and condensed milk to suit your taste or based on banana ripeness.
- → What else can I use banana milk for?
Enjoy it as a drink, or pour over cereal, smoothies, or oatmeal for added banana flavor.
- → Is vanilla extract necessary?
No, vanilla extract is optional but adds a subtle aromatic note that complements the banana flavor.