Gut Healthy Bananas Foster Smoothie

Featured in Sip in Style.

Blend frozen banana, Medjool dates, shredded coconut, vanilla Greek yogurt (or vegan alternative), cinnamon, nutmeg, and almond milk for a luscious smoothie reminiscent of classic bananas foster. The result is a sweet, caramel-like drink that’s naturally gut-friendly, gluten-free, and nut-free. Ideal for a nourishing breakfast or snack, this smoothie delivers creamy richness and plenty of fiber. For extra smoothness, pause to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed. Serve fresh for best flavor and texture. Suitable for most dietary preferences, and easy to customize to suit vegan needs.

Barbara Chef
Updated on Mon, 02 Jun 2025 13:25:09 GMT
Two glasses of banana and caramel flavored milkshakes. Pin it
Two glasses of banana and caramel flavored milkshakes. | gracefulflavors.com

This creamy Gut Healthy Bananas Foster Smoothie captures all the flavors of the classic dessert and transforms them into a nourishing breakfast treat. With naturally sweet bananas and dates, a hint of coconut, warm spices, and protein-rich yogurt, it is a wholesome recipe that feels indulgent but supports your gut health. I created this smoothie on a morning when I wanted something sweet but needed to fuel my body well. It is now a go-to for busy mornings or even as a dessert swap.

I first blended this up after craving something decadent before a long workday and now it is in regular rotation. My family loves it when I add extra cinnamon or blend in a few ice cubes on hot days.

Ingredients

  • One frozen banana: brings natural sweetness and gives the smoothie that irresistible creamy texture. Choosing ripe bananas ensures extra flavor
  • Two Medjool dates: add caramel notes and are packed with fiber for satiety. Look for plump dates with shiny skins
  • Three tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut: provide body and a subtle tropical note. Choose unsweetened to keep the smoothie balanced
  • Half a cup vanilla Greek yogurt: adds protein and tang. For a vegan option use dairy free yogurt made with coconut or almond
  • Half teaspoon cinnamon: brings warm flavor and helps balance blood sugar. Freshly ground is most fragrant
  • Quarter teaspoon nutmeg: gives gentle nutty spice. Whole nutmeg grated right before blending has the best flavor
  • One cup almond milk: keeps it light and creamy. Use your favorite brand or homemade for better flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare and portion:
Make sure your banana is completely frozen and measure the dates coconut yogurt cinnamon nutmeg and almond milk. If your dates are firm soak them in warm water for ten minutes then drain before using for better blending
Blend ingredients:
Add all measured ingredients to your blender. Start on low and quickly increase the speed to high. Blend for about sixty seconds or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy
Scrape and rebalance:
If any ingredients stick to the sides stop the blender remove the lid and use a spatula to scrape down the sides. This ensures every bit blends fully for that thick silky texture
Serve and enjoy:
Pour the smoothie into a large glass or split between two smaller glasses. For an extra treat top with a dusting of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped coconut cream. Enjoy immediately while chilly and fresh
Two glasses of banana split with whipped cream. Pin it
Two glasses of banana split with whipped cream. | gracefulflavors.com

You Must Know

My personal favorite part is the way the cinnamon and nutmeg mix for that warm bakery aroma. This recipe always brings back memories of special Sunday breakfasts when we would sit together and share stories while sipping our smoothies.

Storage Tips

This smoothie is best enjoyed fresh for the creamiest texture but you can store any leftovers in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to a day. Just give it a shake or quick stir before drinking because separation is normal. I sometimes prep the ingredients the night before and just blend in the morning for extra speed.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily swap Greek yogurt for a coconut or almond yogurt to make this vegan or dairy free. Oat milk or soy milk works in place of almond milk if you prefer a different flavor or if there are allergies in your household. If you do not have Medjool dates any soft pitted date will do but taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.

Serving Suggestions

For an extra fun breakfast moment top your smoothie with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. Sometimes I will add a few slices of fresh banana or a handful of granola on top for extra crunch. It also works well poured into a bowl and finished with your favorite fruits for a smoothie bowl.

Two glasses of banana and caramel milkshakes. Pin it
Two glasses of banana and caramel milkshakes. | gracefulflavors.com

Cultural Context

Inspired by the famous Bananas Foster dessert from New Orleans this smoothie is like having dessert for breakfast but with a nourishing twist. The original dessert was created in the 1950s and is often flambéed tableside. My smoothie skips the flame but keeps all that rich banana caramel flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this smoothie vegan?

Yes, simply substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free or plant-based alternative to make it vegan-friendly.

→ Which milk works best for this smoothie?

Almond milk provides a mild, creamy base, but oat or soy milk can be used for different flavors and dietary needs.

→ How can I enhance the caramel flavor?

Adding a touch more dates or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon will boost the natural sweetness and warm depth.

→ Can I use fresh bananas instead of frozen?

Frozen banana yields a thicker, creamier texture, but fresh banana works with added ice as a substitute.

→ Is this smoothie suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for those avoiding gluten.

→ How do I store leftovers?

For best taste, enjoy immediately, but you can refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir before serving.

Gut Healthy Bananas Foster Smoothie

Enjoy a creamy blend inspired by bananas foster, featuring gut-friendly, dairy-free, and nut-free ingredients.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
5 Minutes
By: Barbara


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 1 Servings (1 large or 2 regular smoothies)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Smoothie Base

01 1 frozen banana
02 2 Medjool dates, pitted
03 3 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut
04 0.5 cup vanilla Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternative
05 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 1 cup almond milk

Instructions

Step 01

Place frozen banana, pitted dates, shredded coconut, yogurt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and almond milk into a blender.

Step 02

Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.

Step 03

If necessary, pause to scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated, then continue blending.

Step 04

Pour the blended smoothie into a large glass or divide between two medium glasses. Serve immediately.

Notes

  1. For a vegan preparation, use dairy-free yogurt. Smoothie can be garnished with additional cinnamon or coconut, if desired.

Tools You'll Need

  • High-powered blender

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains coconut and almond; may include dairy if Greek yogurt is used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 517
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 85 g
  • Protein: 14 g