KID-FRIENDLY STRAWBERRY BANANA SMOOTHIE RECIPE WITHOUT YOGURT: SWEET AND SIMPLE
Simple mornings, quick breakfasts, after-school snacks… There's nothing a good smoothie can’t fix. Unlike milkshakes, which are packed with ice cream and sugar, smoothies are both delicious and nutritious. And I don’t know about you guys, but strawberry banana smoothies are a reigning champ in my home.
The strawberries are tart; the bananas are sweet it’s a match made in smoothie heaven. But, as a mom trying to impress very opinionated critics (AKA my kids), the right smoothie recipes can make a world of difference. Many recipes call for yogurt, which is ideal for its creamy texture and probiotic benefits. But what if you have little ones who aren’t huge fans of that tangy yogurt taste? Or maybe their little tummies are extra sensitive to dairy?
You can still make a thick and creamy strawberry banana smoothie without yogurt, and I’ll show you how. With a handful of fruit and a few creative alternatives, this smoothie is guaranteed to be a new family favorite.
Kid-Friendly Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe Without Yogurt: Sweet And Simple
Smoothies aren’t just yummy and fulfilling; they’re a smart way to sneak in fruits and veggies kids may usually resist. If your little ones loved this banana smoothie bowl recipe or the banana chocolate ice cream, they’ll love this, too.
And, let’s be honest, making the perfect smoothie is both an art and a science. Sometimes, it’s too frozen; other times, it’s too watery, and occasionally, kids just don’t like anything about it. It feels like an uphill battle, right?
The days of not satisfying your little one’s smoothie cravings are over! This recipe is quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for everything from breakfast to a mid-day treat.
Can You Make A Strawberry Banana Smoothie Without Yogurt?
You can absolutely make a strawberry banana smoothie without yogurt and if you haven’t yet, you should! Worried it will affect the taste or texture? Rest assured, this yogurt-free smoothie is just as creamy, fresh, and fulfilling as one made with yogurt.
While yogurt is excellent for adding a protein boost and creating a thicker consistency, it can be a hit-or-miss ingredient. Some parents love it, some hate it, and some have never even heard of using it in smoothies! No matter where you fall, there are plenty of great substitutes that work just as well.
Fortunately, bananas are naturally super creamy, so you’re already starting with a great base. From there, you can add and change ingredients to adjust the taste and texture. Want it super creamy? Try frozen bananas and frozen strawberries, whole or plant-based milk, nut butter, or even a bit of avocado. For an added protein boost, try adding a scoop of protein powder or a teaspoon of chia seeds.
Needless to say, it’s much easier to make a kid-friendly strawberry banana smoothie than you may have thought. But the real question is… what will it taste like?
What Does A Strawberry Banana Smoothie Taste Like Without Yogurt?
A strawberry banana smoothie without yogurt tastes sweet, refreshing, and just as delicious. Aside from that slightly tangy taste (depending on which flavor you use), there isn’t much of a noticeable difference!
In fact, the yogurt outshines the natural taste of the fruit. So, you may not even realize how sweet and powerful the fruit actually is until you remove the yogurt! And while the texture is another concern, it’s still just as smooth and creamy especially if you use frozen fruits and a splash of milk.
There are no sour notes, unexpected flavors, or weird textures that will surprise little ones. It tastes like a sweet treat but sneaks in all of those good-for-you nutrients at the same time. Does it get any better than that?
What Can You Substitute For Yogurt In A Smoothie That Is Kid-Friendly?
Plant-based milk (oat milk, cashew milk, almond milk, coconut milk)
Cottage Cheese (if dairy is okay!)
Avocado
Chia Seeds or Flax Seeds
Nut Butters
Cauliflower
Silken Tofu
(Plant-Based) Protein Powder
Soaked or Blended Oats
I know, ingredients like silken tofu or cauliflower might raise a few eyebrows! But stick with me here. Each of these has little to no flavor, making them the perfect alternative to tangy yogurt.
How To Make Strawberry Banana Smoothie Without Yogurt For Kids
Ingredients:
1 and ¼ cup strawberries: Fresh strawberries will work, but frozen strawberries are best for a thicker consistency.
1 large peeled banana: You can use either ripe bananas or fresh bananas if you have some on hand. For a thicker smoothie, frozen bananas work best.
½ cup milk: You can use regular or plant-based milk.
(Optional): 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup: Perfect for extra sweetness.
(Optional): 2-4 tablespoons of flavored protein powder: Adds nutrition and a yummy protein boost.
½ cup ice cubes: If you’ve already added frozen fruit, you can skip this ingredient!
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare your fruit. For fresh fruit, peel and slice the banana and remove the strawberry crown. If you’re using frozen fruit, toss them into the blender.
Step 2: Pour in the milk. Add your milk of choice. Oat milk is a fantastic choice if you want a thick, creamy consistency.
Step 3: Add sweetener. If you don’t think the smoothie will be sweet enough without the yogurt, consider adding honey or maple syrup.
Step 4: Add in protein powder. You want to do it before adding the ice and after the milk—this prevents it from clumping up and sticking to the sides of the cup.
Step 5: Toss in ice. If you decide to use fresh fruit, toss in your ice cubes to cool and thicken.
Step 6: Blend until smooth. This step should just take a minute or so. Blend until everything looks creamy and well combined.
Step 7: Pour and serve: When your smoothie feels evenly blended, pour it into a kid-friendly cup and serve!
Tips For Preparing Kid-Friendly Strawberry Banana Smoothie Without Yogurt
Have some extra fruit that you didn’t use in your smoothie? Don’t toss it out just yet! Pop them into these snack box containers for easy storage and quick use later on. And, if you have any leftover smoothie, you can save that, too! Pour the remaining liquid into ice cube trays and freeze. Now, whenever your little ones want a fun smoothie refresh, drop a few cubes into a cup and let them thaw.
You can store leftover frozen smoothies in the freezer for up to seven days. While they are still safe to consume after this timeframe, they may lose some of their flavor and nutrients. I recommend using them as soon as possible or discarding them after a week.
How soon will you be making your kids this strawberry banana smoothie without yogurt?
Whether you’re dealing with food texture sensitivities, dairy intolerances, or just want a new fresh treat, this delicious smoothie recipe is sure to hit the spot. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also super healthy and kid-friendly. And with all of the versatile ingredients, you’ll never run out of new, exciting ways to customize this recipe.
If you’re looking for fun and imaginative independent play ideas, pre-order our new book, Playful by Design! It’s a guide to transforming your home into a place of creativity and connection, igniting kids’ imagination, and fostering independence.
Check out the Mothercould blog for more super yummy recipes and endless engaging sensory play activities! And, for more in-depth tutorials, helpful cleaning tips, and exciting activity packs, download the Mothercould in Your Pocket resource.