If you love that creamy, nutty Smoothie King Peanut Power Plus, you’ll be thrilled to know you can whip it up at home in just a few minutes. I’ve made this so many mornings when I needed something that felt like a treat but filled me up for hours. It’s thick, peanut-buttery, and packed with enough protein to make a solid breakfast or post-workout meal.

I’ve tested this copycat version in my own kitchen—on busy mornings when I’m packing school tiffins, and even late at night after a workout when I don’t want to fuss with cooking. It hits the spot every time.

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Smoothie

What I love about this recipe is how it tastes like dessert, yet it’s built from real, nutritious ingredients. It’s honestly one of my go-to ways to get some protein in without feeling like I’m forcing down chalky shakes.

Peanut butter gives that rich, satisfying flavor we all crave, bananas add creaminess and sweetness, dates layer in natural sugar, and whey protein turns it into a meal you won’t be hungry an hour later. I often make one of these on mornings I know I’ll be stuck at my desk for hours.

It’s also a great option for kids (just use less protein powder if needed). Mine sometimes ask for “peanut butter milkshakes,” and this is my guilt-free version to hand over.

What You’ll Need to Make It

My Pantry Essentials for This Smoothie

• Bananas – I keep peeled, sliced bananas in the freezer in zip-top bags. It saves time and makes the smoothie colder and creamier. Fresh bananas work just fine if you add some ice.
• Peanut Butter – I prefer unsweetened, natural peanut butter. It blends beautifully and lets the nutty flavor shine. If you like crunchy, that works too for texture.
• Dates – These add a deep, caramel-like sweetness. I usually buy a big pack and pit them ahead of time to make morning prep easier.
• Nonfat Milk – Any milk will do. I often switch it up with almond milk if I’m feeling like a change.
• Whey Protein Powder – This turns it into a proper meal replacement. I’ve used vanilla, chocolate, and unflavored—they all work well, so pick what you like.
• Optional Collagen – I don’t always add this, but it’s a nice extra boost if you want it.

Ingredient Insights from My Kitchen

Bananas

I always have bananas lying around, and any that start to go spotty get sliced and frozen. They’re cheap, full of potassium, and make smoothies so creamy you don’t need cream.

Peanut Butter

There’s nothing quite like that salty-sweet peanut butter hit. It’s satisfying, packed with healthy fats and protein, and makes this smoothie feel indulgent without adding junk.

Dates

I love dates for natural sweetness. I don’t use sugar in this recipe at all—just a couple of pitted dates bring enough caramel-like depth.

Milk

I’ve made this with cow’s milk, almond milk, soy milk—honestly, use what you have. The idea is to add a bit of creaminess while keeping things light.

Whey Protein

This is what makes it a real meal. I’ve used various brands over the years—just pick one you like. It’s great for post-workout recovery or busy mornings when you need to stay full for hours.

My Go-To Tools for Smoothie Making

Honestly, you don’t need anything fancy here.

• A blender is all you need. I use a basic one on most days.
• If you’re making smoothies every single morning like I do sometimes, a personal blender (like those single-serve ones) makes cleanup easy.
• For bigger batches (when my family all wants one), I pull out the big blender.
• If you want to prep in advance, pour your smoothie into a glass jar with a lid and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Step-by-Step: How I Make This at Home

1. Load Up the Blender
   Add your banana, peanut butter, dates, milk, whey protein, and a handful of ice if using fresh bananas.
2. Start Slow, Then Blend Well
   I like to start the blender at a low speed so the dates break up gently without chunking at the bottom. Then I crank it up so it gets super smooth.
3. Pour and Enjoy
   Pour it into a tall glass. Sometimes I even pour it over ice if I want it extra cold.
4. Store Leftovers
   If I make extra, I keep it in the fridge in a jar. It’s just as good the next morning after a quick shake.

Little Tips I’ve Learned Over Time

• Frozen Banana Shortcut
  Always freeze your ripe bananas—seriously the easiest way to avoid food waste.
• No Frozen Fruit?
  Add half a cup of ice to make sure it’s still nice and cold.
• Make It Dairy-Free
  I often use almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk when I’m low on regular milk or want a change.
• Vegan Version
  Just swap in a plant-based protein powder.
• Boost It with Greens
  A handful of spinach or kale blends in with barely any taste change. Great for getting in some extra vitamins.
• Extra Nutrition
  Add flaxseed or chia seeds if you want more fiber and omega-3s.

Common Questions I Get

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes—I often blend a batch at night if I know the next morning will be chaos. Store it in the fridge in a sealed jar. Give it a good shake before drinking.

What if I don’t have dates?
You can use honey or maple syrup instead, though I really like the subtle flavor dates give.

Can kids have this?
Mine do! I just use a little less protein powder and sometimes skip it entirely for them.

Is it good after workouts?
Absolutely. That’s one of my favorite times to have it—it’s got protein, carbs, and healthy fats to help you recover.

Other Smoothies I Make Regularly

If you liked this, try my other homemade smoothie favorites:

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie (like dessert in a glass)
• Classic Berry Yogurt Smoothie (bright, fresh, and filling)
• Green Goodness Smoothie (loaded with spinach and tropical fruit)

If you make this smoothie, let me know how it turns out! I love hearing from readers who try these recipes at home—it’s always fun to see how you make them your own.

Try other Smoothie recipes:

• Oatmeal Smoothie
• Matcha Green Tea Smoothie
• Greek Yogurt Smoothie