Peanut butter and jelly walked into a blender—no punchline needed. This smoothie tastes like childhood, powers you through the morning, and takes five minutes flat. We’re talking creamy peanut butter, sweet strawberries, hearty oats, and just enough milk to make it sippable. It’s comfort food you can drink, and yes, it’s absolutely breakfast-approved.
Why This Smoothie Slaps
You want simple? You got it. This PB&J smoothie uses pantry staples, blends in seconds, and keeps you full for hours. No obscure protein powders, no complicated prep.
It’s also wildly flexible. Want it creamier? Add yogurt. Want it sweeter? Use extra ripe bananas or a splash of maple. You can’t screw this up—promise.
And the flavor? Think classic strawberry jam meets peanut butter toast, minus the crumbs and plus a frosty vibe. It’s nostalgia with benefits.
The Core Lineup (AKA Your Grocery List)
Here’s what you need for one big smoothie or two small ones:
- 1 cup frozen strawberries (fresh works, but frozen brings the chill)
- 1 medium ripe banana (frozen for extra creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter (creamy or crunchy—IMO creamy wins here)
- 1/3 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned, not instant)
- 1 to 1 1/4 cups milk of choice (dairy, almond, oat—go with your fave)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but lovely)
- Pinch of salt (trust me—it wakes up the flavors)
- Ice cubes as needed (especially if your fruit isn’t frozen)
Optional Boosters
- Greek yogurt: 1/4 cup for extra protein and tang.
- Chia or flax: 1 tablespoon for fiber and omega-3s.
- Maple syrup or honey: 1-2 teaspoons if your fruit isn’t super sweet.
- Protein powder: Vanilla plays nice here—1 scoop.
Blend It Like You Mean It
Step-by-step:
- Add milk first, then oats. Give it 30 seconds to soak while you grab the other stuff.
- Toss in banana, strawberries, peanut butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
- Blend on high until smooth. If it needs help, add more milk in small splashes.
- Adjust: more PB for richness, more strawberries for tart-sweet vibes, more ice for a thicker texture.
- Pour, sip, and try not to chug the whole thing in one go.
Texture Troubleshooting
- Too thick? Add milk, 2 tablespoons at a time.
- Too thin? Add a handful of ice or more oats, then blend again.
- Not sweet enough? Use riper bananas or a drizzle of maple.
Nutrition Breakdown (Without the Snoozefest)
This smoothie hits that sweet spot between indulgent and functional. It’s dessert-adjacent, but it’s also legit fuel.
What you’re getting:
- Carbs: Fruit sugars + oats for steady energy, not a sugar crash.
- Protein: Peanut butter brings about 7-8g per 2 tbsp; add yogurt or powder if you want more.
- Healthy fats: Peanut butter keeps you full and your brain happy.
- Fiber: Oats, strawberries, banana, and optional chia = solid gut love.
FYI, oats also make it extra creamy without dairy. Sneaky, right?
Customization Station
You can remix this smoothie a dozen ways and still land in PB&J territory. Choose your own adventure.
No Banana? No Problem.
- Use 1/2 cup Greek yogurt + extra strawberries.
- Add 1-2 dates for sweetness if needed.
Peanut-Butter-Averse?
- Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter.
- Sunflower seed butter keeps it nut-free and still delicious.
Make It Dessert-Lite
- Blend in a dash of cinnamon.
- Top with crushed peanuts and a drizzle of melted PB—like a sundae, but respectable.
Pro Tips You’ll Actually Use
Use frozen fruit. It boosts texture and temperature without watering things down.
Soak your oats. Even 1-2 minutes in the milk softens them and helps the blender crush everything into velvet.
Salt matters. A tiny pinch makes the PB taste richer and the strawberries pop. Don’t skip it.
Layer smart. Liquids first, then soft stuff, then frozen on top. Your blender will thank you.
Meal prep like a pro. Pack smoothie packs in freezer bags: strawberries, banana chunks, oats. Dump into the blender, add milk and PB, blend, done.
Make-Ahead and Storage
You can blend this at night and stash it in the fridge for morning. Will it separate a bit? Yep. Will a quick shake fix it? Also yep.
Storage tips:
- Refrigerate up to 24 hours in a sealed jar.
- For longer storage, freeze in single-serve jars and thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Give it a shake or re-blend for 10 seconds before drinking.
IMO, fresh tastes best, but meal-prepped versions still hit the spot when you’re busy.
FAQ
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
You can, but only if you soak them first or cook them. Steel-cut oats stay gritty if you toss them in raw. Rolled oats blend perfectly with minimal effort, which is the vibe here.
How do I make it higher in protein without changing the flavor?
Add unflavored or vanilla whey/plant protein, or use 1/2 cup Greek yogurt. Keep the peanut butter as is, and the strawberry-PB flavor will still dominate.
Is this smoothie good for kids?
Yes! It tastes like a PB&J milkshake, and it’s full of fruit, fiber, and healthy fats. If allergies are a concern, use sunflower seed butter and your preferred milk alternative.
Can I skip the banana?
Totally. Replace it with 1/2 cup yogurt plus a few extra strawberries. If you want more sweetness, add a teaspoon of maple or a date.
What’s the best milk to use?
Use what you like. Almond milk keeps it light, oat milk doubles down on creaminess, and dairy milk makes it extra rich. Coconut milk changes the flavor, but if you’re into a tropical PB&J twist, go for it.
How do I make it thicker like a smoothie bowl?
Use frozen fruit, reduce the milk to about 3/4 cup, and blend slowly. Top with granola, sliced strawberries, and a drizzle of peanut butter. Spoon > straw energy.
Conclusion
This Peanut Butter Jelly Smoothie keeps breakfast fun, fast, and legit satisfying. You throw a few ingredients in a blender and get something that tastes like a treat but eats like fuel. Try the classic version first, then tweak it to your mood—more PB, extra berries, protein boost, whatever. Breakfast should be easy and delicious, and this one nails both, IMO.
