Bananas con Leche is a Costa Rican Banana Milkshake recipe that’s made with ripe bananas, sugar, vanilla, ice, and “crema de leche” (creamy milk)! This recipe is perfect for those hot summer days when you need something cool and refreshing!
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Our family loves to visit Costa Rica and every time we go we make sure to enjoy plenty of the tropical drinks that are ubiquitous in the country. Paul lived in Costa Rica for two years and his very favorite tropical drink is bananas con leche. It’s basically a lot like an orange julius except banana flavored instead of orange.
Bananas con Leche, or basically a banana milkshake (except without ice cream) or smoothie goes by several names in Costa Rica – including Bananas con Leche, Batido de Plátano, and Leche con Plátano – and it is made in minutes with just a few simple ingredients.
This easy breezy recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the creamy texture of milk, creating a delightful and satisfying treat. The addition of ice cubes makes the milkshake even more refreshing and cold without being as thick as a classic milkshake or smoothie.
For more refreshing milkshake recipes, check out my Chocolate Milkshake, Easy Peach Milkshakes, Pumpkin Pie Milkshake, Oreo Milkshake, and Easy Strawberry Milk!
Why We Love This Recipe
- It’s a great way to get kids to eat more fruit, and adults will love the nostalgic taste of this classic drink.
- The combination of ripe bananas and milk creates a creamy texture that is both refreshing and satisfying.
- It’s a refreshing drink that can be enjoyed at any time of the day – for breakfast, lunch, or as an after-dinner dessert!
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Milk – The base of the milk shake, providing a creamy texture. You can use any type of milk, including almond or soy milk for a dairy-free option.
- Ripe Bananas – The main ingredient, adding natural sweetness and flavor. Make sure it’s a ripe banana for the best taste.
- Ice Cube – These help to chill the milkshake and give it a refreshing, frosty texture.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds a touch of extra sweetness. You can adjust the amount to your taste or use a sugar substitute.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor of the milkshake, adding a hint of vanilla.
How to Make Bananas con Leche (Costa Rican Banana Smoothie)
- Blend the ingredients. Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender. Blend until smooth and combined. This should take about 1-2 minutes, depending on your blender.
- Serve immediately. Pour the milkshake into glasses and serve immediately. This drink is best enjoyed fresh to maintain its creamy texture and vibrant color. If you make it too early the bananas will start to brown and the drink will take on a grey-ish tinge that isn’t exactly appealing.
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes, frozen bananas can be used. They will make the milkshake even creamier and colder.
No, the bananas add natural sweetness. You can skip the sugar or adjust the amount based on your preference.
It’s best to consume the milkshake immediately as it starts to separate and the color degrades after 30 to 60 minutes.
Tips for Success
- For the best flavor, make sure to use ripe bananas. They are sweeter and blend more easily, giving your milkshake a natural sweetness.
- A high-powered blender ensures a smooth, creamy texture. If your blender is less powerful, blend the milkshake a little longer to achieve the desired consistency.
- If the milkshake is too thick, you can add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a few more ice cubes and blend again.
- Taste before serving. If it’s not sweet enough for your liking, add a little more sugar or a sweetener of your choice.
- For the best taste and texture, serve the milkshake immediately after blending. This helps maintain its creamy, smooth texture and fresh flavor.
What To Serve With Bananas con Leche
This banana smoothie pairs wonderfully with a light breakfast. Serve it alongside toast, a bowl of cereal, or a plate of scrambled eggs for a balanced meal. The traditional Costa Rican breakfast is called gallo pinto and it is made with rice and black beans and is perfect with a sweet treat like bananas con leche.
Substitutions and Variations
- Substitute regular milk with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
- Add other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or mangoes for a mixed fruit milkshake or to simply replace the bananas for a different flavor.
More Non-Alcoholic Drink Recipes
- Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri
- Easy Watermelon Lemonade
- Easy Brazilian Lemonade (Limeade)
- Mango Lassi
- Homemade Orange Julius
Bananas con Leche (Costa Rican Banana Smoothie Recipe)
Ingredients
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 small to medium ripe bananas
- ½ cup ice cubes
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, or more as needed
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender. Blend until smooth and combined. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Notes
- Store: This drink does not store well because it starts to separate and the color starts to degrade after 30 to 60 minutes. It’s best made fresh just before serving.
- Yield: The recipe as written makes 1 large glass or 2 smaller servings. The nutrition was calculated for 1 large smoothie. The recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to make enough for a larger group.
