Prep your banana. This is the most important step. Peel and slice a ripe banana, then freeze it overnight in a baggie. Using a frozen banana, not a fresh one, is what gives you that thick, spoonable consistency.
Combine the base. Add your frozen banana, frozen berries, milk, and nut butter to your blender.
If you're going rogue with protein powder or spinach, add it now.
Blend it up. Start on low and gradually increase to high. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides once. Blend until it's completely smooth and thick.
It should look like soft-serve ice cream, not a drinkable smoothie. If it's too thick, add a tiny splash more milk.
Pour and decorate. Scoop your masterpiece into a bowl. Now, unleash your inner artist with the toppings.
This is where the Instagram magic happens, but it also adds crucial texture and nutrients.
Devour immediately. This isn't a make-ahead situation. Enjoy it right away while it's still perfectly cold and thick.
