Some days, they’re golden. Sun’s out, coffee’s hot, dog’s wagging its tail for no reason—life feels kinda magical.
Other days? You wake up like, “Wait… is it Monday again?” And your brain’s moving slower than Wi-Fi in a basement.
That’s when I reach for this smoothie bowl. Not because I’m some wellness guru with a crystal collection and a podcast. Nope. I just want something that tastes like dessert but won’t make me crash by 10 a.m.
Enter: the strawberry banana smoothie bowl.
It’s sweet. It’s cold. It’s thick like soft-serve (but better). And honestly? It makes me feel like I’ve got my life together—even when I’m wearing yesterday’s socks and eating breakfast at 11:37 a.m.
Let’s break it down.
What’s in a Strawberry Banana Smoothie Bowl?
Okay, so—ingredients. Simple stuff. Nothing weird. No “superfood” powders that cost more than my phone bill.
Just real food. Blended. Served in a bowl like you’re fancy (even if your hair’s in a bun held by a pencil).
Here’s what you need:
1 frozen banana
This is the base. The creamy king. The reason your smoothie bowl isn’t just icy water with flavor.
Bananas freeze beautifully. They turn soft and dreamy when blended—like nature’s ice cream. Plus, they add natural sweetness. So you don’t need honey, sugar, or anything fake.
Also? Potassium. Which, yeah, I don’t really know what that does, but I think it helps with cramps. So win-win.
1 ½ cups frozen strawberries
These bring the zing. The pop. The “oh, this tastes like summer” moment.
Frozen strawberries = thicker texture. Less watery. More spoonable.
And flavor-wise? Tart, sweet, bright. They cut through the banana’s richness so it doesn’t taste like dessert at 8 a.m. (unless you want that—no judgment).
½ cup unsweetened coconut milk (or any milk)
This is the glue. The liquid that helps everything blend without turning into a chunky mess.
Coconut milk adds a little tropical flair. Not overpowering. Just… cozy. Like a beach vacation in a bowl.
But honestly? Use whatever milk you’ve got. Almond. Oat. Dairy. Even that last splash of 2% in the back of the fridge—works.
Just keep it unsweetened. Otherwise, it might end up tasting like candy. And while that sounds fun, it’s not great for energy levels. Ask me how I know.
Optional: protein powder
I toss in a scoop sometimes. Vanilla. Sometimes chocolate, if I’m feeling rebellious.
It keeps me full longer. Like, actually full. Not “I’ll eat toast in an hour” full.
But if you don’t have it? Skip it. The bowl still slaps.
How to Make a Strawberry Banana Smoothie Bowl
Alright. Time to blend.
Don’t overthink it. This isn’t rocket science. It’s breakfast.
Step 1: Freeze your fruit (if you haven’t already)
I keep bananas pre-sliced and frozen in a bag. Why? Because waiting for a banana to freeze while you’re hangry is a form of torture.
Same with strawberries. Toss ‘em in the freezer overnight. Or buy them frozen. No shame.
Step 2: Blend until thick
Grab your blender. Mine’s loud. Like, “I’m waking the neighbors” loud. But it works.
Toss in the frozen banana, frozen strawberries, and coconut milk.
Blend.
At first, it’ll resist. That’s normal. Scrape down the sides if you need to. Add a splash more milk if it’s stuck—but go slow. You want it thick. Spoon-thick. Bowl-thick. Not drink-thick.
We’re not making a smoothie here. We’re making a meal.
If you’re using protein powder, add it now. Blend again for 10 seconds. Done.
Step 3: Pour into a bowl and go wild with toppings
This is the fun part. The art part.
You’re not just eating. You’re creating.
A smoothie bowl without toppings is like a donut without sprinkles. Sad. Basic.
So go ahead. Make it pretty. Make it messy. Make it yours.
My Experience Making This Bowl
First time I made this? I didn’t have coconut milk. Used oat milk. Was stressed the texture would be off.
It wasn’t. It was great.
Second time? I forgot to freeze the banana. Used a fresh one. Big mistake. The blend was runny. Sad. Like soup with fruit floating in it.
Lesson learned: freeze the banana. Or at least the strawberries. One frozen thing is okay. Two? Perfect.
Third time? I added peanut butter. Just a spoonful. Changed everything. Rich. Nutty. Comforting.
Now I rotate. Sometimes I keep it classic. Sometimes I go rogue.
And every time? I feel like I did something good for myself. Even if I eat it on the couch in sweatpants.
Tips That Actually Help
- Use frozen fruit. Seriously. It’s the secret to thickness.
- Don’t over-blend. Once it’s smooth, stop. You’re not making air.
- Add liquid slowly. Start with ¼ cup, then add more if needed. Better too thick than too thin.
- Eat it right away. It melts. Not fast, but slow enough to make you sad if you walk away.
- Wipe the blender lid. Always. Smoothie splatter is the worst. It dries. It sticks. It haunts you.
Best Strawberry Smoothie Add-Ins
Want to switch it up? Cool. Here’s what I’ve tried and liked:
- Peanut butter or almond butter – adds richness. Keeps you full.
- Chia seeds – they swell up. Good for fiber. Also, they look fancy.
- Spinach – I know, I know. But it blends in. No taste. Just green goodness.
- Greek yogurt – makes it creamier. Adds protein. (Not vegan, though.)
- Cinnamon – warm flavor. Feels cozy. Especially good in winter.
- Vanilla extract – just a dash. Makes it taste more “baked good” than “health food.”
What Toppings Can You Put on a Smoothie Bowl?
This is where you shine. This is your canvas.
I’ve gone simple. I’ve gone extra. Both work.
Here’s what I love:
- Fresh fruit – sliced banana, strawberries, blueberries, mango. Pretty and tasty.
- Granola – for crunch. Pick one with clusters. Those little clumps? Gold.
- Coconut flakes – toasted or raw. Adds texture. Smells like vacation.
- Seeds – chia, pumpkin, sunflower. Crunchy. Nutrient-dense. (Fancy way of saying “good for you.”)
- Nut butter drizzle – warm peanut or almond butter over the top? Yes. Yes please.
- Cacao nibs – bitter-chocolate crunch. Not sweet. But satisfying.
- Freeze-dried fruit – super light. Super crunchy. Explodes with flavor.
- Honey or maple syrup – if you want it sweeter. A little goes a long way.
One time, I put all of the above on one bowl. It looked like a smoothie exploded. But man, it tasted good.
Balance is nice. But so is chaos.