Bananas Con Leche Costa Rican Banana Smoothie Recipe

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)

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.

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.