Highlight
Light and creamy Korean Banana Milk is the homemade treat that transports you right to a Seoul convenience store in just minutes using everyday kitchen staples. This chilled classic is naturally sweetened by ripe bananas with a silky texture and gentle vanilla scent that is just irresistible. I keep coming back to this recipe whenever I want something nostalgic and refreshing that satisfies both kids and grown-ups.
My nephews always ask for seconds whenever I make this after school. The first time I tried blending it up at home we could not believe it tasted better than store bought
Gather Your Ingredients
- Ripe banana: Fully yellow with spots will ensure the drink is sweet and flavorful opt for bananas with no green on the peel
- Cold milk: Any dairy or plant-based milk works choose whole milk or oat milk for extra creaminess
- Sweetened condensed milk: For depth and a luscious finish use the best quality you can find as some are richer than others
- Vanilla extract: The optional dash gives a soft bakery warmth make sure you use pure vanilla for the cleanest flavor
- Pinch of salt: Optional but highly recommended as it balances sweetness and boosts the banana taste
How to Make It
- Choose Your Banana:
- Pick a banana that is deeply yellow with brown spots and feels a bit soft to the touch. The riper it is the more sweetness and natural banana flavor it brings to your milk which means you need less sweetener.
- Blend the Ingredients:
- Add your peeled banana into the blender with the milk of your choice and sweetened condensed milk. If you like an extra twist add a dash of vanilla and a tiny pinch of salt. Blend on high speed for twenty to thirty seconds until everything looks completely smooth and creamy with no chunks left.
- Chill and Serve:
- Pour the blended banana milk over ice in a tall glass for a classic chilled treat. If you are not drinking it right away pop it in the fridge for thirty minutes and give it a quick shake before serving. If you are feeling fancy garnish with a banana slice or fresh mint.
My favorite part is the frothy top layer that forms after blending which reminds me of the banana milks we bought in triangle pouches on hot days by the river with my cousins. No drink takes me back to those sunny afternoons faster.
Flavor Boosters
You can swap out the condensed milk for a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup in a pinch though you will lose some of the signature creamy texture. Oat milk and soy milk offer a rich base for those avoiding dairy and keep the taste close to the original. Add a handful of ice before blending to create a frappé texture on warm days. Readers have even tried coconut milk for a tropical twist and loved it.
Serving Suggestions
Serve banana milk at breakfast as a light and energizing start to your day. It is the perfect after-school snack and a gentle treat for little ones who want something sweet. Pair with toasted milk bread or a buttery pastry for an authentic Korean café vibe. You can even pour it over cereal for a fun twist.
Creative Twists
In spring try adding a fresh strawberry with the banana for a Korean strawberry banana milk. On chilly mornings warm the milk slightly before blending for a cozier soothing version. For a summertime cooler blend with three to four ice cubes and enjoy immediately as a slush.
If you notice the mixture separating simply blend or shake again before pouring. Making this at home always brings a smile and feels like a gentle treat any time of day.
Common Questions About the Recipe
- → What makes Korean banana milk different from regular banana milk?
Korean banana milk uses sweetened condensed milk and often includes a pinch of salt and vanilla for a richer, more nuanced flavor.
- → Can I use non-dairy milk?
Absolutely! Plant-based milks such as oat, almond, or soy work well while maintaining a creamy texture.
- → How do I select the best banana?
Choose a banana that is ripe with brown spots for maximum sweetness and smooth blending.
- → Is chilling the milk necessary?
Chilling enhances the refreshing quality, but you can also serve the drink immediately over ice if short on time.
- → What garnishes pair well with this drink?
A banana slice or mint leaf adds visual appeal and a touch of freshness to the finished beverage.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness?
You can use more or less sweetened condensed milk, or substitute with honey or maple syrup if preferred.