The first time I skipped my usual Egg McMuffin and tried McDonald’s Strawberry Banana Smoothie, I was genuinely surprised. Here was a fast food option that felt good to drink it was refreshing, fruity, and satisfying without the usual post-drive-thru regret. I quickly made special trips just for that smooth, perfectly blended treat.
Then, one particularly hectic morning, facing a long line at the drive-thru and an even longer day ahead, I wondered: could I recreate this at home? After some experimentation, I discovered not only could I make it myself, but the homemade version was even better—fresher tasting, customizable to my sweetness preference, and ready in less time than it takes to wait in the drive-thru line. Now, this three-ingredient wonder has become my go-to breakfast when I need something quick, nutritious, and delicious to power through busy mornings.
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Table of Contents
Why This McDonald’s Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe Is The One You Must Try
This isn’t just another smoothie recipe—it’s the perfect replica of McDonald’s popular version that actually improves on the original. What makes it special? First, the simplicity. With just three ingredients, it’s incredibly accessible, even on your busiest mornings. Unlike other copycat recipes that overcomplicate things with unnecessary additions, this version stays true to the clean, refreshing profile that made the McDonald’s original so popular.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Effortless: Ready in just 3 minutes from start to finish
- Budget-Friendly: Costs a fraction of the drive-thru price
- Naturally Dairy-Free: Perfect for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies
- Customizable: It is Easy to adjust sweetness and consistency to your preference
- Nutritious Start: Provides natural fruit servings first thing in the morning
- Kid-Approved: A sneaky way to get fruit into picky eaters
- Travel-Friendly: Pour into a travel cup for an on-the-go breakfast
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How to Make McDonald’s Strawberry Banana Smoothie
It really doesn’t get any easier than this recipe.
- Frozen strawberries – Provide natural sweetness, vibrant color, and the perfect thick, frosty consistency without diluting flavor
- Fresh banana – Creates a creamy texture and adds natural sweetness while delivering potassium and other nutrients
- Crushed ice – Adds volume and enhances the frosty texture without watering down the flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing Your Ingredients
- Peel one medium-sized ripe banana (slightly speckled bananas offer the best sweetness).
- Measure out approximately 1 cup of frozen strawberries.
- Prepare about ½ cup of crushed ice.
Blending the Smoothie
- Place the frozen strawberries in the blender first (placing frozen ingredients closest to the blade helps blend).
- Add the peeled banana, breaking it into chunks for more effortless blending.
- Top with crushed ice.
- Secure the blender lid tightly.
Achieving the Perfect Consistency
- Start blending on low speed for 10-15 seconds to break down the frozen ingredients.
- Gradually increase to medium speed for about 30 seconds.
- Finally, blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth with no visible fruit chunks for approximately 30-45 seconds.
- If the mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time and pulse until you reach your desired consistency.
- If the mixture is too thin, add more frozen strawberries or ice cubes and blend again.
Serving
- Pour immediately into a chilled glass for the most refreshing experience.
- Serve with a straw for the authentic McDonald’s experience.
- Enjoy it right away while the texture is at its peak.
Want to Make this Smoothie even healthier?
You can add so many other ingredients to a smoothie to make it even better. Vary up this recipe to add some extra nutrients like these ingredients:
- Leafy greens like fresh spinach or kale
- Avocado
- Greek Yogurt
- Additional fruits like mango, pineapple, or other berries
Check out these McDonald’s Copycat Recipes
- Big Mac
- Secret Sauce
- McDonalds Hamburger
- McDonalds Quarter Pounder
- McDonalds McMuffin
- McDonald’s Burrito
- Peppermint Mocha Coffee
- Sweet Tea
- McDonalds Cappuccino
- Tartar Sauce
- Hot Mustard
More Fruity Frozen Drinks
Take a look at more of my easy drink recipes and the best copycat McDonald’s recipes.
What is your favorite smoothie recipe? Let us know in the comments below. And remember to follow us on INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK. And don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter below so you never miss a copycat recipe.
3-Ingredient McDonald’s Strawberry Banana Smoothie Copycat
Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed ice
- 1/2 cup banana slices
- 10 ounces frozen sliced strawberries
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the ice, banana, and strawberries. Puree until smooth and creamy.
Video
Notes
Expert Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Banana Smoothie
- Frozen fruit first: Always add frozen ingredients closest to the blades for easier blending
- Banana ripeness matters: Choose bananas with light spotting for optimal sweetness
- Pre-portion for convenience: Freeze bananas in chunks to skip a step in the morning
- Blending technique: Start slow and gradually increase speed for the smoothest texture
- Chill your glass: Serving in a pre-chilled glass keeps your smoothie colder longer
- Ingredient quality: The better your fruit, the better your smoothie—look for fully ripe, sweet strawberries to freeze
- Optimal timing: Drink immediately after blending for the best texture and flavor
I love McDonald’s strawberry smoothies but they’ve gotten too expensive, so I had to take matters into my own hands and make them myself.
This recipe definitely tastes different than McDonald’s but it is still pretty good and much more, healthy. It blended very easily (but I did tweak the recipe.) I definitely recommend trying this recipe or the recipe I tweaked! (If you want to see what I changed in the recipe look below.)
I made this smoothie using 1/2 cup of milk instead of water and NO ICE. So, I did (1/2 cup milk, NO ICE, 1/2 cup of a non-frozen banana, and 10 ounces frozen strawberries (little more than 1 cup strawberries.)
You should try this now!
Perfect! Thanks for the recipe! I’m addicted to their recipe and didn’t know it was so easy from home! Also loved their wild berry smoothie so I used this to make that, as well.
I am about to go make this and I was wondering if you could incorporate Young Living’s Ningxia into this.
I loved it, I did one banana, and one apple because I didn’t have strawberries, it was amazing, I also added about a cup of milk, great recipe though!
You do need mcdonalds if they haven’t began serving these smoothies none of you would be trying to copy them or talk about them so yes McDonalds we thank you for your smoothies and frappes we copy ut still buy from you when were all out and about
I loved this smoothie it was so good
How many calories?
I get my green yogurt in big tubs. Put them in ice cube trays and add one or two… and 1/4 cup of water… and I let the fruit sit out for a half hour before I make it.
Thanks for the recipe. I just brought me a Ninja blender. Me and my grandchildren love McDonald’s smoothie but cost to much now I can make my own. If you have any more recipe for a smoothie email me them. Thanks a lot
I don’t have a lot of other smoothies online for some reason.
I was wondering where did you find the strawberries in a carton like that? Thanks!
How many calories?
I find them at my grocery store
Thank you for this! My daughter loves McDonalds’ smoothies, but I don’t like the cost or the ingredients. I’ve tried several healthy alternatives, but they’ve never been good enough for her. While she said this doesn’t taste the same, she said it’s just as good! I did have to add a little water to get it to blend, but thank you so much for this recipe!! Finally something healthy my daughter will consume without a fight!
Great recipe, I added a little Body Armour to it which is like a sports drink with coconut water in it for hydration
Bodyarmour is my all time new drink. Great for hydration and not a ton of.vitamins. I used your suggestion because this thing took forever to blend up. It greased the blades a little 🙂
I just made this sooooooooooo goooooooooood????????????♂️
I just made this, it was so delicious it’s telling me to make more ????????????♂️
Better and healthier than mcds….add a little water
I make my own smoothies with frozen fruit – buy it fresh and freeze it, several scoops of yogurt and water. I never add sugar. When I make my green smoothies, sometimes I throw in frozen blueberries and strawberries, but never sugar or other substitute. What is the point of making a smoothie and ruining it with sugar? Doesn’t that defeat the purpose of a healthy drink? If I want a sugary drink, I will make a milk shake with thick chocolate syrup (probably fake everything!) and eat a bag of cookies…
I will give this a try. Thanks!
This was delicious. My eight year old loves McDonalds strawberry banana smoothies, he said this tastes a little different, but is really good.
I don’t have a blender but can I use a food processor?
I think that would work just fine.