Save My neighbor Maria showed up one scorching afternoon with a bag of guavas from her tree, insisting I do something with them before they turned brown. I had a couple of bananas on the counter and a half-empty carton of milk, so I threw everything into the blender on a whim. That first sip was revelation—tropical, creamy, and so effortless that I've made it at least twice a week since. It became our go-to when the heat makes cooking feel impossible.
I served this to my kids on a day when the air conditioning broke and nobody wanted anything hot. They drank it down in seconds and asked if I could make it every day for the rest of summer. That's when I knew it wasn't just me being nostalgic—this smoothie actually makes people happy, especially when they need cooling down.
Ingredients
- Guava flesh: The star that brings tropical sweetness and a unique flavor you can't replicate with anything else; make sure they're ripe and fragrant, and don't skip seeding them unless you enjoy unexpected crunchiness.
- Ripe banana: This is what makes the whole thing creamy without needing ice cream or heavy cream; use one that's mostly yellow with a few brown speckles for the best balance of sweetness and texture.
- Cold milk: Dairy or plant-based both work wonderfully; cold milk matters because it chills the smoothie naturally and makes it feel more indulgent.
- Plain yogurt: Adds richness and a subtle tang that keeps the sweetness from becoming cloying; completely optional but worth trying at least once.
- Honey or maple syrup: Only add this if your guavas aren't very sweet, and taste before committing to the full two teaspoons because you can always add more.
- Ice cubes: Half a cup gives you that frosty texture without diluting the flavor as it melts; adjust based on how thick you like your smoothie.
Instructions
- Prep your guavas with patience:
- Cut each guava in half lengthwise, scoop out the soft flesh with a spoon, and remove the hard seeds in the center—they're bitter and unpleasant, so this step is worth doing right.
- Gather everything in the blender:
- Add the guava flesh, banana slices, cold milk, yogurt if you're using it, and a teaspoon of sweetener to start. The order doesn't really matter, but putting liquids in first helps everything blend more smoothly.
- Add your ice:
- Toss in the ice cubes just before blending so they stay cold and don't start melting into water.
- Blend until completely smooth:
- Run it on high speed for about one minute, stopping to check that no chunks of banana or guava are hiding at the bottom. You want it silky, not chunky.
- Taste and adjust:
- This is the moment to decide if it needs more sweetness or a little more milk if it's too thick. Trust your palate—you're the best judge.
- Pour and serve right away:
- Smoothies are best fresh, so get them into glasses immediately and drink them before they separate or the ice melts too much.
Save My mom called me while I was drinking one of these on the porch, and I held the glass up to the window so she could see the color. She laughed and said it looked like something from a tropical resort, and somehow that made the ordinary afternoon feel special. The best part about simple recipes like this is they give you room to enjoy the moment instead of stressing about technique.
Making It Your Own
This smoothie is a wonderful starting point for experimenting without fear. I've added fresh lime juice for brightness, a handful of spinach that nobody even notices, a pinch of ginger for warmth, and once even a touch of vanilla extract. None of these changes break anything—they just shift the flavor slightly while keeping that tropical core intact.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
You can't really store a finished smoothie for long because the texture changes and separation happens, but you can absolutely prep your ingredients ahead. Peel and seed your guavas the night before, slice your banana and freeze it in a container, and keep everything ready to blend in the morning. Frozen banana actually makes the smoothie even creamier and colder without watering it down with extra ice.
Serving and Occasions
This works for quick breakfasts, afternoon pick-me-ups, or even as a light dessert on warm evenings. I've served it at brunch, brought it to yoga class in a thermos, and made it for friends who were visiting and mentioned they were thirsty. It feels fancy enough for entertaining but easy enough that you're not stuck in the kitchen when you could be enjoying time with people.
- Rim the glass with banana or guava slices if you're serving guests—it takes thirty seconds and makes everything look intentional.
- Serve immediately while it's ice-cold because smoothies sit and separate, and you want that perfect texture right now.
- Have extra cold milk nearby in case someone wants theirs thinner or wants to stretch two smoothies into three servings.
Save This smoothie reminds me that the best recipes are often the simplest ones, born from whatever's sitting in front of you on a hot day. Make it, enjoy it, and don't overthink it.
Common Questions
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, simply substitute dairy milk with almond, oat, or soy milk. Skip the yogurt or use a plant-based yogurt alternative to keep it completely dairy-free while maintaining creaminess.
- → Do I need to peel guavas before blending?
The skin can be bitter and tough, so peeling is recommended. Remove the seeds as well since they don't blend smoothly. The soft, pink flesh is what you want for the best texture and flavor.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Best served immediately for optimal freshness and texture. If you must prep ahead, blend without ice and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add ice when serving and give it a quick stir.
- → What if my guavas aren't ripe enough?
Unripe guavas will be tart and firm. Let them sit at room temperature for 2-3 days until they yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a fragrant aroma. Ripe guavas are naturally sweeter and blend more smoothly.
- → Can I add protein powder?
Absolutely. Add your favorite vanilla or unflavored protein powder for an extra protein boost. You may need slightly more liquid to achieve your desired consistency depending on the powder type.
- → How can I make it thicker?
Use frozen banana slices instead of fresh, reduce the liquid by a few tablespoons, or add more yogurt. The frozen fruit creates a thicker, creamier texture similar to a milkshake.