Creamy, sweet banana-flavored milk made with just 4 simple ingredients! This easy Korean banana milk recipe is ready in 5 minutes, inspired by the Korean brand Binggrae. This cold dessert drink is all-natural, dairy-free, and is refreshing for the hot weather.
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My version of Korean banana milk features plant-based milk, banana, vanilla extract, and sugar. It's a creamy, sweet, and delicious drink that hits the spot.
This was inspired by the beloved Korean brand Binggrae and sold in bottles or Tetra Pak cartons in the cold section at Korean convenience stores or grocery stores, like H Mart. There aren't any traditional Korean ingredients in the beverage itself - what makes it "Korean" is the concept inspired by the iconic brand behind it.
I love this drink, but I'm not a fan of the price tag ($8-9 for a pack of 5), or the additives in the store-bought version, so I decided to make my own with real bananas and zero additives. It's also cheaper and better than store-bought.
Why This Recipe
- We use fully ripe, lightly spotted bananas for a naturally sweet, pronounced banana flavor. Ripe bananas will also break down better.
- I tested this with different milks and recommend plant-based options, as dairy milk can curdle when combined with fruit.
- Many banana milk recipes leave bits of banana; blending and straining through a fine sieve ensures a smooth, silky drink.
Ingredients & Substitutes
Please scroll to the recipe card below for exact measurements.
- Large Banana: Use a fully ripe yellow banana that is lightly spotted, without greening on the peel, to ensure a sweet flavor. Avoid using unripe bananas or they won't break down as well in the blender.
- Cold Plain Oat Milk: I like using plain oat milk for a neutral taste. Substitutions: Plain almond milk or any neutral-tasting plant-based milk but do not use soy or coconut milk as they're overpowering. Avoid using dairy as it can curdle with the bananas.
- White Granulated Sugar: To add sweetness. Substitutions: Granulated cane sugar, honey, maple syrup, or a sweetener of choice.
- Vanilla Extract: To enhance the banana flavor and add warmth.
Instructions
Below are step-by-step instructions on how to make Korean banana milk:
- Add ingredients to a blender: In a blender, add a peeled banana, sugar, vanilla extract, and oat milk.
- Blend until smooth: Blend on high speed until completely smooth. Optional: Run the blended drink through a fine sieve to remove any bits.
- Serve and enjoy: Pour the banana milk into a tall drinking glass and enjoy cold!
Expert Tips
- Use a slightly spotted ripe banana for best flavor and sweetness, but you can also use a fully yellow banana.
- Don't use overly ripe bananas with a lot of black spots or the milk may look brown or be too sweet.
- Use plain oat milk, almond milk, or macadamia milk for best results. Avoid using dairy as it can curdle with the bananas if it's not ice-cold or consumed immediately.
- Use a high-power blender for a smooth texture.
- Run the blended banana milk through a fine sieve to make it extra smooth.
Variations
- Strawberry version: Replace the banana with ripe hulled strawberries. Check out my strawberry milk recipe for details.
- Watermelon version: Replace the banana with chunks of ripe, seedless watermelon. Check out my watermelon milk recipe for details.
Pairing Suggestions
Banana milk pairs well with:
- Fresh Fruits: Berries, peaches, or apples.
- Desserts: Cakes, cookies, pastries, or other baked goods.
- Puddings: Mango Pudding or Earl Grey Milk Tea Pudding.
- Cold Desserts: Ice cream, yogurt, or popsicles.
- Sago Desserts: Mango Sago, Strawberry Sago, Rose Pandan Sago, or Coconut Pitaya Sago.
Storage
- Leftover banana milk will last up to 2-3 days stored in an airtight container in the fridge. To enjoy, mix the drink again with a whisk or spoon before drinking.
- Freezer-friendly? Banana milk is not recommended for freezing, as the freezer will change the texture of the ingredients.
FAQ
Korean banana milk can be made up to 2-3 days in advance when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. To enjoy, mix the drink again with a whisk or spoon before drinking.
You can make a large batch of banana milk and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To enjoy, mix the banana milk again with a whisk or spoon before drinking.
📖 Recipe
5-min. Easy Korean Banana Milk
Ingredients
- 1 large banana fully ripe and peeled
- 1 tablespoon white granulated sugar or cane sugar / maple syrup / honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups oat milk or plain almond milk / macadamia milk, cold (avoid using dairy or it can cause curdling)
Instructions
- In a blender, add a peeled banana, sugar, vanilla extract, and oat milk.
- Blend on high speed until completely smooth. Optional: Run the blended drink through a fine sieve to remove any bits.
- Pour the banana milk into a tall drinking glass and enjoy cold!
PackMama
Can I use frozen bananas? I plan on using this milk to make some banana pudding.
Christie Lai
Yes, feel free to use frozen bananas that have been thawed so they blend more easily.
Annie
I used the plant based milk does that work?
Annie
What type of milk did you use? Which type of milk is the most recommended?
Christie Lai
Whole milk works best.
Annie
How is the banana milk Korean if I put American ingredient.
I served this to everyone and all of them enjoyed it, this is the first recipe of yours and I loved this recipe so much SO Good.
Anne
I loved this banana milk I made it recently and it was SO good I love how your recipes are easy Your recipes are healthy and insspiring
Christie Lai
Thanks so much for making my recipe, Anne! So glad you enjoyed this recipe and my other ones as well 🙂
Monica
Love this recipe. What is the shelf life if I made half gallon? lol
Christie Lai
Thank you so much Monica for the positive review! Glad you love it so much! I would say up to 4-5 days if stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge and you would have to give it a stir before enjoying.
Ashe
Amazing! the vanilla extract adds a subtle taste, and its so creamy! I made it for me and my twin, and it didn't last a minute! Me and my twin love banana milk, But sometimes we cant buy it, so i make this. Thanks again for it!!! 🙂
Christie Lai
The pleasure is all mine! Thank YOU for making my recipe and so glad you and your twin enjoyed it! Appreciate the kind and positive review too!
Abigail
I am going to make banana milk on spring break, but I have a question what kind of bananas to buy the Korean or American banana
Christie Lai
The American kind or any long banana that is about 7 inches in length.
S.K
This banana milk is a huge hit with my whole family! It tastes so good and is so easy to make!
Christie Lai
I'm so glad to hear this, S.K! Thanks so much for making my recipe and for the positive review 🙂 Have a wonderful day!
KOOKIEEE
OMG i dont like mil bt this gave me a xcuse to drink milk . i wanna drink milk cuz it grows hieght but i dont like it but this recipe is soo tasty and includs milk yeaaaa really recoment this recipe
christieathome
Thanks so much for making my recipe, Kookie! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Josh
I added some extra vanilla, sugar and a pinch of turmeric and it was fantastic!
christieathome
Awesome to hear Josh, glad you enjoyed it and thanks for making my recipe!
Luba
Love this! I make it with a very ripe banana and no sugar. Tastes great
christieathome
Amazing! Thanks for making my recipe Luba and so glad you enjoyed it without sugar.
Anudi Sandeera
wow! I enjoyed it a lot. Thank you very much!
christieathome
Thanks so much for making my recipe Anudi! I am so glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Haylo
It was super good! I was wondering if you knew, if I make a gallon amount of this, how long it would last? Or if I just shouldn’t do that? Thanks!
christieathome
Thank you so much for these kind words and for making my recipe! I wouldn't recommend that since the bananas tend to solidify within a few hours.
Mickee
Now I'm gonna make this!! Thank you so much for uploading this!! 🥰❤️
christieathome
You're very welcome! I hope you enjoy this natural homemade version of it 🙂
Yue Nguyen
this is a good recipe for homemade banana milk
christieathome
So glad you enjoyed this! Thank you for making my recipe!
Heidi | The Frugal Girls
I really like how the banana creates a creamy rich texture for this lovely flavored drink!