Save My neighbor handed me a bag of guavas last summer, their skin still warm from the sun, and I had no idea what to do with them. A quick search led me to this smoothie, and within minutes my kitchen smelled like the tropics. That first sip was pure revelation—creamy, naturally sweet, and so simple I couldn't believe it took me years to discover it. Now whenever guavas show up, this is the first thing I make.
I made this for my sister when she was visiting, and she sat on my kitchen counter asking question after question about each ingredient. She took a photo of the blender mid-spin and laughed because it looked so vibrant and alive. By the end of her trip, we'd made it three more times with different variations, and she asked for the recipe before leaving.
Ingredients
- Ripe guava flesh: The fruit should yield slightly to pressure and smell fragrant; underripe guavas taste astringent, so patience here really matters.
- Large ripe banana: One that's soft but not mushy keeps the smoothie creamy without adding ice-cold harshness.
- Cold milk: Whether dairy or plant-based, cold milk is essential because it creates that luxurious mouthfeel without needing excessive ice.
- Plain yogurt: This is optional but transforms the smoothie from refreshing to genuinely velvety if you have it on hand.
- Honey or maple syrup: Only needed if your guavas or banana aren't as sweet as you'd hoped; taste first before committing.
- Ice cubes: About half a cup keeps it chilled without diluting the flavor as it sits.
Instructions
- Prep your guavas:
- Cut each guava in half lengthwise, scoop out the soft flesh with a spoon, and discard the seeds and tough outer skin. You want about a cup of the bright, fragrant pulp.
- Combine everything in the blender:
- Add guava, banana slices, cold milk, yogurt if using, and your chosen sweetener all at once. The order doesn't matter here, but I like putting the liquid in first so the fruit has room to move freely.
- Blend until completely smooth:
- Start on medium speed for a few seconds, then crank it to high and let it run for about 30 to 45 seconds. You'll hear it shift from chunky to a gentle whir, which means you're done.
- Taste and adjust:
- Pour a tiny bit into a glass and sip before serving; if it needs sweetness, add another teaspoon of honey and pulse briefly. This small step prevents over-sweetening.
- Serve immediately:
- Pour into glasses right away so it stays cold and thick, and enjoy while it's at its creamiest.
Save My daughter once declared this her favorite drink after trying it once, which felt like the highest compliment a five-minute recipe could receive. There's something about a smoothie that tastes like sunshine but also tastes like home.
Guava Selection Matters More Than You'd Think
When I first made this, I grabbed whatever guavas looked prettiest at the market, and the result tasted faintly chalky and underwhelming. A produce worker took pity on me and showed me how to select them by smell and gentle squeeze rather than appearance. Now I always choose guavas that smell perfumy and yield just slightly to thumb pressure, and the difference is immediate and dramatic.
The Secret to Creamy Without Being Heavy
The trick I've learned is using cold milk straight from the fridge instead of adding ice first; it keeps everything smooth and rich without that diluted taste that happens when ice melts into the drink. Yogurt helps too, but it's truly optional—even without it, cold milk alone does the job beautifully.
Ways to Make It Your Own
This smoothie is humble enough to accept whatever additions you want to throw at it, and I've experimented with everything from a tiny squeeze of lime juice to a handful of fresh spinach to a splash of coconut milk. The guava and banana are strong enough flavors that they hold their own, so you're free to be creative. Here are my go-to variations when I'm feeling adventurous:
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds brightness and makes the guava taste even more tropical.
- A small handful of fresh spinach blends in invisibly but adds iron and creaminess without changing the taste.
- A splash of coconut milk in place of some of the regular milk transforms it into something that tastes almost like a vacation.
Save This smoothie taught me that sometimes the best recipes are the ones that feel too simple to bother with until you actually try them. Make it once, and it becomes a permanent fixture in your rotation.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes guava and banana work well together?
Guava's tropical floral sweetness pairs beautifully with banana's creamy, mellow flavor. The banana provides natural thickness and body while guava adds bright, fruity notes and vitamin C. Together they create a balanced sweetness that doesn't require much added sugar.
- → Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?
Best enjoyed immediately after blending while fresh and frothy. However, you can prep ingredients in advance - peel and slice banana, seed and chop guava, then store in the freezer. Blend with liquid when ready to serve for the freshest taste and texture.
- → How do I choose ripe guavas?
Select guavas that yield slightly to gentle pressure, similar to selecting an avocado. The skin should be yellow or light green, not hard or shriveled. Ripe guavas will have a strong, sweet floral aroma. Avoid fruits with blemishes or dark spots.
- → What can I substitute for yogurt?
Skip yogurt entirely for a lighter version, or use plant-based alternatives like coconut yogurt, almond yogurt, or dairy-free options. For added creaminess without yogurt, try half an avocado or a tablespoon of nut butter blended in.
- → How can I make this more filling?
Add a tablespoon of chia seeds, hemp hearts, or rolled oats for fiber and sustained energy. A scoop of protein powder turns this into a post-workout recovery drink. A handful of spinach boosts nutrients without altering the tropical taste significantly.
- → Is this smoothie good for weight management?
Naturally low in fat and rich in fiber, this smoothie provides lasting fullness. The fruit sugars are balanced by fiber, preventing blood sugar spikes. Use unsweetened milk alternatives and skip added sweeteners for a lighter version that still satisfies.