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Camp Stove Banana Smoothie: Thick, Cold & Off-Grid

A thick, creamy banana smoothie you can make at a tent campsite with no blender and no ice. Just frozen banana, powdered milk, a pinch of salt, and a shaker cup.
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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium banana, peeled and sliced into 1-inch chunks, frozen overnight
  • 1/3 cup powdered whole milk or powdered skim milk, plus a little extra for a thicker texture
  • 1/2 cup cold water straight from your cooler; adjust for desired thickness
  • 1 pinch fine sea salt optional, but it rounds out the sweetness
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract optional, for camp comfort flavor

Method
 

  1. Drop the frozen banana chunks into a clean shaker cup or wide-mouth jar. If the banana is frozen in a solid block, give the container a firm tap on the table to break it apart.
  2. Add the powdered milk, salt, and vanilla extract (if using). Pour in the cold water.
  3. Screw the lid on tight. Hold the container with both hands—one on the lid, one on the base—and shake vigorously for 20 to 30 seconds. You'll hear the chunks break down and the mixture go quiet as it thickens.
  4. Open the lid and check the texture. If it's too thick, add another tablespoon of water and shake again. If it's too thin, add a teaspoon of extra powdered milk and shake briefly.
  5. Drink immediately, while it's still cold and thick. The smoothie will separate if left to sit.