Peachy Dream Yogurt Shake

When peaches are ripe and dripping with juice, this is the shake to make. Fresh peeled peaches blend with banana, milk, yogurt, and just a quarter teaspoon of almond extract into a thick, creamy drink that tastes like liquid peach cobbler.

Almond extract is the secret ingredient here. It’s a classic pairing with stone fruits, and even that tiny amount amplifies the peach flavor in a way that’s hard to put your finger on. It doesn’t taste like almonds. It makes the peaches taste more peachy.

The banana adds body and natural sweetness so you don’t need any added sugar. The yogurt brings tang and protein, and the milk loosens everything to a drinkable consistency.

Kitchen Tips

• Use dead-ripe peaches. Hard, underripe peaches taste flat and slightly sour in a smoothie. If yours aren’t ripe yet, let them sit in a paper bag on the counter for a day or two.
• Peel the peaches by scoring an X on the bottom and blanching in boiling water for 30 seconds, then ice water. The skins slip right off.
• For a thicker, colder shake, freeze the peach slices and banana chunks ahead of time. You can skip ice entirely this way.

Variations

• Use frozen peaches when fresh are out of season. They’re picked ripe and frozen immediately, so the flavor is actually better than off-season fresh peaches.
• Add a tablespoon of honey and a pinch of cinnamon for a peach pie flavor.
• Swap the milk for coconut milk for a dairy-free tropical version.