Pretty sure that this may become your new favorite way to eat that apple-a-day.
It tastes just like your grandmother’s apple pie, yet it’s made with healthy, whole ingredients. It’s quick and easy to make in just 5 minutes, yet full of nutrients that will keep you going for hours. It tastes creamy and decadent and sweet, yet it’s naturally-sweetened (and also naturally gluten-free!). It’s seasonal. It’s affordable. It’s kid-friendly.
It’s something I am completely and totally hooked on right now.
It’s an apple pie protein smoothie.
First, can we talk about apple pie for a minute? I mean, what’s not to love about it?
Sweet, crisp, juicy apples…tossed with that perfect blend of cinnamon and spices…baked into a thick and decadently filling…enfolded by a rich, buttery crust?
Well, nix the crust and all of the unnecessary sugar, and it turns out that the ingredients at the heart of an apple pie actually make for a pretty stellar smoothie. And once you add in some almond milk for protein, and a little frozen banana to make it nice and thick, I promise that you won’t even miss the crust.
Simply toss a few apples, some frozen banana slices, Greek yogurt, almond milk and classic apple pie spices into a blender.
And then within seconds, this comforting treat will be ready to go. It’s sweet (but not too sweet), thick, creamy, perfectly spiced, and full of protein that will keep you going for hours. It’s basically the best. And I’m pretty sure it would make grandma proud. ;)
So blend up one for yourself and enjoy!
Apple Pie Protein Smoothie
Ingredients
- 2 large red apples (I used fuji), cored
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup ice
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of ground nutmeg
- pinch of ground ginger
- tiny pinch of ground cloves
- (optional: 1-2 pitted dates or 1-2 teaspoons honey, to sweeten if needed)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender. Pulse until combined and smooth. Taste and add sweetener if needed, pulsing to combine.
- Serve immediately. Sprinkle the top of each smoothie with a pinch of cinnamon if desired.
Did you make this?Let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
This is my favorite smoothie recipe from your blog and I especially love it in the fall! The little bits of dates are so good. I use pumpkin pie or apple pie spice instead of the separate spices to make it quicker. Delicious!
Made this today and it was delicious! I didn’t have Greek yogurt on hand, so I added a little bit of peanut butter for the extra protein and creaminess. Loved it! The only complaint is that the texture is a little gritty like applesauce, and I prefer really smooth smoothies, but I mean…it’s made of apples so I don’t know what else I expected lol. Overall I would definitely make this again!
This is the best apple pie recipe I have ever made, so gooooood!!!!!!!!
Thank you so much for posting this recipe! I have been making green smoothies and other healthy smoothies everyday now to replace 1 or 2 meals. I feel so much more energized and healthy! This recipe is AWESOME!!!
Can I make big batches of this and freeze the smoothies?
Sure thing! The consistency changes a bit when they thaw, but they’re still delicious. :)
Looks great but Greek yogurt = not vegan. Please update tags.
Oops, you are right, this should not have a “vegan” tag. Thanks for bringing this to our attention!
Have made this this morning and already looking forward to tomorrow’s one! I did change it just slightly: i left out the yogurt and, since i can only handle a cold smoothie in summer, i warmed up the milk (yes, boiled it, eek!) and substituted the ice with a little more milk. With a teaspoon of honey, this was the most wonderful comforting drink i’ve had in a while. So autumny as well. Thanks for sharing the recipe with us! :)
Thanks for sharing with us, Natasha — we’re glad you were able to adapt this a bit and that you enjoyed it!
Made this just now. Was easy. Loved it. Cold, spicy, apple. Thanks for the recipe!
That’s great to hear Don — we’re so happy it was a hit! :)
How many smoothies, or how many ounces does this yield?
Hi Erica! This smoothie makes two servings. We hope you enjoy!
Pinning this, it’s a great quick breakfast – an E (low fat, moderate carbs) for Trim Healthy Mama :) I bet it would be yummy too, and have more of a milkshake-y texture, with cottage cheese instead of the yogurt! Sounds weird, ends up delicious.
However, I am so confused at people referring to almond milk as a great protein source (second smoothie recipe I’ve seen this week that says this!). *Almonds* have plenty of protein. Almond milk has very little nutritional content at all, it’s mostly water, with 1g or less protein per cup. Whole dairy milk has 8g. The 1/2 c. Greek yogurt here has ~11g.