Best Apple Pie Smoothie (vegan + paleo)

Apple Pie Smoothie Ingredients

Let's talk ingredients! This list of ingredients is really easy to keep on hand. Apples and plant milks last a long time in the refrigerator, dates, almonds, and oats are all easily stored in the pantry, and I always have a bag of riced cauliflower in the freezer! I love how easy it is to blend up this favorite any time.

• Sweet Red Apple - Keep the skin on; it's the most important part!  Kids don't always love eating the apple skin so this smoothie is a great way to make sure they get all the fiber and nutrient-rich benefits the apple skin offers.
• Dates - I use pitted Medjool dates for all-natural sweetener that also adds fiber to this drink.
• Almonds - Raw, unsalted, blanched, slivered almonds are a staple in my pantry. They add plant-based protein and the perfect sweet creaminess!
• Spices - Use a pinch of cinnamon or apple pie spice if you have it on hand!
• Frozen riced cauliflower - My smoothie secret ingredient! You'd never guess you're getting veggies in, too. You don't taste any cauliflower flavor, but it adds creamy texture and tons of nutrients.
• Oats - Use gluten-free oats to add whole grains, soluble fiber, and healthful fats! You can swap for more almonds if you're totally grain-free.
• Plain plant milk - Use any kind you prefer! I usually use Homemade Almond Milk, Cashew Milk, or Oat Milk.
• Optional additions - Ginger root with the skin removed adds some exciting spice, and/or chia seeds will get you extra fiber, nutrients and thickness!

All About Apples

I've been loving this smoothie because it is simple, decadent and refreshing.  Plus, this time of year an apple a day doesn't seem like a bad idea! Apples are chock-full of disease-fighting nutrients and health benefits in addition to being affordable, portable, and delicious. They're high in hydrating water content. low in calories, and full of fiber. Apples have immunity-boosting vitamin C as well! I wrote an article about the health benefits of apples in The Washington Post a couple years ago if you want to know even more about apples.

All About Dates

If you're hoping to reduce the refined sugar in your diet, dates are your best friend! These juicy little wonders have a naturally sweet, caramelly flavor that is so delicious by itself (or made into Date Paste!), but it works even better when used in recipes as a sweetener. They're naturally dehydrated and come from a date palm tree. They contain loads of fiber which aids in weight loss, digestion and heart health.  Dates are fat-free, sodium-free and cholesterol-free while also containing nutritious vitamins and minerals including zinc, copper, magnesium, manganese, vitamin B6, niacin, calcium, iron and vitamin K. Dates also have more potassium (weight-for-weight) than bananas. Amazing!

Frozen Riced Cauliflower in Smoothies

Hear me out: frozen riced cauliflower is an absolute all-star secret agent in smoothies! It has NO detectable taste, but it adds a luscious creaminess to your smoothies, not to mention all the health benefits. Cauliflower is incredibly low in calories while also offering dietary fiber, vitamin C, and folic acid.

Fresh Ginger in Smoothies

I have been craving ginger in the mornings, especially when I wake up feeling nauseous (migraine problems!). One morning on a whim I threw a bit of fresh ginger root in this recipe and loved how it turned out! It makes the smoothie slightly spicy but didn't overpower it at all, especially since it's balanced with the sweetness of the dates and apple. 

Fun Apple Pie Smoothie Toppings

On a quick morning, I love that I can blend and go with a smoothie like this one. If I'm slowing things down a bit, though, I love to create something that feels a little more intentional! It changes the whole tone and feeling of my morning. Here are a few little upgrades to make your smoothie feel extra special:

• Finely chop a handful of Healthy Maple Candied Pecans for some delightful crunch
• A drizzle of Instant Vegan Caramel Sauce that would be soooo dreamy paired with apple
• Easy Sautéed Cinnamon Apples are a delicious addition to add even more flavorful apple flavor!
• A dollop of Coconut Whipped Cream, which always makes my kids cheer!
• My homemade cinnamon vanilla granola pairs perfect with this smoothie and stands in great for a smoothie version of a crust.

@eatingbyelaine COZY APPLE 🍎 PIE SMOOTHIE 😋 #applerecipes #fallrecipes #fallsmoothierecipes #vegansmoothie #applepie #quickbreakfast #easybreakfast #smoothies ♬ Wildest Dreams - Duomo