As a Certified Nutrition Coach and recipe developer, I love creating recipes like this apple smoothie that make healthy eating both simple and delicious. I performed numerous taste tests for this one to get it perfect! This high protein blend delivers nourishing fuel without skimping on flavor or joy. It’s Fall in a glass, with the perfect blend of creaminess and sweetness.
The key to a great smoothie is for it to not only taste delicious, but also be nutritionally balanced. Too often, smoothies are overloaded with carbs and low on protein. All smoothie blends on Howe We Live are well balanced with the 3 macronutrients of carbs, fat and protein.
For other great smoothie options, check out our high fiber berry smoothie, strawberry smoothie and pumpkin smoothie.
Jump to:
- Why you’ll love this apple smoothie
- Apple Banana Smoothie Ingredients
- For a hint of caramel
- How to Make an Apple Smoothie
- Do I really not need Liquid?
- Apple Smoothie Recipe Variations
- Want a FREE Protein Guide?
- How to Store This Apple Cinnamon Smoothie
- Need more smoothies?
- Did you make this recipe?
- Banana Apple Smoothie
Why you’ll love this apple smoothie
- Well balanced nutritionally – with 21 grams of protein (and the option to add more), 6 grams of fiber and under 300 calories! It’s a great post-workout snack or breakfast.
- Delicious & family-friendly – no green kale or spinach to scare kids off and loads of creamy flavor! Parents and kids will love this smoothie!
- Really easy and quick to make! Ready in 5 minutes or less, this is a breakfast winner!
Apple Banana Smoothie Ingredients
- 1 Granny Smith apple – about 150 grams for a medium sized apple. Feel free to use another variety, but we really like the flavorful punch granny smith provides, and gives it an actual apple flavor.
- ½ frozen banana – about 50 grams for half a banana. We prefer using frozen bananas because they add a creamy and cold texture to the smoothie. This will also reduce the need for so much ice.
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt – this is a great way to add some protein and creaminess. You can also use cottage cheese, but it will definitely change the flavor.
- ½-1 full serving protein powder – for even more protein, we fall back on the classic protein powder. Whey protein is our favorite because it offers the best bang for your buck with regards to protein content gram per gram. Whey also blends incredibly well, leaving no chalky texture or flavor. We recommend vanilla or unflavored.
- 1 tablespoon Peanut butter powder like PB fit – this adds a hint of peanut butter flavor that isn’t too overpowering, and also saves a ton of calories from fat.
- ½ tablespoon maple syrup and a dash of cinnamon – adds a bit of sweetness and warm Fall flavor.
- 1 cup of ice – gives the smoothie a cold, refreshing finish!
For a hint of caramel
You may be wondering what that yummy looking caramel swirl is in the glass?! An optional ingredient add-in if you really want to elevate the look and taste of the smoothie, is to add a small swirl of caramel.
We used the Lighthouse low-fat caramel dip and simply used the back of a spoon to scoop out about 2 teaspoons. We then swirled it around the inside of the glass with a firm sweeping motion. Don’t go overboard as to avoid adding a ton of excess calories! But just a bit adds a nice caramel flavor and makes it feel a bit more decadent.
How to Make an Apple Smoothie
Like all smoothies, they’re incredibly simple and easy to make! The only prep you need to do is cut up the apple into large chunks, making sure to discard the core.
Then simply add all ingredients to the blender, starting with the Greek yogurt. Then add the protein powder and peanut butter powder, cinnamon and maple syrup. Toss in the fruit and then the ice last. Blend on high until well incorporated and smooth.
To serve, get your favorite 16-20 ounce glass and add the optional caramel swirl. As noted above, we used the Lighthouse low-fat caramel dip and simply used the back of a spoon to scoop out about 2 teaspoons.
We then swirled it around the inside of the glass with a firm sweeping motion. This small amount adds a nice caramel flavor and makes it feel a bit more decadent. Garnish with a dash of cinnamon and fresh apple slices.
Do I really not need Liquid?
I’ve never made a smoothie without a liquid (or very little liquid). Are you sure this is right?! Yup, we tested this ½ dozen times with 4 different apple varieties and every time we added the standard amount of liquid usually called for in a smoothie, it was WAY too watery. Why?
High water content: Apples are composed of 84–86% water, which is released as the fruit breaks down in the blender. This adds a significant amount of moisture to the smoothie base.
We suggest starting off with no liquid to give it a try, and only add 1-2 ounces as needed.
Apple Smoothie Recipe Variations
- Chai-Spiced Apple Smoothie: Swap cinnamon for chai spice mix which will add even more warmth and a really unique coffee-house flavor.
- Pumpkin Apple Smoothie: Add ¼-1/2 cup canned pumpkin and pumpkin spice for an even more in your face Fall inspired blend.
- Apple Cranberry Smoothie: Toss in ½ cup frozen cranberries for tartness and a holiday season vibe.
Freebie!
Want a FREE Protein Guide?
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How to Store This Apple Cinnamon Smoothie
If you plan to enjoy your smoothie within a day, go ahead and store in the fridge and stir vigorously or even blend on low speed for 30 seconds when ready to enjoy.
If you’d like to store this smoothie to save for later use, we suggest freezing the blended smoothie for later use. Begin by portioning out the smoothie into 1 ounce ice cube trays and then adding to a freezer safe bag. When ready to use, remove the smoothie cubes and re-blend.
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Did you make this recipe?
If you gave this recipe a try, I’d love your feedback! Any tips or recipe additions you’d like to share, I’d love to hear it! Let’s connect down in the comments below.
Banana Apple Smoothie
Equipment
Ingredients
- 150 grams Granny smith apple 1 medium apple
- 50 grams Banana ½, frozen preferred
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt nonfat or low-fat preferred
- ½ serving Protein powder unflavored or vanilla
- 1 tablespoon PB Fit peanut butter powder
- ½ tablespoon Maple syrup
- Cinnamon just a dash
- 1 cup Ice
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the blender, starting with the Greek yogurt, then the protein powder and peanut butter powder, cinnamon and maple syrup, adding the fruit and then the ice last. Blend on high until well incorporated and smooth. Sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon and fresh apple slices.150 grams Granny smith apple, 50 grams Banana, ¼ cup Greek yogurt, ½ serving Protein powder, 1 tablespoon PB Fit peanut butter powder, ½ tablespoon Maple syrup, Cinnamon, 1 cup Ice
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