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This healthy Apple Pie Protein Smoothie is the perfect 5-minute breakfast or snack to welcome fall! It’s low calorie, vegan, loaded with fruit, protein, and warm spices, and it tastes like dessert!
As the seasons change and we adjust to the start of a new school year, my mind instantly jumps to my favorite cozy flavors. But since we’re still looking at 90+ degree days here in Virginia, I’m not abandoning my cold, refreshing smoothies for breakfast quite yet. Instead, I’m just adding some apple pie spice to my blender!
HOW TO MAKE AN APPLE PIE SMOOTHIE:
First, let’s start with the basic ingredients: an apple, almond milk (or other milk of choice), vanilla protein powder (use a plant-based protein powder for a vegan smoothie), apple pie spice, and a crushed gingersnap cookie for topping!
While this recipe only requires about 2 minutes in the blender, you will need to remember to dice and freeze your apple beforehand. I do this overnight so that it’s ready for me in the morning!
You’ll also want to crush 1-2 gingersnap cookies to make crumbs for topping your smoothie. If you prefer, you can substitute with graham cracker crumbs, granola, or your favorite similar vegan treat. Don’t skip this step — it tastes like the “crust” on your apple pie!
Then it’s just a matter of combining everything in the blender. I use about 2 cups of ice because I like a really thick smoothie, but you can use more or less depending on your desired consistency.
Pour in the milk, starting with just a small amount. Add more, as necessary, just to get the thick protein shake to blend smoothly.
Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream (optional, but highly recommended!) and cookie crumbs!
COOK’S TIPS:
- Don’t forget to freeze your diced apple in advance! The frozen fruit thickens the smoothie without watering it down.
- For a protein smoothie that’s thick enough to eat with a spoon (my favorite!), use at least 2 cups of ice and just a small amount of milk to get it to blend together.
- If you want some extra fat for staying power in your smoothie, add a tablespoon or two of almond butter or peanut butter to the mix!
RECIPE VARIATIONS:
- Use a plant-based protein powder for a vegan apple pie smoothie recipe.
- If you don’t want to use protein powder, you can substitute with a container of vanilla Greek yogurt or non-dairy yogurt. The calories and nutrition information will change, though.
- Add a dash of caramel flavor for a Caramel Apple Pie Smoothie!
- If you don’t have apple pie spice you can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg.
- I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk, but you can substitute with any milk that you prefer.
- Did you know that you can now buy non-dairy versions of Reddi-Whip in a can? Now your vegan protein shake can include whipped “cream” too! I’ve seen both almond milk and coconut milk versions of Reddi-Whip at my local grocery store, so keep your eye out for those.
- Garnish your smoothie with any sweet, crunchy topping that you love. I think a small crushed gingersnap cookie is perfect, but you can also use granola or graham cracker crumbs!
And when you’re really running late for that school drop-off, you can easily pour the smoothie into a cup or mason jar and head out the door. That’s about the best form of “fast food” that any mom (or kid) could ask for, and it’s quicker than the drive-through window!
Love smoothies as much as we do? Try these recipes too:
- Chocolate Almond Protein Smoothie
- Healthy Strawberry Smoothie with Mango
- Pumpkin Spice Smoothie
- Chunky Monkey Protein Smoothie
If you’ve tried this Apple Pie Protein Smoothie or any other recipe on The Seasoned Mom, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below! You can follow me on Facebook, on Instagram, on Pinterest, and on Twitter!
Apple Pie Smoothie
Ingredients
- ½ apple, diced into small pieces and frozen in advance (there’s no need to peel the apple)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder OR 1 (5.3 ounce) container Greek style vanilla yogurt use a plant-based protein powder for a vegan smoothie
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk OR other milk of choice or more, as needed, to reach desired consistency
- 1-2 cups of ice use more ice for a thicker smoothie
- ¾ teaspoon apple pie spice or substitute with ½ teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Optional toppings: 1-2 Gingersnap cookies, crushed (or substitute with graham cracker crumbs); whipped cream
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except toppings in a blender and mix until smooth, thick, and creamy. Garnish with whipped cream and cookie crumbs crumbs and serve immediately!
Notes
- Don't forget to freeze your diced apple in advance! The frozen fruit thickens the smoothie without watering it down.
- For a protein smoothie that's thick enough to eat with a spoon (my favorite!), use at least 2 cups of ice and just a small amount of milk to get it to blend together.
- If you want some extra fat for staying power in your smoothie, add a tablespoon or two of almond butter or peanut butter to the mix!
- Use a plant-based protein powder for a vegan apple pie smoothie recipe.
- If you don't want to use protein powder, you can substitute with a container of vanilla Greek yogurt or non-dairy yogurt. The calories and nutrition information will change, though.
- Add a dash of caramel flavor for a Caramel Apple Pie Smoothie!
- If you don't have apple pie spice you can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg.
- I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk, but you can substitute with any milk that you prefer.
- Did you know that you can now buy non-dairy versions of Reddi-Whip in a can? Now your vegan protein shake can include whipped "cream" too! I've seen both almond milk and coconut milk versions of Reddi-Whip at my local grocery store, so keep your eye out for those.
- Garnish your smoothie with any sweet, crunchy topping that you love. I think a small crushed gingersnap cookie is perfect, but you can also use granola or graham cracker crumbs!
Nutrition
This post was originally published in July, 2015. The recipe and photos were updated in September, 2018.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website.
Do you have a favorite protein powder? I am always looking for ones that are most naturally made and not full of chemicals. Can’t wait to try this smoothie!!
Hey, Katie! I normally use the Quest Nutrition protein powders — vanilla milkshake, chocolate, peanut butter, salted caramel, and cookies & cream have all found their way into my kitchen! I also like the Isopure Zero Carb powders. The texture for all of those brands results in a really thick, creamy shake…just how I like it! 🙂
Have you tried using applesauce instead of chopped apple? I make my own applesauce in a crock pot so it is more concentrated and flavorful than store-bought. Do you think it will work?
Great question! Yes, the applesauce will definitely work! I like the thickness that the frozen apples adds to the smoothie, so if you’re using applesauce you’ll just have a thinner smoothie in the end (you can add extra ice to counter that). It will be delish!
Or Blair, are you not an advocate of Xanthan gum? A little goes a long way!
I’m not against it at all — I just don’t typically include it as a recipe ingredient because it’s not something that most people have easy access to in their kitchens. That said, I have certainly used it as a thickener in the past. I agree — it works nicely, but a little definitely goes a long way. I find that I don’t really need it, though, because the protein powder thickens the smoothie nicely on its own. 🙂