Cozy up this fall with this Caramel Apple Smoothie, a plant-based, dairy-free drink inspired by the sweet flavors of caramel apples. Naturally sweetened with medjool dates, it’s a more nutritious alternative to traditional caramel treats. Enjoy it as the perfect seasonal drink, even on warmer autumn days!
Table of Contents
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Fall flavors in a glass: Capture the cozy, comforting taste of caramel apples in every sip!
- Wholesome and plant-based: Made with whole-food ingredients, naturally sweetened with medjool dates, and completely dairy-free.
- Quick and easy: Just blend and enjoy! Perfect for busy mornings or a seasonal snack.
Key Ingredients
- Frozen green apples: Sweet and tangy, they give this Caramel Apple Smoothie its signature fall flavor.
- Medjool dates: Naturally caramel-like, perfect for adding sweetness in a wholesome way.
- Frozen banana & plant-based milk: To make the smoothie creamy and smooth!
- Oats: These make the smoothie heartier and even more nourishing.
- Maple syrup, almond butter, vanilla & cinnamon: Cozy fall flavors and a touch more of natural sweetness.
How to Make a Caramel Apple Smoothie
Step 1: Toss all ingredients in a high-powered blender.
Step 2: Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- If you can’t find frozen bananas or frozen green apples, chop and freeze them yourself for a few hours or overnight.
- Stick with a mild-flavored nondairy milk. Soy milk and almond milk are both perfect. Stronger flavors, such as coconut, may overpower the caramel apple taste.
- Freeze any extra smoothie in silicone molds. To enjoy later, just blend the frozen cubes with a splash of plant-based milk! It will be slightly lighter in flavor but still delicious.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy this Caramel Apple Smoothie as a quick, on-the-go breakfast or snack! Just pour into a cup with a straw and off you go!
- For a more filling breakfast, pair this with toast, Vanilla Almond Granola, or a slice of pumpkin bread.
- For an extra little treat, garnish with a drizzle of almond butter or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Substitutions & Variations
- Green apple is the more traditional option here since that is the classic choice for a caramel apple. However, sweeter red apples work too! Just expect a slightly different taste and color if you go this route.
- For even more of a fall twist, add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice!
- This smoothie also makes a delicious Caramel Apple Smoothie Bowl! If you want to enjoy it in bowl form, use less plant-based milk for thickness, then top with nuts, almond butter, chocolate chips, or extra banana and apple slices. Perfect for a fun, fall-inspired treat!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Just use less plant-based milk to thicken, then top with granola, nuts, apple slices, or a drizzle of almond butter for a fun fall-inspired bowl.
Yes! Medjool dates naturally have a rich, sweet, caramel-like taste, which makes them perfect this smoothie.
Green apples are the traditional choice for a caramel apple, but any apple can be used! Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp apples work well if you prefer a sweeter smoothie.
Other Blended Drinks You'll Love
📖 Recipe
Caramel Apple Smoothie (Sweetened with Dates!)
Ingredients
- 1.5 frozen green apples*
- ½ frozen banana*
- 1.5 - 1.75 cups nondairy milk (soy milk is my favorite)
- 4 medjool dates - pitted
- ½ tablespoon pure maple syrup
- ½ tablespoon almond butter
- ¼ cup oats
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- optional: pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
- Toss all ingredients into a high speed blender, making sure to start with just 1.5 cups of the nondairy milk.
- Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more nondairy milk if needed to reach desired consistency. Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
*Nutrition facts are an estimate and are calculated for one serving.
Happy cooking! If you made this recipe don’t forget to tag me (@joyfulbalanceofficial) on facebook or instagram so I can cheer you on for your smoothie-making ways.
Stay joyfully balanced!
Diane says
Made this for breakfast! My Walmart sells frozen bananas, so I just had to freeze the apples. It was really creamy and kind of different for a smoothie in a good way! Thanks for the recipe!
Delaney Marie says
Hooray! So glad you enjoyed it! I'll definitely have to keep an eye out for frozen bananas at Walmart, I can't usually find them at my regular grocery store!
Michael Taylor says
I love caramel and tge addition of dates sounds like a winner! Well done!
Delaney Marie says
Thank you! Hope you try out the recipe!
Crystal Yentzen says
Caramel apple smoothie- I'm drooling! I can't wait to have this for breakfast!
Delaney Marie says
Enjoy! 🙂
Lisa says
Um, WOW, yum! I was looking for something a little different, and this was super-delicious. Thanks for the great recipe!
Delaney Marie says
So glad you enjoyed!
Laurie Griggs says
The addition of dates totally make this smoothie. Love!
Delaney Marie says
Agreed! The dates are the perfect flavor addition!
Juyali says
So creamy and delicious! We still have a lot of leftover apples from our backyard and this was another great way to use them. Thanks!
Delaney Marie says
So glad you loved it!