Apple Pie Smoothie Bowl
A creamy, naturally sweet smoothie bowl bursting with warm apple pie flavors. Made with apples, oats, dates, and warming spices, this vegan recipe is high in fiber, low in saturated fat, and ready in minutes — perfect for a healthy breakfast or on-the-go snack.
Equipment
- 1 Blender (high-powered preferred, e.g., Vitamix)
- 1 Measuring cup (1 cup)
- 1 Measuring spoon set (including ½ tsp and ⅛ tsp spoons)
- 1 Bowl (for serving)
Ingredients
Smoothie Base:
- 1 medium apple red or green, cored and chopped
- 1 frozen ripe banana peeled before freezing
- ¼ cup rolled oats or quick oats
- 2 medjool dates pitted
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp ground ginger
- ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
- ⅓ cup oat milk or any plant-based milk
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped apple slices
- Granola
- Chopped medjool dates
- Crushed pecans
- Almond butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple: Begin by selecting a fresh apple, either red or green, depending on your preferred flavor profile — red apples add natural sweetness, while green apples offer a tangier taste. Wash the apple thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or residue. Core the apple using an apple corer or a sharp knife, then cut it into small, even chunks. This ensures smooth blending and a consistent texture in your smoothie bowl.
- Select and Prepare the Banana: For optimal creaminess and sweetness, use a ripe banana that has been frozen. Ripe bananas should have a yellow peel with brown spots, which signals natural sweetness. Peel the banana completely before freezing. Store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for at least 4 hours or overnight. When ready to use, break the banana into smaller pieces for easier blending.
- Measure and Add Oats: Measure ¼ cup of rolled oats or quick oats using a standard measuring cup. Rolled oats will give a slightly thicker texture, while quick oats will blend more smoothly. Add them directly to your blender along with the apple and banana. The oats contribute fiber, help keep you full longer, and add a subtle nutty flavor to the smoothie bowl.
- Prepare and Add Dates: Pit two medjool dates by slicing them open and removing the seeds. Medjool dates bring a natural caramel-like sweetness without refined sugar. Add them to the blender with your other ingredients. If the dates are particularly dry, soak them in warm water for 10–15 minutes beforehand to make blending easier and to enhance creaminess.
- Add Vanilla and Spices: Measure ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and add it to the blender. This gives your smoothie bowl a warm, aromatic depth. Next, add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger, and ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg. These spices replicate the classic apple pie flavor and add a gentle warmth that makes the smoothie bowl perfect for cozy mornings.
- Add Plant-Based Milk: Measure ⅓ cup oat milk or your preferred plant-based milk. Oat milk adds natural creaminess without overpowering the flavor. For a richer taste, choose unsweetened vanilla oat milk. Pour the milk over the other ingredients in the blender — this will help the blades move smoothly and create a creamy texture without lumps.
- Blend Until Smooth: Secure the blender lid tightly. Blend on high speed for 1–2 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides with a spatula if needed. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and thick, without large chunks of apple or banana. The final texture should be thick enough to hold toppings, similar to a traditional smoothie bowl consistency.
- Serve Into Bowls: Once blended, pour the smoothie mixture into a large bowl or split evenly into two smaller bowls. Use a spatula to scrape every bit of the creamy mixture from the blender to maximize your yield. The vibrant color and aroma of cinnamon and apple will make your breakfast instantly appealing.
- Add Toppings Creatively: Enhance your smoothie bowl by adding optional toppings for texture, flavor, and added nutrients. Suggested toppings include fresh chopped apple slices for extra crunch, granola for a hearty bite, chopped medjool dates for added sweetness, crushed pecans for healthy fats, and a drizzle of almond butter for richness. Arrange toppings in an aesthetically pleasing way for a more satisfying eating experience.
- Enjoy Immediately: Smoothie bowls are best enjoyed fresh. Use a spoon and savor each bite, combining creamy base and crunchy toppings for maximum texture and flavor. This Apple Pie Smoothie Bowl is perfect for a quick, nutrient-packed breakfast or a satisfying snack any time of day.
Notes
- Use ripe frozen bananas for optimal creaminess and natural sweetness. Overripe bananas with brown spots work best.
- For a smoother texture, soak dates in warm water for 10–15 minutes before blending.
- Adjust plant-based milk to your preferred consistency — add more for a thinner smoothie bowl, or less for a thicker texture.
- Rolled oats add a heartier texture; quick oats create a smoother base.
- Spices can be adjusted to taste — add more cinnamon for extra warmth or a pinch more nutmeg for a deeper flavor profile.
