Isn’t it funny how sometimes the simplest things bring the most joy? Like the first sip of a smoothie that tastes like a slice of carrot cake—pure bliss, right? With a blend of creamy textures and nostalgic flavors, this recipe is a hug in a glass, and honestly, who couldn’t use a little extra comfort these days?
Steps
- Begin by adding a large ripe frozen banana and a small chopped carrot to a high-speed blender. Include a pitted date if you want extra sweetness.
- Add ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, fresh minced ginger, and a pinch of ground nutmeg to the blender. These spices will enhance the carrot cake flavor.
- Pour in 1/2 to 1 cup of dairy-free milk, starting with the lesser amount, to achieve the desired thickness. Add a scoop of protein powder if you prefer a protein boost.
- Blend all the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If necessary, add more dairy-free milk to help with blending.
- Taste the smoothie and adjust the flavors by adding more cinnamon for warmth, ginger for a spicy kick, or a date for sweetness as needed.
- Serve the smoothie immediately, optionally garnishing with shredded carrot, coconut, or chopped walnuts or hemp seeds for added texture. Enjoy it fresh, or store it in the freezer for up to a month, thawing before drinking.
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe frozen banana (~1 ¼ cup)
- 1 small carrot, chopped (~1/2 cup)
- 1 pitted date (optional, soak in warm water if dry)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (or 1/8 teaspoon vanilla powder)
- 1 teaspoon fresh minced or grated ginger (or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 1/2 – 1 cup dairy-free milk (such as cashew, coconut, or almond)
- 1 scoop plain or vanilla protein powder (optional)
- Shredded carrots
- Shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts or hemp seeds
Nutritional Values
Calories: 173 | Carbohydrates: 38.6 g | Protein: 2.8 g | Fat: 2 g | Saturated Fat: 0.2 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.44 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.92 g | Trans Fat: 0 g | Cholesterol: 0 mg | Sodium: 122 mg | Potassium: 762 mg | Fiber: 5.4 g | Sugar: 19.4 g | Vitamin A: 8692 IU | Vitamin C: 15 mg | Calcium: 268 mg | Iron: 1.02 mg
FAQ
- Can I make this carrot cake smoothie ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare this smoothie in advance. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If you need to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just remember to thaw it before enjoying.
- What can I use instead of dates to sweeten the smoothie?
- If you prefer not to use dates or don’t have any on hand, you can skip them if your protein powder is sweetened. Alternatively, you can add a splash of maple syrup or honey (if not strictly vegan) for additional sweetness.
- Which dairy-free milk works best in this recipe?
- While you can use any dairy-free milk you prefer, coconut, cashew, or almond milk are recommended for this smoothie. They complement the flavors well and add a nice creaminess.
- Can I add protein powder to the smoothie?
- Absolutely! Adding a scoop of plain or vanilla protein powder can give the smoothie a protein boost. If your protein powder is sweetened, you can omit the date to avoid making the smoothie too sweet.
- What toppings can I add to enhance the smoothie?
- To take your smoothie to the next level, consider garnishing it with shredded carrots, shredded coconut, chopped walnuts, or hemp seeds. These toppings add texture and enhance the carrot cake flavor.
Tips
- For a creamier texture, start with the lesser amount of dairy-free milk and gradually add more until you reach your desired consistency.
- If your date is dry, soak it in warm water for 10-15 minutes before blending to ensure a smoother blend and consistent sweetness.
- Customize the spice level to your liking by adjusting the amount of cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg. This can enhance the flavor profile to better suit your taste.
- For added texture and flavor, garnish your smoothie with optional toppings like shredded carrot, shredded coconut, or chopped walnuts.
Equipment
- High-speed blender
