Apple Cinnamon Smoothie Recipe

Apple Cinnamon Smoothie Recipe

Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Servings: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 tablespoon almond butter (or other nut/seed butter)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (soaked in 4 tablespoons water for 10 minutes)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 cup ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Prep Work:
   • Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces.
   • Soak the chia seeds in water for at least 10 minutes to create a gel-like consistency.
   • Peel, slice, and freeze the banana for at least 2 hours or overnight for a creamy texture.
2. Blending:
   • In a high-speed blender, combine the chopped apples and almond milk. Blend until smooth.
   • Add the Greek yogurt, frozen banana, almond butter, soaked chia seeds (along with the gel they have formed), ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
   • Add the honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter smoothie. Blend to combine.
3. Final Touch:
   • Add the ice cubes and blend until the smoothie is thick and frosty.
4. Serving:
   • Pour the smoothie into chilled glasses.
   • Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, a few apple slices, and a drizzle of almond butter for an elegant touch.

Tips for Perfect Texture and Consistency:

• Frozen Banana: Freezing the banana beforehand gives the smoothie a creamy, ice-cream-like texture.
• Chia Seeds: Soaking chia seeds beforehand ensures they blend smoothly into the drink, adding thickness without grittiness.
• Blending Order: Start with the liquids and apples first to ensure a smooth base before adding other ingredients.
• Ice Cubes: Adding ice cubes at the end helps achieve a frosty texture. Adjust the amount based on your desired thickness.

Creative Serving Ideas:

• Cinnamon Sugar Rim: Dip the rim of your serving glasses in water or milk and then into a mix of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet, spiced touch.
• Smoothie Bowl: Serve the smoothie in a bowl and top with granola, sliced apples, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey for a hearty breakfast option.
• Layered Smoothie: Create a layered effect by blending a plain banana and almond milk smoothie and alternating layers with the apple cinnamon smoothie.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free yogurt such as almond or coconut yogurt for a completely dairy-free version.
• Low-Sugar: Skip the honey or maple syrup and rely on the natural sweetness of the banana and apples.
• Nut-Free: Substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free option.