Apple Smoothie (Protein Shake)

Apple Smoothie

Post-workout, there’s nothing I crave more than a revitalizing protein shake or a vibrant green smoothie. While my go-to choices include this Chocolate Protein Shake or my fave Peanut Butter Protein Shake, nothing beats a seasonal flavor!

Come pumpkin season, I’m all over this Pumpkin Protein Shake. But now, I’ve created another seasonal gem: this Apple Smoothie!

It’s a fun blend of seasonal flavors, incredibly delicious, and truly satiating! Say goodbye to that post-smoothie hunger—this drink packs a punch with heart-healthy fats from almond butter, muscle-loving protein from the powder, and a boost of fiber-rich carbs from bananas and apples. Cheers to this filling and flavorful Apple Smoothie!

Apple Smoothie Ingredients

• Frozen banana slices: Freezing bananas not only cools your smoothie but also gives it a creamy texture. Make sure they’re solidly frozen for the best consistency. The riper the banana, the sweeter your smoothie, so if you’re looking to cut back on added sweeteners, use a well-ripened banana.
• Unsweetened vanilla almond milk: You can experiment with other milk types (like oat, soy, or cow’s milk) depending on dietary or personal preferences.
• Fuji apple: Keeping the skin on adds fiber and nutrients. Plus, it imparts a richer apple flavor.
• Vanilla protein powder: It’s essential to pick a protein powder brand that you enjoy on its own. The flavor directly impacts the overall taste of the smoothie. (There are many protein powder types available, including whey, soy, and pea. Choose one that aligns with any dietary needs.) This vanilla protein powder by Just Ingredients® is my absolute favorite!

Ingredients, Continued

• Almond butter: A slow-roasted, lightly salted almond butter has a deeper and richer flavor. It complements the sweetness of the other ingredients well. This is my favorite almond butter in this Apple Smoothie! Or if you have some of these vanilla almond butter packs, a half pack is incredible in this smoothie!
• Apple pie spice: Depending on your preference, you can increase or decrease the amount to find the perfect warmth level. Or make your own apple pie spice!
• Salt: A tiny pinch can enhance flavors and balance the sweetness.
• Ice cubes: Adjust the number of ice cubes to change the thickness. More ice will result in a thicker smoothie, while fewer cubes make it more liquid.

How To Make An Apple Smoothie (Tips)

Here are some handy tips to ensure that your Apple Smoothie protein shake turns out perfect every time:

• Chill your glass: Before you start, place your glass in the freezer. A chilled glass can help keep your smoothie cold longer.
• Layering: When adding ingredients to the blender, start with liquids (like almond milk) at the bottom. This helps create a vortex, ensuring a smoother blend.
• Check sweetness: Apples, bananas, and protein powders can vary in sweetness. Always taste the smoothie before pouring it out, adjusting as necessary.
• Avoid over-blending: Blending for too long can cause the smoothie to warm up, especially if your blender runs hot. Aim for that sweet spot where all ingredients are mixed but still cold.
• Chill the apples: Use fresh apples for a more vibrant flavor. Storing the apples in the fridge before gives the Apple Smoothie a cooler start.

More Seasonal Apple Recipes:

• Applesauce Pancakes thick and fluffy (and secretly nutritious!)
• Apple Bread Recipe with shredded apple pieces
• Bircher Muesli with apples
• Easy, homemade Applesauce
• Apple Crumble with a thick crumble topping

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5 from 1 vote

Apple Smoothie Protein Shake

By Chelsea Lords

Refreshing and sweet, this Apple Smoothie Protein Shake tastes like an apple pie with a nutty twist. It's perfect for kickstarting your day or enjoying after a workout!

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 smoothie

Equipment

• Blender

Ingredients 

USMetric

 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1/2 cup sliced banana frozen
• ▢ 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk or milk of choice
• ▢ 1 cup chopped Fuji apple
• ▢ 5 tablespoons vanilla protein powder see note 1
• ▢ 1 tablespoon almond butter see note 2
• ▢ 1 teaspoon apple pie spice see note 3
• ▢ Tiny pinch of salt
• ▢ 8 ice cubes
• ▢ Whipped cream optional

Instructions 

• If you don't have pre-frozen sliced banana, peel a banana and slice it into coins. Place these slices in a sealed bag and freeze them until solid. This is best done the night before.
• In a high-powered blender, combine all ingredients. Blend on high for 90–120 seconds or until the mixture is entirely smooth.
• Before serving, taste the smoothie. Depending on how sweet your protein powder is, you may want to add some sweetener (see note 4).
• Pour the smoothie into a cup or glasses—it's best enjoyed immediately. For a fun touch, add a dollop of whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of apple pie spice!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: The flavor of the protein powder significantly affects the shake's overall taste. Use one you like on its own to ensure it complements this smoothie well. This vanilla protein powder by Just Ingredients® is my absolute favorite!

Note 2: Choose a tasty almond butter that you'd happily eat straight from the jar, otherwise it doesn't add much to this smoothie! A slow-roasted, lightly salted variety works best. My two favorites are Justin's almond butter or RXBar vanilla almond butter.

Note 3: This spice blend is readily available in any grocery store spice aisle. You can also make your own apple pie spice. Depending on your preference, you can increase or decrease the amount to find the perfect warmth level. 

Note 4: Depending on the natural sweetness of your banana and the flavor profile of your protein powder, you might not need extra sweeteners. However, personal preferences vary, so adjust accordingly.

Storage: Best enjoyed right after blending!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 541kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 51g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 144mg | Sodium: 514mg | Potassium: 822mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 121IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 743mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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