Return to top
featured in… The Huffington Post CookingLight Reader's Digest Women's Health BuzzFeed Glamour Whole Foods Oprah Winfrey Network CNN Food Network Healthline Shape

Hello! I’m Anjali. I’m a board certified health coach, author, wife, mom and food lover from the SF Bay area (now living in Seattle, WA!); with a passion for delicious food and a desire to make healthy eating easy, tasty and fun! Learn more about me here and stay for a while!

Anjali Shah

Healthy Apple Pie Smoothie

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.

This Healthy Apple Pie Smoothie is my new 10-minute favorite treat that tastes like dessert and satisfies my cravings the healthy way. I make it with a creamy blend of cashews, dairy-free milk, and apples that my family and I can enjoy without any guilt!

A glass mug with a cream smoothie topped with whipped cream, caramel and apples.

Living with a sweet tooth while trying to stick to a healthy lifestyle can definitely be a challenge, especially in the summer when my kids are always asking for ice cream and sweet treats. After seeing how much they loved my healthy baked cinnamon apples, I wanted to come up with something new that used those same flavors but worked as a cold and refreshing option.

So I made this smoothie, something quick, nutritious, and perfect for hot summer days. Just like in my vegan apple muffins, the combination of fresh apples, warming cinnamon, and maple syrup creates that perfect apple pie dessert flavor, while cashews and oats provide a creamy base that keeps us full for hours. Now, my family can enjoy their favorite dessert in smoothie form, knowing that I made it with healthy and plant-based ingredients.

I can enjoy this apple pie smoothie any time of day, whether it’s for a quick breakfast before getting some work done, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or at weekend brunches with friends. Everyone’s always amazed when I tell them it’s completely gluten-free, vegan, and naturally sweetened. The best part is knowing that I’m serving something made with wholesome ingredients that keep us energized throughout the day!

I love having two options for making this smoothie. On busy mornings, I go for the quick raw version and just blend everything until smooth. But when I have a little more time, I sauté the apples with maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt for a deeper flavor. Once it’s blended with ice, it turns into a thick and refreshing treat that’s perfect for hot summer days.

This recipe has truly changed the way we enjoy healthy treats at home. My apple pie smoothie is full of fiber from the apples and oats, and the cashews add those healthy fats that keep us satisfied. And since it only takes a few minutes to make, it’s become one of my favorite go-to breakfasts or afternoon snacks that tastes like dessert in a glass.

🥘 Ingredients

Here’s everything I use to make this delicious healthy apple pie smoothie:

Ingredients for vegan apple pie smoothie recipe on a wood background.

Red apple: I like using a sweet red apple for that classic apple pie flavor. I core it and sometimes peel it, depending on who’s drinking the smoothie.

Dairy-free milk: I use whatever plant-based milk I have on hand, but full-fat coconut milk makes it extra creamy.

Maple syrup: Maple syrup is my go-to sweetener here. I adjust the amount depending on how sweet the apple is.

Raw cashews: Cashews give the smoothie that thick and creamy texture and add some healthy fats. I soak them if I’m not using a high-speed blender.

Oats: Oats help make the smoothie more filling.

Cinnamon: Cinnamon brings the whole thing together with that warm and spiced flavor. I use a generous scoop because we love the taste.

Vanilla extract: Just a little vanilla adds that dessert-like flavor. It pairs perfectly with the apple and cinnamon.

Sea salt: A tiny pinch of salt makes everything taste more balanced.

Ice: Ice makes the smoothie cold and thick. I blend it last so everything stays nice and frosty.

🔪 How To Make

This apple pie smoothie recipe can be as simple as tossing the raw apples into the blender with everything else. But if I’m in the mood for a deeper, cozier flavor, here’s what I like to do instead:

Sauté the apples: I cook the chopped apples in a small pan with a splash of milk until they’re soft and the liquid has mostly cooked off. Then I set them aside to cool before blending.

Blue spatula mixing apples and cinnamon in a pot

Add the ingredients: I add the cooked apples along with the rest of the ingredients to the blender.

Top view of a blender with milk, cashews, oats and cooked cinnamon apples

Finish blending: I let the blender run until the mixture is completely smooth. It turns into a thick, creamy smoothie with the perfect apple pie flavor.

Top view of a blender with a cream smoothie in it

Serve and enjoy: I pour it into a glass and add any toppings, check out my serving section below.

My #1 Secret Tip for making this apple pie smoothie is to blend the cashews with the milk first before adding anything else. I started doing this after a few batches came out a little gritty, and it made such a big difference. Even when I’m not using a high-speed blender, blending the cashews first gives me that creamy and smooth texture that makes the smoothie taste like a real treat.

Other Tips To Keep In Mind:

  • Use frozen apple slices: If I have sliced apples in the freezer, I use those instead of fresh ones. They help chill and thicken the smoothie without needing as much ice, which keeps the flavor stronger.
  • Add oats just before blending: If I’m making this ahead of time, I wait to add the oats until right before blending. This keeps the texture from getting too thick or gummy if it sits too long.
  • Adjust the sweetness: Every apple is different, so I always taste before adding the full amount of maple syrup. Some days I barely need any at all, especially if the apple is really ripe.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg: For extra cozy pie flavor, I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon.

📖 Variations

Here are some fun and delicious variations I like to make when I want to switch things up with this apple pie smoothie:

Make it Green: I use a tart green apple instead of a red one. It gives the smoothie a brighter flavor that balances really well with the cinnamon and maple syrup.

Apple Peanut Butter flavor: I swap the cashews for a tablespoon of natural peanut butter. It provides the smoothie with a slightly salty twist and turns it into a really satisfying snack.

Add Protein: I mix in a scoop of vanilla plant-based protein powder when I need a post-workout boost. It blends right in and makes it extra creamy without changing the flavor too much.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving suggestions, I love serving my creamy dessert smoothie for breakfast or lunch with other healthy and nutritious dishes. Here are some of my favs:

For breakfast: One of my favorite things to serve at weekends with smoothies is a slice of irresistible banana blueberry oat bread with some peanut butter or white chocolate hazelnut spread. It’s easy to make, moist, and perfectly paired with my apple pie smoothie.

For lunch: When I’m craving something more substantial, I’ll whip up some vegan blueberry pancakes to serve alongside smoothies. Or if I have some leftover sweet potato from last night’s dinner, I’ll make some vegan sweet potato pancakes filled with chocolate chips for an indulgent lunch treat.

🧊 Storage Directions

Refrigeration: If I have leftovers, I pour the smoothie into a sealed jar or airtight container and store it in the fridge. It’s best within 24 hours, but I give it a quick shake or stir before drinking since it can thicken as it sits.

Freezing: I sometimes freeze any extra smoothie in silicone ice cube trays. Once frozen, I transfer the cubes to a bag and blend them later for a quick, slushy-style smoothie.

❓Recipe FAQs

Can I skip peeling the apple?

Yes, you can totally leave the peel on. I do that most of the time, especially if I’m using organic apples. The peel blends right in and you get the bonus of extra fiber. If I know my kids are being picky that day, I might peel it just to keep things smooth.

Do I have to soak the cashews?

If I’m using my high-speed blender, I usually don’t bother soaking them. But if I’m using a regular blender, I soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes or even boil them to help them break down better. It really helps the smoothie come out super smooth instead of gritty.

How sweet is the smoothie?

It really depends on the apple I use. Some are naturally sweeter than others, so I always start with a smaller amount of maple syrup and taste as I go. If I need more sweetness, it’s easy to add just a little extra.

Love this plant based smoothie recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating 🌟 in the recipe below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page!

You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious, healthy, family-friendly food, and if you have any questions, I’m here to help!

📋 Recipe Card

Print Recipe
No ratings yet

Healthy Apple Pie Smoothie

This Healthy Apple Pie Smoothie is my new 10-minute favorite treat that tastes like dessert and satisfies my cravings the healthy way. I make it with a creamy blend of cashews, dairy-free milk, and apples that my family and I can enjoy without any guilt!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: 30 Minutes or Less, Dessert, Drinks
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 2
Calories: 444kcal
Author: Anjali Shah

Ingredients

  • 1 apple , red variety (core and peel skin if preferred)
  • 1 cup dairy free milk , full fat canned coconut milk will give the creamiest result (see note)
  • ¼ cup extra milk to saute if making cooked version
  • ¼ – ½ cup maple syrup , add more for extra sweetness if preferred
  • ½ cup oats
  • ½ cup raw cashews , see note
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 cups ice- about 26 cubes

Optional toppings:

Shop Ingredients on Jupiter

Equipment

Instructions

If making raw version-

  • Put everything but the ice into a blender. Blend until creamy.
  • Add the ice and blend until smooth.

If making cooked version-

  • Saute apples with the extra ¼ cup milk until the liquid has evaporated and the apples have softened a bit, about 3-5 minutes. Take off heat and allow to cool. You can also saute with maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla and salt. I found this version less sweet so you may prefer that.
  • Add to blender with the rest of the ingredients. Blend until creamy.
  • Add the ice and blend until smooth.
  • Serve with toppings of choice!

Notes

  • My #1 Secret Tip for making this apple pie smoothie is to blend the cashews with the milk first before adding anything else. I started doing this after a few batches came out a little gritty, and it made such a big difference. Even when I’m not using a high-speed blender, blending the cashews first gives me that creamy and smooth texture that makes the smoothie taste like a real treat.
  • Use frozen apple slices: If I have sliced apples in the freezer, I use those instead of fresh ones. They help chill and thicken the smoothie without needing as much ice, which keeps the flavor stronger.
  • Add oats just before blending: If I’m making this ahead of time, I wait to add the oats until right before blending. This keeps the texture from getting too thick or gummy if it sits too long.
  • Adjust the sweetness: Every apple is different, so I always taste before adding the full amount of maple syrup. Some days I barely need any at all, especially if the apple is really ripe.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg: For extra cozy pie flavor, I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon.

Nutrition

Calories: 444kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Sodium: 303mg | Potassium: 494mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 61IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 262mg | Iron: 4mg

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating





Subscribe to newsletter

Copyright 2025 The Picky Eater®, LLC. All rights reserved. Powered by Crave