Why You’ll Love Cranberry Smoothie Recipe
This smoothie is quick, simple, and made with wholesome ingredients. The cranberries add a tangy flavor, the apple brings natural sweetness, and the cinnamon gives it a warm, comforting taste. It is also dairy-free, naturally colorful, and perfect for breakfast or a quick snack.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
¾ cup frozen cranberries, or fresh cranberries with a handful of ice
1 large apple, cored and chopped
1 small handful raw pecans or walnuts, or 2 tablespoons nut butter
1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave
1 cup dairy-free milk
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
Add all ingredients to a blender.
Blend until smooth and creamy. The smoothie may look a little thin at first, but it will thicken as it sits after blending.
Taste and adjust sweetness if needed, then serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Servings: 1
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
Variations
Use almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk depending on your preference.
Swap the apple for pear for a softer, sweeter flavor.
Use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter instead of nuts.
Add a banana for extra creaminess and sweetness.
Add a spoonful of chia seeds or ground flaxseed for a thicker smoothie.
Storage/Reheating
This smoothie is best enjoyed right after blending. If needed, store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Shake or stir well before drinking, as it may thicken or separate while stored.
This recipe does not need reheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries?
Yes. Use fresh cranberries and add a handful of ice to keep the smoothie cold and thick.
Is this smoothie dairy-free?
Yes, as long as you use dairy-free milk.
Can I make it nut-free?
Yes. Use sunflower seed butter or skip the nuts completely.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes. Maple syrup, agave, or a little honey can work if you are not keeping it vegan.
Why does the smoothie thicken after blending?
Cranberries, apple, and nuts naturally help the smoothie thicken as it sits.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes. Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder and blend until smooth.
Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?
Yes, but it tastes best fresh. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Can I use cranberry juice instead of cranberries?
Fresh or frozen cranberries are best, but you can replace some of the milk with cranberry juice for a stronger cranberry flavor.
Is this smoothie very tart?
It has a tangy cranberry flavor, but the apple and maple syrup help balance it.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Double all ingredients to make 2 servings.
Conclusion
This cranberry smoothie is a quick, flavorful, and refreshing recipe with a delicious balance of tart, sweet, and cozy flavors. It is simple to make, easy to customize, and perfect for a fast breakfast or nourishing snack.
Cranberry Smoothie
This vibrant cranberry smoothie is tart, naturally sweetened, and packed with fruity flavor. Blended with apple, pecans, and cinnamon, it makes a refreshing and nourishing breakfast or snack.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- ¾ cup (75 grams) frozen cranberries (or fresh cranberries with a handful of ice)
- 1 large apple, cored and chopped into chunks
- 1 small handful (about 2 tablespoons) raw pecans or walnuts, or 2 tablespoons nut butter
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave
- 1 cup (240 mls) dairy-free milk
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Serve immediately. The smoothie will continue to thicken slightly as it sits.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter instead of pecans or walnuts.
- If using fresh cranberries, add a handful of ice for a colder smoothie.
- Adjust sweetness to taste by adding more maple syrup or agave if desired.
- This smoothie is best enjoyed fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 smoothie
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
