Apple Pie Protein Smoothie (with Cinnamon)

A healthy breakfast smoothie that tastes like dessert – ready in 5 minutes!

KEY INFO
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 large smoothie
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary: Vegetarian (Vegan-adaptable), Gluten-free optional

Ingredients for apple pie smoothie arranged on a marble countertop in a modern kitchen with natural daylight and green subway tile backsplash

Equipment Needed

Blender (or immersion blender)
Measuring cups and spoons
Sharp knife and cutting board

Ingredients

Base:

1 medium apple (120g), cored and chopped
1 scoop (30g) vanilla protein powder
240ml unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
2 tablespoons (20g) rolled oats
1 tablespoon (15g) almond butter
4-5 ice cubes

Spices & Flavoring:

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
1-2 teaspoons honey/maple syrup (optional, to taste)

Optional Add-ins:

¼ cup Greek yogurt (for extra creaminess)
1 tablespoon chia seeds
Handful of spinach (won’t affect taste)

High-end blender with layered ingredients on a modern kitchen countertop, lit by natural daylight from a window, with green subway tile backsplash and copper pots on hanging rack in the background.

Method

Core and roughly chop the apple into 1-inch chunks
Add all ingredients to your blender in this order:
- Liquid (milk) first
- Protein powder
- Chopped apple
- Oats
- Almond butter
- Spices
- Ice cubes last
Blend on high for 60-90 seconds until completely smooth
Check consistency – add more milk if too thick or ice if too thin
Taste and adjust sweetness if needed

Professional food photography in a modern kitchen with smoothie blending in motion, shot in natural daylight with canon 5d mark iv

Crucial Tips

Use cold milk and frozen apple chunks for an extra-thick smoothie
Don’t overblend – stop as soon as smooth to prevent oxidation
Add protein powder after liquid to prevent it sticking to blender sides
If using fresh apple, add extra ice for proper thickness

Storage

Best enjoyed immediately
Can be stored in fridge up to 12 hours (may separate, re-blend before drinking)
Not suitable for freezing

Variations

Make it vegan: Use plant-based protein and milk
Make it tropical: Add frozen banana chunks
Make it green: Add handful of spinach
Make it warming: Use hot milk and skip ice for a warm smoothie

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t add protein powder first – it’ll stick to blender
Don’t skip the fat source (nut butter) – helps with protein absorption
Don’t use too much ice – can make it watery instead of creamy

This smoothie packs all the cozy flavors of apple pie into a protein-rich breakfast that’ll keep you full for hours. Perfect for autumn mornings or post-workout refuel!