This Creamy Apple Banana Smoothie brings together the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors that remind me of autumn mornings.
I started making this Creamy Apple Banana Smoothie when my granddaughter asked for something that tasted like apple pie but felt lighter.
Why this Creamy Apple Banana Smoothie works no matter the season
The natural sweetness from ripe bananas means I never need to add sugar, which makes my heart happy as a grandma. You’ll find that the apple adds just enough tartness to keep things interesting without overwhelming your taste buds.
I love how this smoothie gives you that creamy richness without feeling too heavy on your stomach.
The combination works beautifully whether you’re serving it as a quick breakfast or an afternoon treat, and it pairs wonderfully with my Perfect Crumbly Apple Streusel Scones for a complete apple-themed spread.
When I want something that feels like dessert but still nourishes my body, this becomes my go-to choice. It reminds me of the Creamy Cinnamon Apple Rice Pudding I make during cooler months, but in smoothie form.
Everything you need for the perfect Creamy Apple Banana Smoothie
- 1 large ripe banana (fresh or frozen works beautifully)
- 1 medium sweet apple, cored and chopped (I prefer Honeycrisp or Gala)
- ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk (or your favorite plant milk)
- 2 tablespoons rolled oats (adds body and makes it more filling)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (optional, for extra nutrition)
- ½ cup ice cubes (skip if using frozen banana)
Personal note: I always keep the apple skin on when I use organic apples – it adds fiber and doesn’t affect the smoothness when you blend it well.
If you prefer your Creamy Apple Banana Smoothie without any texture, feel free to peel first.
How I Make This Creamy Apple Banana Smoothie
- Add the chopped apple and oats to your blender first – this helps everything break down more evenly when you start blending.
- Layer in the banana pieces, followed by the almond milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. The liquid helps everything move around properly during blending.
- Sprinkle the flaxseed on top if you’re using it, then add your ice cubes last.
- Blend on high speed for 60-75 seconds until the mixture becomes completely smooth and creamy. You’ll hear the sound change from choppy to smooth when it’s ready.
- Stop and scrape down the sides if needed, then blend for another 15-20 seconds to make sure everything is perfectly combined.
- Taste and adjust – add a pinch more cinnamon if you want that apple pie flavor to shine, or a splash more milk if you prefer it thinner.
- Pour into glasses and serve right away for the best texture and flavor.
I’d love for you to try this recipe and share your own variations! Follow me on Pinterest where I share more cozy, family-friendly recipes that bring warmth to your kitchen.
My kitchen secrets for getting this Creamy Apple Banana Smoothie just right
The secret to getting that perfectly creamy texture lies in blending the oats with the apple first before adding the softer ingredients.
This breaks them down completely so you won’t have any gritty bits in your finished Creamy Apple Banana Smoothie.
I’ve learned that room temperature bananas actually blend smoother than frozen ones, though frozen gives you that thick, milkshake-like consistency that some people prefer. If you want the best of both worlds, use a room temperature banana and add extra ice.
The cinnamon makes all the difference in transforming this from just another fruit smoothie into something that tastes like a cozy apple dessert.
Start with less and add more to taste – you can always add more cinnamon, but you can’t take it out once it’s in there.
Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?
You can blend this Creamy Apple Banana Smoothie and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours in a sealed container. Give it a good shake before drinking since separation is natural.
The apple will start to brown slightly after a few hours, which doesn’t affect the taste but changes the color. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice helps prevent this if appearance matters to you.
Print
Easy Creamy Apple Banana Smoothie
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 3
Description
A naturally sweet and satisfying smoothie that tastes like apple pie in a glass, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe banana (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium sweet apple, cored and chopped
- ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons rolled oats
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed (optional)
- ½ cup ice cubes (omit if using frozen banana)
Instructions
- Place chopped apple and oats in blender first.
- Add banana pieces, almond milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Sprinkle flaxseed on top if using, then add ice cubes.
- Blend on high for 60-75 seconds until completely smooth.
- Scrape sides if needed and blend 15-20 seconds more.
- Taste and adjust cinnamon or milk as desired.
- Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Notes
- Keep apple skin on for extra fiber if using organic apples
- Room temperature bananas blend smoother than frozen
- Start with less cinnamon and add more to taste
- Store leftovers in refrigerator up to 24 hours
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
What can I substitute for almond milk?
Any milk works wonderfully here – dairy milk, oat milk, coconut milk, or even plain water if you want to keep it simple.
Coconut milk makes it extra rich and creamy, while oat milk adds a subtle sweetness that complements the apple beautifully.
Greek yogurt can replace half the milk for extra protein and tanginess, though this will make your smoothie thicker and more like a smoothie bowl.
How do I make this smoothie thicker or thinner?
For a thicker Creamy Apple Banana Smoothie, add more frozen fruit, reduce the liquid, or include a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt.
To thin it out, simply add milk or water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your preferred consistency. I sometimes add a splash of apple juice for extra apple flavor while thinning.
Can I add protein powder to this recipe?
Absolutely! Add one scoop of your favorite vanilla or unflavored protein powder during step 2. You might need to add a bit more liquid to compensate for the thickness that protein powder adds.
Vanilla protein powder pairs especially well with the apple and cinnamon flavors, creating something that tastes almost like apple pie in a glass.
The best way I serve Creamy Apple Banana Smoothie
This smoothie has become my morning ritual during apple season, when the house still holds a bit of chill and I want something warming but refreshing.
I love serving it in tall glasses with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top and maybe a thin apple slice for garnish.
My grandchildren always ask for this Creamy Apple Banana Smoothie when they come over for weekend breakfast.
It’s become part of our Saturday morning tradition, right alongside fresh-baked muffins and stories about the old days.