This Apple Peanut Butter Smoothie is in one word delicious. Creamy, nutty, and perfectly sweet, full of wonderful flavors with a hint of apple freshness. It's very filling, packed with essential nutrients, made without added sugars. Healthy, easy to make, and super yummy!
Many consider smoothies to be just some fruity drinks that are only sweet and easy to sip. But smoothies are way more than that. Smoothies made with the right, carefully chosen wholesome ingredients represent a balanced meal that can easily replace a full breakfast. That is if you know how to make them the right way.
I'm quite a fan of smoothies. And if you look at my blog, you'll find a dozen of recipes. Strawberry Oatmeal Smoothie, Mixed Berry Smoothie, Yogurt Lemon Smoothie are just a few from my recipe book. I can say I'm an evangelist, promoting smoothies as healthy meals. For me, they are the best option for busy mornings. They are easy to whip up and easily modified to include all or particular essential nutrients. The bonus is that they don't contain added sugars. At least I don't like to add ones.
This Apple Peanut Butter Smoothie is one of my oldie but goldie. One of the very first smoothies I ever made. I enhanced it a bit over the years, but the basic recipe stayed the same. Still, I like to play around with ingredients sometimes when I'm looking to add something special to my morning meal.
Either way, it's delicious. Extra thick and creamy, so nutty, but you can feel apple freshness inside. It's super sweet, BUT it doesn't have any added sugars inside. It's simple and, most important, nutritious and SO HEALTHY.
Ingredients used
To make this healthy apple smoothie, I used only simple pantry ingredients that most of us probably have at home already. You will need:
- SWEET APPLE: Apple is definitely the star in this smoothie. Fresh, sweet, and loaded with nutrients, apples are now in season and beautiful. I used crunchy and super sweet Gala apple.
- MILK: I used oat milk, but you can use whatever milk you prefer or have. Note that coconut milk won't work well here.
- PEANUT BUTTER: I used creamy peanut butter that is all-natural (meaning without added sugars or oils). Peanut butter is a versatile protein-packed spread that is not only super tasty but super healthy too. It’s packed with proteins and healthy fats, as well as fibers. (1) A great addition to smoothies.
- BANANA: Banana is an amazing fruit. It's sweet and packed with many nutrients, especially fibers. I used a ripe banana. It gave sweetness so there’s no need to add extra sugars.
- OATS: Hearty, healthy, and filling, oats are fantastic in smoothies. They are an excellent choice for breakfast since they are a great fiber source, especially beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that keeps our heart healthy. They are also great in supporting good gut bacteria growth, which is essential for our immunity. I used rolled oats here.
To give apple smoothie extra flavor and nutrient boost, I tossed in some SUPERFOODS as well:
- CINNAMON: I'm using Ceylon cinnamon, also known as "true" cinnamon. It's a highly delicious spice with many health benefits. Cinnamon gave the smoothie a wonderful flavor.
- FLEX SEEDS: They are an excellent source of healthy Omega-3s, but also a great source of proteins - a great addition to a smoothie.
- VANILLA EXTRACT
Look at the SUBSTITUTIONS section below if you find that you're missing some of the ingredients.
How to make Apple Peanut Butter Smoothie
Making this gorgeous apple smoothie is quite easy. It will take you 5 minutes (tops!). Here's how to make it:
- Prepare and measure all ingredients using measuring cups.
- Take the blender and add all ingredients. Add ice cubes, if using.
- Mix everything on high speed until you get an even silky texture.
- If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more liquid – milk or water. Blend again until everything is well combined.
- Taste the smoothie and add additional sweetener if the smoothie is not sweet enough. I recommend using date syrup, raw honey or maple syrup, or stevia. This is totally based on your preference.
- Transfer the smoothie into a glass.
- ADD TOPPINGS: I used chopped peanuts, a dash of cinnamon, and more peanut butter. Be creative here and add toppings you like.
- Serve and enjoy!
- Makes 1 glass that serves 1-2 people.
Substitutions
- You can use rolled or quick oats here.
- You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter. Tahini works well too.
- Substitute oat milk with any plant-based milk except coconut milk. Coconut milk won't work well here. Cow's milk is fine.
- Substitute banana with 1-2 dates, date syrup, maple syrup, or honey, and add more oats to achieve creaminess (optional).
- Substitute ground flax seeds with hemp seeds or chia seeds (it will add more fibers and omega-3's).
- MAKE IT GLUTEN-FREE: Use certified gluten-free oats.
Tips for storing
- Store in a glass jar with a lid and keep refrigerated up to one day.
- Oats tend to make the smoothie thick in the morning (they soak up the moisture), so you may need to add a bit of liquid the next day - milk or water. Just shake it or stir it with the spoon.
- Remember, all smoothies oxidate when left standing. That's not bad, BUT to reap all benefits from ingredients, it's best to have this smoothie FRESH!
Pro tips
- To make the smoothie more refreshing, you can add ice cubes, OR you can feeze diced apples (preferably overnight).
- Use PEANUT BUTTER without added sugars or oils. Read the labels!
- Use a high power blender to ensure everything blends well and the smoothie is silky smooth.
- Turn into protein shake: add protein powder (I recommend a natural or vanilla flavor).
- The best apple for smoothies: I like to use sweet apples, like Gala or Fuji but you're welcome to use sour apples, like Granny Smith. In that case, you may need to add more sweetener.
- If you are using dates, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes. Drain them before using them.
- Make sure you're using RIPE BANANA, to achieve targeted sweetness.
Apple Peanut Butter Smoothie benefits
Apple Peanut Butter Smoothie is an amazing breakfast option and has many benefits.
- It's packed with nourishing ingredients that promote optimal health.
- It's a well-balanced meal that has all the essential nutrients your body needs.
- It's packed with fibers good for weight loss and gut health.
- It has NO ADDED SUGARS.
- It's full of wonderful warm spices and flavors.
- It's rich in powerful antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.
- It's very satisfying.
- It's vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and extremely delicious!
- Kid-friendly and easy to make.
Hope this creamy deliciousness will make your mornings better. Enjoy!
Apple Peanut Butter Smoothie
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 sweet apple I used Gala
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 2 tablespoon rolled oats
- 1 cup oat milk
- 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds
- 1 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Take the blender and add all ingredients. Add ice cubes, if using.
- Mix everything on high speed until you get an even silky texture.
- If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more liquid – milk or water. Blend again until everything is well combined.
- Taste the smoothie and add additional sweetener if the smoothie is not sweet enough. I recommend using date syrup, raw honey or maple syrup, or stevia. This is totally based on your preference.
- Transfer the smoothie into a glass.
- ADD TOPPINGS: I used chopped peanuts, a dash of cinnamon, and more peanut butter. Be creative here and add toppings you like.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
You can use rolled or quick oats here.
You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter. Tahini works well too.
Substitute oat milk with any plant-based milk except coconut milk. Coconut milk won't work well here. Cow's milk is fine.
Substitute banana with 1-2 dates, date syrup, maple syrup, or honey, and add more oats to achieve creaminess (optional).
Substitute ground flax seeds with hemp seeds or chia seeds (it will add more fibers and omega-3's).
MAKE IT GLUTEN-FREE: Use certified gluten-free oats. Store in a glass jar with a lid and keep refrigerated up to one day. Pro tips
Turn into protein shake: add protein powder (I recommend a natural or vanilla flavor).
The best apple for smoothies: I like to use sweet apples, like Gala or Fuji but you're welcome to use sour apples, like Granny Smith. In that case, you may need to add more sweetener.
If you are using dates, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes. Drain them before using them.
Make sure you're using RIPE BANANA, to achieve targeted sweetness. Given nutritional values don't include toppings. Nutritional Disclaimer
Nutrition
More smoothie recipes to try
- Blueberry Oatmeal Smoothie
- Goji Berry Smoothie
- Matcha Smoothie
- Healthy Apple Pie Smoothie
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie
- 20 Immune Boosting Smoothies
If you’ve tried this Apple Peanut Butter Smoothie recipe or any other recipe on Natalie’s Health, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. I love hearing from you!
This post is originally published in March 2016, and it's updated with new information and images in October 2020.
nancy says
such a satisfying smoothie thats healthy!
Marinela says
This healthy apple peanut butter smoothie is THE BEST breakfast idea. I love drinking it as a post-workout pick-me-up because it's light, filling, and satisfying. Peanut butter, banana, and apple are such a good combo! Thanks for the recipe.
Shilpa says
Such a delicious and healthy start to the day. We love it