This time of year, I’m a sucker for anything involving pumpkins and apples. So, why not put them together in a smoothie for a perfect fall treat? Better yet, how about making this for breakfast? I decided to give this recipe a whirl and see what I thought. Let’s just say this is an incredibly good smoothie, not too sweet and went way beyond my expectations.
My first thought of the taste was similar to biting into a slightly sweet pumpkin muffin. Just enough hints of both pumpkin and tart apples with a nice blend of subtle sweetness from the banana. Even better, is this smoothies’ nutritional power. When pumpkin, apples, banana, yogurt, and milk are combined, it’s a slam-dunk for feeding your body what it needs. Rich in protein, vitamin A, calcium, potassium, vitamin D and B6, magnesium, riboflavin, and even probiotics, this smoothie doesn’t disappoint in its impressive health benefits.
What are you waiting for? Welcome Autumn by giving it a try!
Pumpkin Spice Apple Smoothie
Ingredients
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 medium apple, cored and quartered with skin left on. I’d recommend a tart apple such as Braeburn, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Melrose, Jonathan, or Winesap
- 1 banana, cut into pieces and frozen
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- ¾ cup nonfat plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 6 ice cubes
Instructions
- Place oats in a blender and blend for about 30 seconds or until finely ground
- Add the rest of the ingredients and blend until smooth.
- Pour into individual glasses and sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired. Serve immediately.
I recently found your site and I’m enjoying reading your informative content. Our kids leave very early for school. Too often they’re not hungry so early in the morning. Then they eat the garbage high sugar low quality food available at the school. I’ve had some limited success with providing various hot cereal in the morning (all high quality not instant sugar loaded processed stuff).
I’m looking to expand our options. Do you recommend your smoothie recipes for children (age 5-12)?
Is there anything different with the smoothies you would recommend for them?
Thank you in advance!
Thank you so much for your very nice comments!! So glad you are finding the content of my website helpful and informative – that’s always my aim. I appreciate you taking the time to let me know this and wish you a wonderful day ahead!
In good health,
Cheryl
Hello!
Thank you for visiting my website and glad to hear you enjoy the content I have on it! I know exactly what you mean by your concerns of the breakfasts offered at schools. I do think smoothie recipes can be a very good alternative for children – assuming that your kids like them. Here is a link to many smoothie recipes especially for children from EatingWell. The main thing is to have a good protein source (usually milk or Greek yogurt) and with a few added fruits (I’d only recommend no more than 2 different fruits) and sneak in some veggies like spinach or even kale. Here’s the link: https://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/22897/healthy-kids/smoothies/
I’d also consider making a yogurt parfait layered with vanilla (or other flavor) Greek yogurt, berries, and granola. Another breakfast to consider is an Egg Muffin sandwich to make at home: Microwave 2 scrambled eggs (I add in 2 tbsp of milk, some shredded cheese and a little salt) for about 1 minute or until cooked through. Split in two a whole wheat English muffin and toast it; then spread with jarred pizza sauce, the scrambled eggs, a slice of Canadian bacon, chopped peppers, sliced black olives and shredded cheese on top. Microwave for up to 30 seconds or until cheese melts. Add fruit as a side and this makes a very good breakfast for kids.
Hope these ideas help!
Be well, Cheryl