Morning Glory Smoothie

This Morning Glory Smoothie is a vibrant, nutritious drink that combines the sweetness of bananas and apple juice with the heartiness of walnuts and coconut flakes. Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, it’s a refreshing and energizing way to kick-start your day. The addition of carrots and a dash of cinnamon makes it a great choice for a morning boost, offering both flavor and nourishment in one glass.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This smoothie is a perfect blend of fruits, nuts, and spices, offering a balanced mix of carbs, healthy fats, and fiber. The natural sweetness from bananas and apple juice makes it a tasty treat, while walnuts and coconut flakes provide richness and texture. The cinnamon and vanilla add a warm, comforting flavor that makes this smoothie feel indulgent yet healthy. It’s quick, easy to make, and perfect for busy mornings or as a mid-day snack.

Ingredients

• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• ½ cup apple juice
• 2 tbsp walnuts
• 2 tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes
• 2 frozen bananas
• 1 small carrot, peeled
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ tsp stevia (or sweetener of choice)
• 1–2 cups ice cubes (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the base ingredients
   Place the milk, apple juice, walnuts, and coconut flakes in the pitcher of a blender. Let them sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to begin to meld together.
2. Add the remaining ingredients
   Add the frozen bananas, peeled carrot, cinnamon, vanilla extract, stevia, and ice cubes to the pitcher.
3. Blend until smooth
   Puree the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. If the smoothie is too thick, feel free to add a little more milk or water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Serve and enjoy
   Pour the smoothie into glasses and serve immediately. Enjoy a healthy, refreshing start to your day!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2 servings
• Preparation time: 5 minutes
• Blending time: 1-2 minutes
• Total time: 6-7 minutes

Variations

• Vegan option: Use a plant-based milk, such as almond milk or oat milk, to make this smoothie dairy-free.
• Add more veggies: For extra nutrients, throw in a handful of spinach or kale. The sweetness of the fruit will mask the flavor of the greens.
• Nut-free option: Substitute the walnuts with seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
• Boost protein: Add a scoop of protein powder or Greek yogurt to increase the protein content of this smoothie.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This smoothie is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You may need to stir it before drinking if it separates.
• Reheating: Reheating is not recommended, as smoothies are meant to be served cold.

FAQs

Can I use fresh bananas instead of frozen?

Frozen bananas give the smoothie a creamy, thick texture, but if you don’t have frozen bananas, you can use fresh ones and add more ice to achieve the same consistency.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of stevia?

Yes, you can substitute stevia with other sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup to taste. Just adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.

Can I add protein to this smoothie?

Yes! Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder or a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt for an added protein boost.

How do I make this smoothie thicker?

If you prefer a thicker smoothie, add more frozen fruit, such as berries or an additional frozen banana. You can also add some rolled oats or chia seeds for extra thickness.

Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?

While smoothies are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, you can freeze the ingredients in a ziplock bag and blend them in the morning for a super-fast breakfast.

Conclusion

This Morning Glory Smoothie is the perfect balance of healthy ingredients, rich flavors, and a refreshing texture that’s sure to brighten your morning. It’s packed with vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a great way to start your day on a nutritious note. Whether you’re in need of a quick breakfast or an energizing snack, this smoothie will leave you feeling satisfied and ready to take on the day!

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