Healthy High Protein Apple Pie Shake with Veggies!

My healthy and nourishing apple pie protein shake gives you all the apple pie vibes but with 25 grams of protein! It’s creamy, refreshing, and not only has cinnamon apples blended into it, but sneaky cauliflower as well. You’d never know! It’s yummy and so good.

Healthy High Protein Apple Pie Shake with Veggies!

When I can incorporate both fruit and vegetables into a smoothie while making it taste amazing, I am all for it!

You’ll find that in my blackberry cauliflower smoothie and my strawberry cucumber smoothie – both fiber-filled, protein-packed, and delicious.

Now we’re adding this apple pie spice to the list of protein shakes!

Why you’ll love this apple pie smoothie recipe

Great way to get extra veggies in – My favorite two vegetables to add to smoothies are spinach and cauliflower, especially cauliflower florets or rice. When using cauliflower (like in this recipe), it adds more volume, and more fiber, but doesn’t change the texture, flavor, or color of your recipe. It’s my go-to when I want to add vegetables but don’t want to change the color (like spinach does!)

Lots of protein and healthy fats – Between the scoop of vanilla whey protein powder and the almond butter, you’re getting an ample protein intake and lots of great fats from the nut butter. A vegan protein powder would work here as well!

Like a slice of apple pie – The cinnamon apples MAKE this smoothie taste like apple pie! I love adding a bit of crunchy granola on the top of this smoothie to make it feel like an apple crumble pie – yum!!

What you need for homemade apple pie shakes

Scroll down to view the recipe card below for the full ingredients list, nutrition information, and step-by-step instructions.

• cinnamon apples
• frozen cauliflower
• almond butter
• unsweetened almond milk
• vanilla protein powder
• ice cubes

How to make this apple pie protein smoothie recipe

Step 1: To a high-speed blender, add all of the ingredients except for the ice. Blend for 30-40 seconds, until fully blended and smooth. Add ice, and blend until it’s thickened to your desired texture (less ice for a thinner smoothie, more ice for a thicker shake-like smoothie).

Step 2: Pour into a cup and top with granola and extra cinnamon apples for the full apple pie effect!

NOTE – To make cinnamon apples, peel and dice your fresh apples (I like tart granny smith apples or even sweet apples like fuji apples) and add to a saucepan with a few tablespoons of water and a lot of cinnamon. Simmer the apples, stirring frequently, adding more water as needed to not let the pot dry out. Continue cooking until your apples have softened but still maintain their shape.

Watch me make this creamy smoothie

The full how to video can be watched below, or on my YouTube channel!

Can you use fresh apples instead of cooked cinnamon apples?

Yes, raw apples instead of cooked apples will work! You won’t get as strong of an apple pie vibe, but it will still be delicious!

Making cinnamon apples is quick and they can be stored in the fridge until you’re ready to use them in this smoothie.

You’ll find how to make cinnamon apples in the notes section of the recipe card below.

Substitutions, optional variations & dietary adjustments

Below you’ll find a list of substitutions that will work well in this apple cinnamon smoothie recipe. 

If you try something different out, please leave a comment below letting us all know how it turned out!

Cinnamon apples – Fresh apples with a dash of cinnamon will work here, however, it won’t give you as strong of an apple pie flavor by using raw. You could also use cooked cinnamon pears – they would be delicious!

Frozen cauliflower florets – Cauliflower rice will work here as well. I find cauliflower rice blends more easily – so use that if you’re not using a high speed blender go for that!

Almond butter – Peanut butter, cashew butter, pecan butter, and all types of nut butters will work in place of almond butter. For a nut-free option, try sunflower seed butter or sesame butter (aka tahini).

Unsweetened almond milk – Use your favorite milk of choice here – any will do.

Vanilla whey protein powder –  A vegan protein option will work here. You can also use an unsweetened and unflavored protein powder, but I would add a sweetened like a little maple syrup if you go that route.

More protein smoothies you’ll love

• Peach banana protein smoothie
• Green cookie dough protein smoothie
• Spirulina protein smoothie
• Pumpkin protein shake

If you try this taste of apple pie shake recipe, I’d love it if you left a star rating and comment below letting me know how it turned out!

XO

Heather