Health and Easy 5 Ingredient Peach Cobbler Protein Shake
This shake recipe is inspired by Peach crisps, cobblers, and crumbles. I love fruit crisps, cobblers, and crumble but sometimes I just want a healthier version, you know? Oh, and high protein to keep me fuller for longer!
I especially love this healthy peach cobbler smoothie when it is peach season! Fresh fruit smoothies are THE BEST with seasonal produce.
Moreover, this shake is gluten-free, healthy, and can be made 100% plant-based. Whether you call this a peach smoothie or a protein peach cobbler shake, it is delicious, full of healthy fats and protein, and a great way to ensure a balanced diet.
Why You Will Love Making This Peach Cobbler Protein Smoothie
This peachy-inspired shake is decadent yet comforting and easy! It is a delicious summer dessert and loaded with nutrition!
Best of all, this simple recipe is super easy.
Just throw all the ingredients into a blender and you have a delicious and nutritious protein smoothie in minutes.
Ingredients In This Peach Smoothie Recipe
Fruit: Peaches & Bananas. Peaches are the star ingredient of this shake. I find that frozen fruit works best. But, no need to purchase frozen fruit from the grocery store, just freeze your own fresh peaches when they are in season!
Liquid: I prefer Soy Milk but you can use almond milk, cow’s milk, or any other milk you prefer or have on hand. If using dairy and you are looking for a lower fat “healthier option” you can use skim milk.
Nut Butter: Cashew Butter. It’s a 50/50 shot on whether I’ll use cashew or almond butter in a smoothie. It all depends on the flavors I am going for. For my Peach Cobbler Shake, I chose cashew butter because it’s nutty, buttery, and rich with creaminess. It’s no wonder vegan bakers use cashews in so many desserts!
Sweetener: Dates. The only “added sugar” in this smoothie comes in the form of Medjool Dates. A wonderful concentrated sugary fruit, I love using Medjool Dates in many smoothie creations.
Interested in learning more about dates? Check out my Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe recipe. In my Sharper Nutrition Fix, I discuss the nutritional benefits of dates!
Optional additional flavors: Vanilla Extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or more sweetener of choice such as dates or brown sugar.
Protein Supplement: I choose a whey protein powder for taste. Option to use a vegan protein powder.
For this recipe, I recommend vanilla protein unflavored protein powders. I often use creamy vanilla protein powder for extra flavor and its a healthy way to bump up the protein in your diet. This is especially delicious and hydrating as a post-workout shake.
My Favorite Protein Supplements
I have no affiliation with these protein supplement companies. I just love the taste and they are more tightly regulated compared to some other supplements on the market!
In a high speed blender, combine smoothie ingredients including the soy milk, vanilla protein powder, frozen peaches, nut butter, dates, and any other flavorings you choose like cinnamon or vanilla extract.
Blend the ingredients until the peach is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Adjust taste and consistency
If the shake is too thick, you can add more soy milk to achieve your desired consistency.
Want a colder shake? You can also add a few ice cubes and blend again until smooth.
For a sweeter shake, add more dates, date sugar, or other sweetener of choice.
Garnish This Protein Shake
Optionally, garnish with sliced peaches, shortbread cookies, graham cracker crumbles, a pinch of cinnamon, a sprinkle of cacao nibs, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Protein Shake Notes
Feel free to customize this recipe by adjusting the sweetness level with additional sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, if desired.
You can also experiment with different spices such as ginger or cardamom for added flavor complexity.
FAQs (Ask a Dietitian!)
What can I put in my smoothie for protein?
Many ingredients work well to boost the protein content in your smoothie. Some of my favorites include protein powder, Greek yogurt, silken tofu, cottage cheese, nut butter, seeds, and milk or plant-based milk.
Do peaches (or any other frozen fruits) lose nutrients when frozen?
Not really, no. Actually, some research shows that frozen fruits and vegetables might have more nutrients when compared to fresh ones.
Benefits of freezing fruits like peaches include minimal nutrient loss, retention of antioxidants, preservation of fiber, convenience, and versatility, and they make for super thick and creamy smoothies!
Are nectarines peaches?
Yes, nectarines are essentially a type of peach, both belonging to the same species, Prunus persica.
Among the three types of peaches, Freestone, Clingstone, and semi-clingstone, there are thousands of different varietals. From Harko to Harbelle to Canadian Harmony Peaches, each peach has its own delicious texture, flavor, and appearance.
Nectarines are sweet, with juicy flesh, and lack the fuzz on the fruit surface.
optional: 1/2 tsp vanilla protein powder, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, additional sweetener of choice
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients listed above.
Blend
In a blender, combine the soy milk, vanilla protein powder, frozen peaches, nut butter, dates, and any other flavorings you choose like cinnamon or vanilla extract.
Blend the ingredients until the peach is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Adjust taste and consistency
If the shake is too thick, you can add more soy milk to achieve your desired consistency.
For a colder shake, you can also add a few ice cubes and blend again until smooth.
For a sweeter shake, add more dates, date sugar, or another sweetener of choice.
Garnish
Optionally, garnish with sliced peaches, shortbread cookies, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
Additional protein add-ins include Greek yogurt, silken tofu, cottage cheese, or seeds!You can also experiment with different spices such as ginger or cardamom for added flavor complexity.
Arugula Cottage Cheese Salad with Balsamic Dressing
Spring and summer offer the perfect opportunity to savor the refreshing flavors of this Arugula Cottage Cheese Salad with a tangy Balsamic Dressing.
This Arugula Cottage Cheese Salad with Balsamic Dressing is a terrific weeknight side, light lunch, or an easy addition to a family cookout or picnic. Moreover, this is a quick recipe that requires no cooking and has minimal clean-up.
My Creamy Tomato and Herb Salad is perfect for hot summer days. This recipe has protein, good fats, calcium, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a healthy eating and meat-free option for all eaters, even those not following a vegetarian diet.
The Star Ingredients for This Tomato and Herb Salad
Not only is my Creamy Tomato and Herb Salad recipe delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. I often have inspiration from a recipe like this and change the ingredients based on what I have in my refrigerator, pantry, and garden!
Tomatoes: Fresh, local juicy tomatoes are excellent in this recipe.
It goes well with large slices of tomatoes, but you can use smaller, bite-sized tomato halves such as cherry tomatoes.
Arugula: Peppery arugula is delicious in this cottage cheese salad recipe. Any left arugula can be used in a future arugula salad!
Cottage Cheese: I prefer full-fat cottage cheese for this recipe. However, low-fat cottage cheese works well in this recipe, too. You could substitute cottage cheese for ricotta cheese, goat cheese, or mozzarella cheese.
The Other Ingredients in This Arugula Cottage Cheese Salad
Green onion: Green onion is so delicate and “oniony”, it’s perfect raw in a salad! Another fantastic addition to this salad could be pickled red onions!
Fresh Herbs: Basil is a fantastic herb to serve alongside tomatoes. Moreover, basil grows well alongside tomatoes in the garden.
Fresh or dried oregano, fresh flat-leaf parsley, marjoram, mint, and cilantro would go nicely alongside the tomatoes and onion.
Salt & Pepper: I use flakey sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper.
Optional ingredients: Option to use pine nuts, parmesan cheese, thinly sliced bell peppers, chicken breast, or sunflower seeds.
Salad Dressing
Basil Balsamic Dressing: Check out my recipe and article about this Basil Balsamic Dressing!
Step – By – Step Instructions
You can finish this recipe with lots of fresh herbs and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Make The Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, black pepper, and kosher salt.
Assemble The Salad
Slice tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds, adjusting thickness to personal preference, and arrange them around the plate. Sprinkle tomatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper. Layer arugula over the tomatoes and place cottage cheese in the center of the platter. Scatter green onions and fresh herbs over the top.
Dress The Salad and Serve
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving.
Serving Companions for Tomato and Herb Salad
Eat this recipe as a meal or side dish.
This salad is excellent alone or with crackers, pita, or pita chips. It also pairs well as a side, with a cup of soup, sandwich, or grilled meat or fish.
In addition, this creamy Arugula and Cottage Cheese Salad would also make a wonderful dish at a cookout or summer picnic with family and friends! Perhaps even pair this salad with some Squash Blossom Fritters!
This Arugula Cottage Cheese Salad with Balsamic Dressing is a wonderful and quick weeknight side, light lunch, or an easy addition to a family cookout or picnic.
These Jalapeno Pickled Eggs are one of my favorite eggs recipe and I always have a jar on hand. Moreover, not only are these Jalapeno Pickled Eggs delicious, but they can be prepped, cooked, and finished in under an hour.
These quick pickled eggs serve as the perfect snack option or can elevate a main course meal like salads, ramen noodle soup, or even jazz up avocado toast with some of those pickled jalapeno slices and jalapeno hard-boiled eggs.
Below, I’ll discuss the ingredients, preparation, and cooking, how to utilize pickled eggs, and how to shop for eggs; one of my favorite low-cost proteins.
The Ingredients in Jalapeno Pickled Eggs
Large Eggs: I use peeled hard boiled eggs. The eggs can be prepped and cooked in 30min from start to finish in an instapot!
Alternatively, you could make jalapeno quail pickled eggs. Just swap the hard-boiled peeled chicken eggs for quail eggs! You won’t be able to find those in any grocery store!
Fresh Jalapeno: The jalapenos add flavor without being overly spicy. Add as many or as few as you desire – more jalapenos means more spicy flavors! IMO the best pickled eggs are spicy!
White Vinegar: I use white distilled vinegar in this recipe. Option to include other vinegars in the vinegar mixture such as apple cider vinegar, champagne vinegar, or even black vinegar.
Water: I use a 3:1 ratio of vinegar to water tp make this pickling liquid.
Salt and/or sugar: Depending on the flavors you enjoy, you can add some salt or sugar, but they are not required. I love to add honey to my Jalapeno Picked Eggs. Some other flavor profiles that would pair well with pickled eggs include garlic, peppercorns, fresh or dried dill, onion, and red pepper.
Optional Ingredients: Mustard seeds, black peppercorns, garlic cloves salt, honey, jalapeno juice, chili flakes, turmeric, and beets. Want to make this recipe even more “green-like” add some blanched green beans!
Egg Colors: Yellow and Pink
For a beautiful golden hue, add 1/8 tsp of turmeric. This also provides earthy turmeric flavors.
For a pink or purple hue, add a chunk of a canned or roasted beet directly into the jar with your eggs. The larger the beet chunk the deeper the color. Alternatively, you could add some beet juice to your spicy pickled eggs.
How to Make Jalapeno Pickled Eggs in four easy steps
1) Cook Hard Cooked Eggs
There are three ways I like to make hard-cooked eggs: boiled, baked, and in a pressure cooker. Follow the links below for more details on how to make hard-cooked eggs.
To help peel your hard-cooked eggs, plunge the hot eggs into an ice bath immediately after cooking. Wait 2 to 3 minutes before handling. Warning: the eggs may be hot!
Crack the eggshell. Rolling can help crack the eggshell, but be careful because this can break or tear the egg, especially if it’s softer cooked.
Plunge the egg into the water bath used to cool the hot eggs. The water will assist in loosening the shell.
Peel from the largest end of the egg. There is often an air pocket on the larger end that make peeling easier.
3) Create the Brine in 2 simple steps
First, combine water and vinegar in a 1:3 ratio (1 cup of water to 3 cups of vinegar). Second, if adding honey or sugar you may want to dissolve the sugar in the vinegar-water mixture either by bringing the liquid to a boil on the stovetop or microwave. However, heating the brine is not required. I recommend bringing the brine to room temp before adding it to your cooked eggs.
4) Pickle the Eggs
In a 32oz sterile mason jar (or container with a lid) place 10 to 12 hard-cooked eggs. Then add your sliced jalapenos. Lastly, the brine over the hard-cooked eggs. You will likely have some leftover liquid you can use for a small batch of another pickled item (like red onion, more jalapenos, or cucumbers). Store the sealed container in the refrigerator for at least 72hrs.
How long do you let picked eggs sit before eating?
TheNational Center for Home Food Preservation suggests storing eggs in the refrigerator at all times. Medium eggs may require 2 to 4 weeks to be well seasoned but the hardest part about this recipe is waiting that long! Use the eggs within 3 to 4 months for the best quality.
Pickled Eggs and How to Use This Egg Recipe
Maybe you haven’t seen many pickled eggs sold in grocery stores or restaurants but, in Pennsylvania for instance, pickled beet eggs are very pretty popular, especially around Easter. You might even find a jar of pickled beet eggs presented in rural PA bars. There are endless ways to add eggs, and picked eggs to other recipes but find some of my favorites below.
My favorite ways to use picked eggs include:
As a salad topper
Addition to charcuterie boards
Served over avocado toast
A snack (season with salt and pepper)
In an egg salad (the picked aspect will bring even more flavor)
Used when making deviled eggs
And one of my favorites, as a Ramen topper
Understanding Egg labels
Egg labeling is complicated. There are many terms used in egg labeling that are somewhat misleading, for instance, cage-free. The term cage-free doesn’t have much meaning behind it.
Below are some meaningful labels to look out for:
Animal Welfare Approved
Certified Humane
Global Animal Partnership Steps 3.4.5 and Step 5+
SDA Organic
More Resources
Curious to dive deeper into the food label guide to choosing eggs? Check out these resources below.
I hope this recipe post provided some valuable information about the world of pickled eggs. Pickling is a culinary adventure I hope you decide to try if you have not already.
Enjoy this article, below are a few others you may enjoy.
This pickled egg recipe is super easy and has a kick! Jalapeno Picked Eggs are the perfect ramen topped, salad addition, or simple and high protein snack!
Combine water and vinegar in a 1:3 ratio (1 cup of water to 3 cups of vinegar). If adding honey or sugar, you may want to dissolve the sugar in the vinegar-water mixture either by bringing the liquid to a simmer on the stovetop or microwave. However, heating the brine is not required and I recommend bringing the brine to room temp before adding it to your cooked eggs.
Pickle the Eggs
In a 32oz mason sterile jar or container with a lid place 10 to 12 hard cook eggs. Then add sliced jalapenos. Lastly, pour in the brine. You will likely have some leftover liquid you can use for a small batch of something pickled (like red onion, more jalapenos, or cucumbers). Store the sealed container in the refrigerator for at least 72hrs.
Gluten Free and Vegan Korean Inspired Croissant Waffles
Croffles, your new decadent brunch staple. These unique and eye-catching handhelds will be the star of the show at brunch, and you don’t need to be a pastry chef to make them!
Croffles, also known as croissant waffles, are made by pressing and cooking croissant dough in a waffle maker. Furthermore, this sweet snack combines the flakiness and buttery goodness of a croissant with the crispiness of a waffle. They are the perfect fusion of two beloved classics!
The trend of croissant waffles has gained popularity in various breakfast and brunch spots, with South Korea playing a significant role in popularizing them. After reading this article, you’ll find it easy to recreate these trendy treats at home.
Why You Need To Make This Recipe
If I want to impress guests at brunch, this is one of my favorite breakfast items. Additionally, I am a huge fan of desserts for brunch. From scones to pancakes, to drop biscuits, to pastries, I love all of the varieties, shapes, colors, and flavors. And now, homemade croffles are a unique new item I can now add to the list.
Best of all, I made this croffle recipe gluten-free and vegan. I have many friends and family members who have either dairy or gluten allergies but I also enjoy keeping foods 100% plant-based. When hosting or bringing a food item to an event, I often keep the dish gluten-free and vegan (dairy-free) to be inclusive for all of the guests dining.
Special Tools
Non-stick Waffle Iron – Waffle irons can be found on Amazon, Walmart, Target online and instore retailers.
Ingredients for Croffles
Frozen Schar Puff Pastry Dough – Alternatively, if you’re not concerned about these being gluten-free and vegan, you can use thawed puff pastry dough or crescent rolls to make these waffles.
Brown Sugar
Toppings of choice: Maple syrup, fresh fruits, powdered sugar, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, peanut butter, Nutella, whipped cream, cheese, etc.
How to make Croffles
Prep the puff pastry dough
Thaw the puff pastry dough via package instructions (some instructions may need to be left in the refrigerator overnight).
Preheat the waffle iron
Preheat the waffle iron according to the manufactures instructions.
Cut the dough and shape croissants (croffles)
Prepare the dough. Unroll the dough. Schar Puff Pastry dough is already the correct thickness (about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick).
Cut the dough into 6 equal rectangles. To do this, use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter and cut the rolled-out puff pastry into triangles.
For this, cut the pastry into long strips, then cut each strip diagonally to form triangles. The size of the triangles can vary depending on how large you want your croissants to be.
Take one triangle at a time and gently stretch it lengthwise to elongate it slightly. Start rolling from the base of the triangle towards the tip, forming a crescent shape. The pointed tip of the triangle should be tucked under the croissant to secure its shape. Repeat this process with the remaining triangles.
Cook the Croffles
Before placing the croissant on the waffle iron, roll it in brown sugar. Then, place the croissants onto the preheated waffle iron. I placed 4 at a time due to their size.
Next, close the lid and cook the croffles until it is golden brown and crispy. The cooking time will vary depending on your waffle iron but mine took 4-6 minutes.
Serve Croffles
Carefully remove the hot croffles from the waffle iron and transfer them to a serving platter. Now, enjoy them with fresh fruit, 100% maple syrup, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
How to Serve
These croffles are excellent served hot or at room temperature.
Croffles can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve them sweet with toppings like maple syrup, cinnamon sugar, fresh berries, ice cream, or whipped cream. You may also enjoy a savory croffle, pairings them with foods like cheese (vegan or non-vegan), breakfast sausage (plant-based or not plant-based) or avocado.
Moreover, you can even serve them with fillings. Before rolling up the croissants, add a filling like cheese, chocolate, or fruit filling over top of puff pastry dough. Then, roll your croissants and continue following the directions for making croffles.
How to Store Croffles
I recommend eating these fresh or the day of. However, leftover croffles will last stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. To warm these up, pop them in the toaster oven on 400 degrees F for 2-5 minutes.
FAQ (Ask a Dietitian!)
Where did the Croffle originate?
The origins of Croffles, a delightful fusion of croissants and waffles, have sparked debates among different sources. While some attribute the creation to Food & Wine’s video showcasing the recipe in 2015, others give credit to South Korea for popularizing this scrumptious treat.
What is the difference between a waffle and a croffle?
A waffle is made with a batter often made of flour, eggs, milk, and baking powder.
A croffle involves placing croissant dough into a waffle iron and cooking it.
Thaw the puff pastry dough via package instructions (some instructions may need to be left in the refrigerator overnight).
Preheat the waffle iron
Preheat the waffle iron according to the manufactures instructions.
Cut the dough and shape croissants
Prepare the dough. Unroll the dough. Schar Puff Pastry dough is already the correct thickness (about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick).
Cut the dough into 6 equal rectangles. To do this, use a sharp knife of pizza cutter and cut the rolled-out dough into triangles. For this, cut the pastry into long strips, then cut each strip diagonally to form triangles. The size of the triangles can vary depending on how large you want your croffles to be.
Take one triangle at a time and gently stretch it lengthwise to elongate it slightly. Start rolling from the base of the triangle towards the tip, forming a crescent shape. The pointed tip of the triangle should be tucked under the croissant to secure its shape. Repeat this process with the remaining triangles.
Cook the Croffles
Before placing the croissant on the waffle iron, roll it in brown sugar. Then, place the croissants onto the preheated waffle iron. I placed 4 at a time due to their size. Then, close the lid and cook the croffle until it is golden brown and crispy. The cooking time will vary depending on your waffle iron but mine took 4-6 minutes.
Serve Croffles
Carefully remove the hot croffles from the waffle iron and transfer to a serving platter. Enjoy with fresh fruit, 100% maple syrup, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
I used 1/2 of brown sugar to roll the mini croissants in and approximated about 1/2 tsp attached to each croffle. Nutrition facts will vary depending on how much brown sugar sticks to your croffle.
Mocha Madness a Tropical Smoothie Café Copycat Recipe
Check out my copycat version of a Mocha Madness Smoothie. This is a delicious, easy, and healthy coffee smoothie recipe. The combination of bananas, mocha, and cocoa powder make for a great smoothie that does not take long to make!
In this article, I will guide you through the ins and outs of this recipe including why you will love it, ingredients, how to make this smoothie, and some nutritional information about why I choose to enjoy smoothies almost daily.
Ingredients in This Mocha Smoothie Recipe
This Mocha Madness recipe has simple ingredients and it doubles as a mocha madness protein shake because of the addition of protein powder.
Soy Milk: You could also use a plant-based milk like almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
Bananas: I prefer frozen ripe banana chunks for a super creamy texture
Dates: If you do not have dates, maple syrup will work!
Cocoa Powder: this aids in the rich chocolate flavor
Optional Ingredients: non-fat yogurt (for extra protein and creaminess), Vanilla Extract, Chia Seeds, chocolate shavings, chocolate chips
For more coffee flavor you can swap half the soy milk for coffee or add in some espresso powder or instant coffee.
How To A Make Mocha Madness Smoothie Recipe
Making Mocha Madness Smoothies are super simple and easy!
First, Add the ingredients to a high-speed blender, starting with liquids.
Then, blend until smooth! That’s it!
For a quick cleanup, rinse the blender immediately after making your smoothie. This step prevents the smoothie residue from drying and sticking to your blender.
What To Do With Leftovers?!
Got leftovers? Add them to an ice cube tray! You can add those smoothie cubes into your next coffee smoothie creation or make a homemade ice cream!
Why I drink Protein Smoothies or Shakes Almost Daily
Previously, I was training for the Willamette Valley Marathon in Salem, OR. Adequate nutrition is crucial for my marathon training. I still train for various races in the Pacific Northwest and smoothies are a vital part of my training and nutrition regimen.
I supplement my diet with protein smoothies to ensure that I am meeting my daily protein needs. Additionally, my smoothies provide a great source of nutrition (carbohydrates, fluids) after my workouts.
Listed below, are four reasons why supplementing my diet with protein smoothies helps achieve my fitness goals.
Energy – Adequate nutrition helps to improve energy and performance during endurance exercise. Marathon training requires a significant amount of energy. A typical long run can burn 1000 to 2000 calories.
Recovery – Adequate nutrition (especially protein) helps with the recovery and repair of tissues and muscles. What’s more, proper nutrition assists with the synthesis of the body’s molecules essential for recovery. This protein smoothie helps me meet my grams of protein goals for the day.
Injury prevention – Nutrition plays an important role in injury prevention. Consuming sufficient nutrients aids in maintaining bone health, connective tissue strength, and joint integrity, thus reducing the risk of overuse injuries.
Hydration – Proper hydration is crucial for optimal performance and overall health. Smoothies are full of hydrating ingredients that help our bodies function properly. Smoothies can prevent cramping, help maintain body temp & fluid balance, and assist in the removal of waste products.
Like This Recipe? Try These Other Delicious Smoothie Recipes?
Below are a few other smoothie recipes you may enjoy!
Beat the summer heat with a luscious strawberry smoothie bowl without banana. Strawberry season may have passed for many but frozen strawberries are a cost-effective, convenient, and tasty way to enjoy strawberries picked at the peak of ripeness year-round. This delicious smoothie bowl recipe is dairy free, gluten free, and high protein.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are several reasons why you should make a strawberry smoothie bowl.
Smoothie Bowls are Easy and Quick to Prepare: Enjoy this as a quick and healthy breakfast, snack, or dessert! Yes, dessert, I love to whip up one of these when I am craving ice cream.
This recipe is customizable and versatile: You can use this recipe as a base for many other smoothie bowl variations. If it’s peak blueberry season, use this recipe to create a Berry Smoothie bowl!
This Recipe is Beautiful: Smoothie bowls are visually appealing. From the vibrant colors of the smoothies to the colors and textures in the assortment of toppings, smoothie bowls are a treat for the eyes.
What is a Smoothie Bowl
Smoothie Bowls are thick cold smoothie bases usually comprised of at least one fruit (frozen or fresh) and a liquid base. If the fruit used in the smoothie bowl is fresh, ice is added to give the smoothie base a cool, thick consistency. Many smoothie bowl recipes include frozen banana for thickness and added sweetness however I do not include frozen bananas in this Strawberry Smoothie Bowl variation.
Smoothie bowls then have a variety of toppings added to them. From fresh fruit, to nuts/seeds, to crunchy granola, and even edible flowers, smoothie bowl topping options are seemingly endless.
Recipe Ingredients for Strawberry Smoothie Bowl
Smoothie Base
Frozen Strawberries: I prefer to use frozen strawberries in this recipe to keep the smoothie base super thick.
Soy Milk: I use a bit less of the liquid in my smoothie bowl base. This allows for a super thick smoothie bowl. I keep this smoothie dairy-free however, you could also use another non-dairy milk of choice like or almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
Favorite Protein Powder: I love to use vanilla protein powder in this recipe. I usually include a protein supplement in my smoothies. It aids in the feeling of fullness but also ensures I am eating enough protein throughout the day. Keep this a vegan Strawberry Smoothie Bowl by using a plant-based protein powder.
Vanilla Extract: For a little bit for more flavor.
Dates: Option to omit this ingredient however, I always add 1-2 dates for a more natural sweetness and those deep caramel flavors. The addition of dates keeps this recipe free of added sugar. However, if you do not have dates and need a little extra sweetness, I use maple syrup.
Below are some of my favorite toppings for this recipe. Need some smoothie bowl topping ideas? Check out the list below or my article called Smoothie Bowl Toppings.
Fresh Fruit: I use freshly sliced bananas and strawberries for some fruit toppings in my smoothie bowls. Other fruit would taste marvelous like blueberries, peaches, or cherries.
Nuts/seeds: I like to include a dose of healthy fats by using whatever nuts I have on hand that I am “vibing” with. I like sliced almonds, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, or even a bit of drizzled nut butter like cashew butter.
Granola: I love adding a bit of granola to my smoothies bowls, store-bought or homemade. I just love that crunch.
Other: For this recipe in particular I enjoy other add-ins like cocoa nibs. You may also enjoy dried fruit (such as dried goji berries or cherries), cinnamon, bee pollen, or fresh herbs such as mint.
How to Make This Thick Strawberry Smoothie Bowl without Banana
To make a Strawberry Smoothie Bowl you will need a high-powered blender. I prefer using a Vitamix Blender. Vitamix blenders are an investment but they last a very long time. Vitamix’s are also easy to use and clean.
Start with the liquids and add all of the ingredients to a blender. Using a spoon or blender tamper, blend and stir until combined. Note that the consistency will be thicker than a standard drinkable smoothie.
For an extra thick texture, begin with a lesser amount of liquids and ensure the strawberries are frozen. Gradually incorporate more liquid, adding 1 tablespoon at a time, until achieving the desired consistency.
For the Smoothie Toppings
Transfer the smoothie into a bowl of your choice. Garnish with preferred toppings like sliced strawberries, coconut flakes, cocoa nibs, granola, or any other toppings that appeal to you!
Smoothie Bowl Recipe Variations
Smoothie bowls make the best breakfast bowl! Below are 5 examples of other smoothie bowl ideas with simple ingredients and topping combinations you could try at home.
Acai Bowls: A acai smoothie base blending acai, berries, and maybe banana, with fresh berries, peanut butter drizzle, and granola.
Peanut Butter Banana: A banana smoothie bowl base with blueberries sprinkled over the tip, sliced almonds, cacao nibs, chocolate chips, and coconut flakes.
Blueberry Smoothie Bowl: A berry smoothie base (mostly blueberries) with sliced banana, almond butter drizzle, and chia seeds.
Watermelon Smoothie Bowl: A watermelon smoothie base with lime and topped with coconut flakes.
Pina Colada: A pineapple and coconut water smoothie base sprinkled with chopped pineapple, chopped cherries, coconut flakes, and some edible flowers.
Banana Strawberry Smoothie Bowl: A strawberry Banana Smoothie base topped with sliced fresh strawberries, bananas, and other favorite fruit toppings.
For more Smoothie Bowl inspiration, check out my new article all about Smoothie Bowl Toppings.
Health Benefits of Smoothie Bowls
Consuming this strawberry smoothie bowl, or any smoothie bowl has a variety of health benefits. Strawberries and other fruit and berries have antioxidants to help protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation thus promoting overall wellbeing.
Smoothie bowls have fiber which aids in digestion and supports a healthy gut. Furthermore, there are numerous vitamins and minerals present in smoothie bowls. These contribute to a strong immune system.
My smoothie bowls also have a dose of protein from the toppings and protein powder I supplement the smoothie base with. Protein aids in satiety and appetite control, blood sugar management and regulation, as well as aiding in muscle repair and growth.
I love consuming a hydrating and protein-packed fruit smoothie after a long and grueling workout. I feel good knowing that smoothie is helping me get the nutrition I need to recover and nail my next workout!
FAQ about Smoothie Bowls (Ask a Dietitian!)
How do you thicken a smoothie bowl?
Ice is a great way to thicken a smoothie bowl. Notice the smoothie is a bit thin and water, add a bit of ice.
A preemptive measure to ensure your smoothie bowl is thick, use less liquid while also using frozen fruit.
By utilizing a spoon or blender temper you can help the blender along by manually mixing your ingredients in addition to the blender blending.
Are smoothie bowls actually healthy?
Yes, smoothie bowls are actually healthy. Keep in mind, they can be loaded with sugar or even added sugars depending on the ingredients used in the recipe. However, if you use the natural sugars in the fruit to provide the sweetness of the smoothie, you can keep the sugar amount low.
Supplementing a smoothie with protein powder or other additions like flax meal, chia seeds, hemp hearts, or other seeds can add additional protein and fiber important for a well-balanced diet.
Additionally, smoothie bowls are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals essential for a healthy lifestyle.
Why is my smoothie bowl so watery?
Your smoothie bowl might be watery for several reasons.
Adding to too much liquid: Too much liquid like milk or juice, can cause the smoothie to become watery.
Adding too few thickening ingredients: Some of these thickening ingredients include thick Greek yogurt, avocado, nut butter, silken tofu, rolled oats, chia seeds, or flax meal.
Not using frozen fruits: Frozen fruits help create a thicker consistency in smoothie bowls.
Over-blending: Over-blending the smoothie bowl base can increase smoothie heat which can cause the ingredients to liquefy quicker. Try blending just until the ingredients are combined.
The ingredient ratios are off: The ratio of ingredients is key for a thick smoothie bowl base. Consider adjusting the ingredient ratio by adding less liquid.
**Often, I take a smoothie recipe in which I aim to have a ratio of 1 cup liquid to 1 cup frozen fruit and reduce the liquid to 3/4 cup. You can always add more liquid a little at a time if the smoothie is too thick and unable to blend.
Other Recipes you will Enjoy
This is the first of many smoothie bowl recipes to come. I already have many smoothie recipes you will love. Use them as a smoothie or make it into a smoothie bowl. Check out the following recipes and articles.
option to include fresh sliced strawberries, fresh sliced banana, coconut flakes, granola, nuts, seeds, cocao nibs. ingredients not included in estimated nutrition facts for this recipe
Instructions
Start with the liquids and add all of the ingredients to a blender. Using a spoon or blender tamper, blend and stir until combined. The consistency will be thicker than a typical drinkable smoothie.
Pour smoothie into your desired bowl. Top with desired ingredients and enjoy.
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