I don’t know about you, but sometimes I just crave the taste of apple pie without wanting to deal with… well, the actual pie part. The dough, the oven, the cleanup — nope. But I still want that warm cinnamon-apple smell, the cozy flavor that feels like autumn in a cup.
This smoothie started as a lazy morning experiment. I had one apple rolling around in the fruit bowl that was starting to look sad, a frozen banana, and an open carton of almond milk. I threw them in the blender with a little cinnamon and maple syrup, and somehow it tasted exactly like the inside of an apple pie — but cold, creamy, and kind of addicting.

The best part? It takes maybe three minutes to make. It’s not too sweet, just naturally cozy. And even though it’s technically a smoothie, it tastes like dessert. I’ve had it for breakfast, after a walk, and even as a midnight snack when I didn’t feel like chewing anything (we’ve all been there).
You don’t need anything fancy — just simple ingredients, a blender, and a minute or two to breathe while it whirs. It’s one of those small, quiet things that make the day feel a little softer.
What you’ll need:
1 medium apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji are amazing here), cored and roughly chopped

1 ripe frozen banana
½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk you like — oat, soy, dairy, whatever’s in the fridge)
¼ cup plain dairy-free yogurt (Greek yogurt works too if you’re not vegan)
1 tbsp pure maple syrup
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional but lovely)
4–5 ice cubes (only if your banana isn’t frozen)
How to make it:

- Prep your apple.
Core and roughly chop it. Don’t bother peeling — the skin adds fiber, color, and a little texture that makes it feel less “too smooth,” if that makes sense. - Build your base.
Throw the chopped apple, frozen banana, almond milk, and yogurt into your blender. Blend on high until it’s creamy and you don’t see apple chunks anymore. - Add the cozy stuff.
Now toss in your maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg. Blend again for about 15–20 seconds so everything gets mixed evenly. It’ll smell ridiculously good already. - Adjust the texture.
If you like it thick — almost like a milkshake — add some ice cubes and blend again. If you want it thinner or more “drinkable,” just splash in a little more almond milk. - Pour and enjoy.
Serve it right away while it’s cold and creamy. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon if you’re feeling extra, or maybe even crumble a little granola on top for crunch.
It’s that simple.
No oven, no waiting, no mess. Just that familiar apple pie flavor in a glass — sweet, spiced, and good for your mood.
Recipe FAQs
1: Can I use a different type of apple?
Definitely. Honeycrisp and Fuji are my favorites because they’re naturally sweet and juicy, but Granny Smith works great if you like a little tartness. If you’re using something super soft (like Red Delicious), you might want to use less liquid so it doesn’t get watery.
2: I don’t have frozen bananas — what can I do instead?
No problem! Just use a regular banana and toss in a few extra ice cubes. The frozen banana just makes it creamier and colder, but it’s not a dealbreaker. You could also freeze chopped apple pieces ahead of time if you want that thick smoothie vibe.
3: Is there a way to add protein to make it more filling?
Yes! Add a scoop of protein powder (vanilla or unflavored works best), or a tablespoon of almond butter. Even a few spoonfuls of oats can bulk it up nicely. I sometimes throw in chia seeds too — they thicken it a bit and make it feel like more of a meal.
4: Can I make this the night before?
You can, but it’s definitely best fresh. The apple starts to oxidize and the texture changes a bit overnight. If you want to prep ahead, you can chop the apple and banana, freeze them in a bag, and just blend everything in the morning. It’ll be ready in under a minute.
5: How can I make it taste more like dessert?
Add a spoonful of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers on top. You could even blend in a small scoop of vanilla ice cream instead of yogurt for a full-on treat. It still counts as fruit, right?
