Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This smoothie tastes like dessert but is packed with nutrients. It’s vegan, naturally sweetened, and full of fiber and vitamins from real, whole ingredients. With the taste of spiced carrot cake and the convenience of a smoothie, it’s a quick and wholesome treat that satisfies cravings without the guilt. Plus, it’s easy to customize and kid-friendly, too.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Carrots, peeled and chopped or grated
- Frozen banana
- Unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- Medjool dates or maple syrup
- Rolled oats (optional, for added thickness)
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Ground ginger (optional)
- Vanilla extract
- Ice cubes (optional, for a chilled smoothie)
- Chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional, for added nutrition)
Directions
- Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender.
- Blend on high until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides if needed.
- Adjust sweetness or spice level to taste by adding more dates or spices.
- Pour into a glass and serve immediately. Top with shredded coconut or chopped nuts if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 1 large or 2 small servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Blend time: 1–2 minutes
Total time: 6–7 minutes
Variations
- Protein Boost: Add a scoop of vegan protein powder or a spoonful of nut butter.
- Nutty Twist: Blend in some walnuts or pecans for that classic carrot cake crunch.
- Tropical Flavor: Add a bit of pineapple for a refreshing, tangy note.
- No Banana: Replace banana with frozen cauliflower or mango for a different texture.
- Creamier Texture: Use canned coconut milk for a richer, dessert-like smoothie.
Storage/Reheating
This smoothie is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours in a sealed jar. Shake or stir well before drinking, as separation is natural.
This recipe does not require reheating.
FAQs
Can I use raw carrots in a smoothie?
Yes, raw carrots work well in a high-speed blender. Grating them first helps achieve a smoother texture.
Is this smoothie sweet enough without added sugar?
If your banana and dates are ripe, the smoothie will be naturally sweet. You can add maple syrup if needed.
Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients and store them in the fridge or freezer, then blend when ready. Blended smoothie can be stored for a day.
What type of plant milk works best?
Unsweetened almond milk is light and neutral, but oat, soy, or coconut milk also work well.
Can I turn this into a smoothie bowl?
Yes! Use less liquid and blend it thicker. Pour into a bowl and top with granola, fruit, or nuts.
How do I make it more filling?
Add oats, protein powder, nut butter, or chia seeds to increase the satiety factor.
Is this smoothie gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats (if using), the smoothie is gluten-free.
Can I use cooked carrots instead of raw?
Yes, cooked carrots will blend even smoother and add a slightly sweeter flavor.
What can I use instead of banana?
Frozen mango, avocado, or cauliflower are great banana-free options to maintain creaminess.
Is this smoothie kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Its sweet, spiced flavor is appealing to kids and can be a sneaky way to add veggies to their diet.
Conclusion
The Vegan Carrot Cake Smoothie is a wholesome blend of flavor and nutrition that feels like an indulgent treat. With the comforting spices of classic carrot cake and the ease of a smoothie, it’s perfect for busy mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or healthy dessert cravings. Simple, satisfying, and full of goodness—this smoothie is sure to become a favorite.
PrintVegan Carrot Cake Smoothie
A creamy, spiced vegan carrot cake smoothie made with carrots, banana, almond milk, and warming spices. A healthy, dairy-free drink that tastes like dessert but is packed with nutrients.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 1–2 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 cup carrots, peeled and chopped or grated
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or plant-based milk of choice)
- 2 Medjool dates (or 1 tbsp maple syrup)
- 2 tbsp rolled oats (optional, for thickness)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup ice cubes (optional)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseeds (optional)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender.
- Blend on high until smooth and creamy, scraping sides if needed.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or spices to preference.
- Pour into a glass and serve immediately, topped with shredded coconut or nuts if desired.
Notes
- Grate carrots before blending for smoother texture if not using a high-speed blender.
- Use coconut milk for a creamier, dessert-like version.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 24 hours; shake before drinking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
