This apple smoothie is creamy, naturally sweetened with raisin, and so tasty your kids won’t even realize it’s good for you. Tastes like apple pie in a glass and it’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or anytime they need a little energy boost!
This post was originally published September 10, 2015. It has been updated with new pictures and more content.
Am I the only one who is scared to look at the family calendar? Since school started, I have been frantically entering in the 10 assorted activities my 3 kids are involved in this year.
It is one scary looking calendar. Most weekends are triple booked. I am definitely more frazzled this year than last. It is going to be a challenging school year, for sure.
So, I am getting creative with the menu planning at home. I am keeping the menu simple, using the crock pot more and making enough to have leftovers.
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Recipe highlights
- Economical: I make a variety of smoothies from almost any fruit, but berries can get expensive. To celebrate fall I used inexpensive apples.
- Simple: It only takes a few simple ingredients, most of which you probably have already in your kitchen and you have a delicious smoothie.
- Family Friendly: This smoothie is sweetened naturally with raisins – yes raisins! They are naturally sweet, rich in fiber and packed with energy for your family. You can even add a boost of protein with the addition of protein powder!
- Flavor: This creamy smoothie tastes just like apple pie. Yes, I’m serious. You can taste the apples, the raisins give it an earthy sweetness and the cinnamon and vanilla add the final touch!
Ingredients you need
- Milk: I used regular milk, but you can go with any nut or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- Raisins: You can use any kind of raisins or substitute with dates or prunes, too.
- Apple: Use any variety of apples, just be sure that they aren’t mushy or bruised. My favorites are gala, fuji and honey crisps. If you prefer more tang, use a Granny Smith.
- Flavorings: Ground cinnamon and vanilla extract.
Step-by-step directions
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- Add all ingredients in a blender. Blend until mixture is creamy and smooth. Divide into 2 glasses and serve immediately
Expert tips and recipe FAQs
For an extra boost of protein, add a scoop of vanilla or plain protein powder. Want to try more great smoothie recipes? Here are some more family favorites:
And if you want more recipes sweetened naturally, you should try my No Bake Crispy Rice Bars with Raisins and Nuts and my No Bake Date Nut Bars with Oatmeal.
There are several ways to add sweetness to your smoothie without using white sugar. Add some sweeter fruits mixed in with your healthier choices like mango, banana and peaches. You can also add fiber and sweetness by adding raisins, dates or other dried fruits to your smoother. And of course, you can also add honey or agave nectar.
Storing/Freezing Instructions
TO STORE: Smoothies are best when made fresh, but leftovers can be kept in an air tight container in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours.
TO FREEZE: You can also freeze leftovers to make smoothie popsicles!
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Apple Smoothie with Raisins
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups milk
- ½ cup raisins
- 1 apple cored and quartered
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add all ingredients in a blender. Blend until mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Divide into 2 glasses and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.
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Written by Laura Bashar
Hi, I’m Laura, a certified professional cook and cookbook author living in San Diego. I have been sharing my family’s favorite recipes inspired from all over the world since 2008. Let’s cook up something fun!
Laura: have never been a ‘Smoothie person’, perhaps since my kids kind’of grew up awhile ago 🙂 ! But with our summer knocking on the door had a look at this recipe and shall certainly try! Work, studying and gardening etc et al taking up an ever increasing time, this might almost ‘do’ for lunch’!!Love that you feel all the milks taste favourably this way, ’cause use both soy and almond in addition to ordinary moo product!!
I’ve been enjoying smoothies more lately since San Diego has been ridiculously hot and muggy these past few months. What a great way to cool off! I especially enjoy green smoothies, as it’s a terrific way to get your daily boost of veggies.