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This easy cranberry smoothie is refreshing, sweet, and loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, and ready in minutes!
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Why you’ll love this smoothie recipe!
Whether you’re a big cranberry fan or only ever consume them from your holiday table in the form of cranberry sauce or a salad like this apple cranberry pecan salad, this cranberry smoothie is a delicious AND nutritious way to use leftover cranberries lingering in your freezer.
In this easy smoothie recipe, cranberries pair with banana, vanilla, and optional sweetener. It’s loaded with nutrients making it great for breakfast or a post-workout snack (along with other smoothie options like this cherry chocolate smoothie, easy grape smoothie, banana kale smoothie, or even this chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie).
You might also enjoy my simple apple cranberry crisp or cranberry orange bread.
The Ingredients
- Cranberries: I love the simplicity and thicker texture of using frozen cranberries, though fresh will work, too.
What Could I Add To A Cranberry Smoothie
There are several simple ways to boost the nutrients, flavor, and filling power of this banana and cranberry smoothie, including:
- Other fruits (cranberries pair well with blueberries, apples, and/or strawberries. Add to taste. Mango/pineapple also work as a banana sub)
- Ginger (fresh or powdered)
- Banana-free smoothie (sub fresh/frozen avocado, zucchini, or cauliflower)
- Kale/spinach (a few handfuls add tons of nutrients with no flavor)
- Oats (sprinkle in up to ¼ cup for even more fiber, to feel full for longer)
- Nuts (1 tbsp of almond butter adds healthy fats, and protein)
- Hemp/chia/flax seed (add 1 tbsp for omega-3s)
How to Make a Cranberry Smoothie
Step 1: Add all the ingredients to a blender, adding the liquids and softest ingredients closest to the blades.
Step 2: Blend until smooth and creamy (1-2 minutes). Taste and adjust the sweetener, if preferred. Pour the banana cranberry smoothie into glasses and enjoy!
FAQs
Sure! Simply omit and slightly reduce the amount of plant milk. Increase the added vanilla, if preferred.
Absolutely. Use frozen cranberries and banana, and reduce the liquid, adding only enough to help the blender get moving. Transfer to a bowl, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy. You might also like this peaches and cream smoothie bowl.
You could add ice cubes (best when using a high-speed blender).
Pro Recipe Tips
- Use very ripe banana: Cranberries are naturally very tart, so the natural sweetness of overripe bananas is great to balance the flavor without needing lots of added sugar.
- To adjust the consistency: Use fresh vs. frozen fruit and adjust the amount of liquid. Frozen fruit helps make a thick, creamy consistency.
- For the smoothest smoothie: Use a high-speed blender (great when using frozen ingredients!) and add the liquids/softest ingredients closest to the blades. Pause the machine if needed to scrape down the sides.
Storage Instructions
It’s best to consume the frozen cranberry smoothie immediately, though you can store leftovers spread flat in a Ziplock/Stasher for up to three months.
Break it into pieces and blend from frozen with a splash of plant-based milk when desired.
More Easy Smoothie Recipes
Vegan Breakfasts
PBJ Smoothie
Vegan Drinks
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Vegan Breakfasts
Kale Pineapple Smoothie
Vegan Breakfasts
Quick Beet and Fruit Smoothie
If you tried this cranberry smoothie recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks!
If you’re loving my recipes and would like a more comprehensive resource, check out my cookbooks!
Cranberry Smoothie
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Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen cranberries
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- ½ to 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave (optional)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add the frozen cranberries, banana, protein powder, plant-based milk, maple syrup or agave (if using), and vanilla extract to a high-speed blender.
- Blend on high for 1 to 2 minutes, or until completely smooth.
- Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use very ripe banana: Cranberries are naturally very tart, so the natural sweetness of overripe bananas is great to balance the flavor without needing lots of added sugar.
- To adjust the consistency: Use fresh vs. frozen fruit and adjust the amount of liquid. Frozen fruit helps make a thick, creamy consistency.
- For the smoothest smoothie: Use a high-speed blender (great when using frozen ingredients!) and add the liquids/softest ingredients closest to the blades. Pause the machine if needed to scrape down the sides.
