This creamy peanut butter caramel protein apple smoothie is the perfect smoothie recipe for the transition from summer to fall. There are some of those cozy fall flavors that I always crave this time of the year but is still refreshing and cold. Which is perfect since it still 90 degrees here some days in September! And if you do live somewhere the weather is cooling off, this autumn smoothie has the warm spices from the cinnamon that will work on colder days.
The peanut butter caramel sauce in this apple smoothie is made with creamy peanut butter and is sweetened with honey. It only takes about 15 minutes to whip up and you will have plenty of leftovers to use for more apple smoothies or drizzle on another treat (hello ice cream!).
And the smoothie itself is so simple and has minimal ingredients. Yet, when they all come together, it so delicious! I really love my summer smoothies, like my blueberry ginger smoothie, but really want the fall flavors once September hits. This smoothie recipe takes advantage of those crispy apples in season and truly is the perfect way to transition from summer to fall. You can enjoy it as breakfast, post-workout snack or even as a dessert.
What is in the peanut butter caramel sauce?
There are two components to this smoothie. The peanut butter caramel sauce and the apple smoothie itself. Each one has easy to find ingredients! Here is what you will need to make the peanut butter caramel sauce:
Creamy Peanut butter: The creamy peanut butter brings that classic apple-peanut butter combo to the table. I love that the caramel sauce has another layer of flavor that is perfect complement to the whole smoothie. Make sure to use a creamy peanut butter in this caramel sauce!
Honey: Instead of the typical granulated sugar in this caramel sauce, I used honey. The sugar content is really about the same, but I love the flavor the honey adds to it!
Butter: unsalted butter is an important part of making caramel sauce. It brings the richness and texture that is necessary for a delicious caramel sauce.
Heavy cream: This will make the sauce richer and give it a more rounded caramel flavor. You get a creamier sauce with this addition added at the end of the cooking process.
Pinch of salt: Just a small amount of salt when you take the peanut butter caramel sauce off the heat will enhance the flavors. You do not need much!
What do ingredients are in the apple smoothie
For the actual apple smoothie, you only need a handful of ingredients. Here is what you will need for the smoothie!
Frozen banana: The banana adds a smoothness and sweet flavor to the apple smoothie. It also helps thicken the smoothie without adding too much ice, which can affect the consistency.
Apple: Just one large apple is all you will need! No need to peel the apple before adding it in, just slice and remove core. Choose any type of apple you enjoy snacking on!
Milk: Oat milk, almond milk or just plain milk all work great in this recipe achieve that perfect creamy smoothie.
Yogurt: I love to add yogurt to my smoothies to add some protein and probiotics. The yogurt also works to make the smoothie creamier. Go with a plain, unsweetened yogurt or greek yogurt.
Cinnamon: Enhances the apple flavor and brings those cozy fall vibes!
Vanilla protein powder: Use your favorite vanilla protein powder to not only boost the protein but also adds to the overall flavor!
Ice: Thicken this smoothie up to the perfect cold and refreshing apple smoothie! You will not need much thanks to the frozen banana!
Whipped cream: This is optional, but I highly recommend it! The whipped cream on top with a drizzle of the peanut butter caramel sauce is just AMAZING!
Tips and tricks for making this peanut butter caramel protein apple smoothie
Before you get started making the caramel sauce and blending up all the ingredients, here are some tips and tricks for success
- You can make the caramel sauce in advance to save time! Just store in the fridge in an air-tight container until ready to use. You might to place it in the microwave for just a few seconds to loosen it up.
- When you are blending the smoothie and it seems too thick, add just a splash more of milk. I have never had a problem of the smoothie being too thin, but if you do run into this problem, add a few more ice cubes.
- This smoothie makes one large 20-ounce smoothie. You can easily double the recipe if you want to make more!
- Use the back of a spoon to “paint” the inside of your glass. This adds just a touch of the caramel sauce to the smoothie, while also adding to the presentation!
- Save the left-over peanut butter caramel sauce for more apple smoothies or to use on other treats! My kids love it drizzled on sliced apples! It will keep in the fridge for about one week.
If you give this peanut butter caramel protein apple smoothie a try, let me know your thoughts below! And tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations.
From my kitchen to yours, happy blending!
Peanut butter caramel protein apple smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 Apple cored and sliced
- 1/2 C. Milk of choice I used almond milk
- 1/3 C. Greek Yogurt
- 1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
- 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder
- 1 C. Ice
- Whipped cream optional
Peanut butter Caramel Sauce:
- 1/2 C . Honey
- 1/4 C. Creamy Peanut butter
- 2 Tbsp. Water
- 3 Tbsp. Butter
- 1/4 C. Heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- To make the caramel sauce, melt the butter, honey, water and peanut butter together in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until fully combined. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened and turned a dark brown. Add the cream and bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Stir in salt. And let cool for at least 5 minutes.
- To make the smoothie, add all the smoothie ingredients expect the whipped cream into a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Take a spoon and “paint” the inside of a glass with the caramel sauce. Pour the blended smoothie onto the 16–20-ounce cup. Top with whipped cream and drizzle on more caramel sauce. Enjoy!
