This Apple Cider Smoothie is a cozy, creamy fruit smoothie with classic fall flavor in every sip. Fresh apple, chilled apple cider, banana, Greek yogurt, oats, and cinnamon blend into a quick breakfast drink or afternoon pick-me-up that tastes like apple pie in a glass—without needing to bake a thing.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chilled apple cider
- 1/2 medium apple, sliced, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 frozen banana, sliced
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup ice
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup, optional
- Pinch of salt
Use a crisp apple such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady for the best bright apple flavor. The frozen banana helps make the smoothie thick and creamy, while the oats give it a soft, satisfying texture. If your apple cider is already very sweet, you may not need the maple syrup.
How To Make It
Add the apple cider and Greek yogurt to the blender first. This helps the blades move smoothly and keeps the oats from sticking at the bottom. Add the apple slices, frozen banana, oats, cinnamon, vanilla, ice, maple syrup if using, and a tiny pinch of salt.
Blend on high for 45 to 60 seconds, or until the smoothie looks creamy and the oats are fully blended. Stop and scrape down the sides if needed. Taste, then adjust the texture: add a splash more apple cider for a thinner smoothie, or add a few extra ice cubes or another spoonful of oats for a thicker one.
Pour into a chilled glass and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a fresh apple slice for a pretty Pinterest-ready finish.
Tips
For the smoothest texture, let the oats sit in the apple cider for 5 minutes before blending. This quick soak softens them and helps the smoothie turn extra creamy.
If you want more cinnamon flavor, add up to 3/4 teaspoon, but start small because cinnamon can become bold quickly. For a sweeter smoothie, use a ripe banana and add maple syrup a little at a time.
This smoothie is best served right after blending. If it sits for a while, the oats will continue to thicken it. Just stir in a splash of cider or water and shake or blend again before drinking.
For a fun fall garnish, rim the glass with a tiny bit of maple syrup and a cinnamon-sugar mix, then add thin apple slices on top.
Blend it up, sip, and enjoy the cozy apple-cinnamon goodness!