Fall is my all-time favorite season. One can blame it on my obsession with Gilmore Girls, or the festive family celebrations that happen during this time of the year. But living in Southern California meant that summer lasted until October and the winter season was, sadly, replaced with a long fall. I’ve always dreamed of what living in New England felt like. Well, I may not be able to get cozy with blankets and sip on some hot drinks just yet, but I can enjoy the flavorful fall spices in these smoothie recipes.
For me, summer consisted of a lot of smoothies. When I say “a lot” I mean enough smoothies where buying bananas in bulk was a weekly chore. Smoothies can be packed with several nutrients, are quick to make, and yet so filling. Playing around with different fruit combinations and superfood ingredients was thrilling. I even started using spirulina in my smoothies. Not the most appealing smell, but I worked with it.
Although these smoothie recipes won’t be including spirulina, you can still get excellent health benefits. Blackstrap molasses contains high levels of vitamin B6, manganese, magnesium, potassium, iron, and selenium. It’s extremely beneficial for people who are anemic because of its iron content, plus it also helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Cinnamon, on the other hand, has anti-inflammatory properties that can help balance hormones in women, as well as improving blood flow in the body. Additionally, these three fall-inspired smoothie recipes can be used as meal replacements, desserts, or even just a quick snack to have on the go.
Ginger Bread Smoothie
1-2 bananas (depending on the size of bananas and how thick you want the smoothie)
1 cup plant-based milk
3-4 dates (depending on the variety of dates, soak them in hot water for a couple of minutes to help soften them)
2 tbsp blackstrap molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 pinch of nutmeg
Ice (optional)
Blend the bananas, milk, dates, and blackstrap molasses. Adjusting to your preference, add in ice and blend thoroughly to make it colder. Then add the vanilla extract and spices. Blend for just a couple of seconds. Pour in a glass jar, or your favorite fall mug, and enjoy!
Dreamy Pumpkin Smoothie
1-2 frozen bananas
½ cup vanilla dairy-free yogurt
1 cup oat milk (or any dairy milk, but I prefer oat since it’s the creamiest)
4-3 dates
½ cup pureed pumpkin (or 1 tsp of pumpkin pie spice)
2 tbsp hemp seeds
Blend all the ingredients until smooth. Frozen bananas give it a nice creamy texture, but non-frozen bananas can be used instead. Add in more oat milk if you find the texture too solid. Pour in a glass jar, add your favorite straw, and dream about all the lovely fall things.
Snickerdoodle Smoothie
1-2 bananas
1 cup plant-based milk
2 tbsp almond or peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp non-dairy yogurt (optional)
Ice (optional)
Blend the bananas, milk, nut butter, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Add in ice and/or yogurt for a thicker, colder smoothie. Blend well. Then add the cinnamon and pulse the blender for a couple of seconds. Pour in a glass jar and enjoy!
Who says you have to miss out on all the fall drink classics just because it’s still 100 degrees outside? These smoothie creations are sure to make autumnal lovers swoon over their delectableness. So move on over Starbucks, because these fall smoothies are healthier, more satisfying, and taste amazing.
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Photo: Brooke Lark on Unsplash
