Better Than Cake Carrot Banana Smoothie

Like carrot cake in a cup, this carrot banana smoothie is filled with warming spices, nourishing ingredients, and the most satisfying flavor! 

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Why you’ll love this smoothie

Fruity smoothies have their place, but this warming (but cold?) smoothie tastes like dessert in a glass. You won’t even know it’s packed full of good for your ingredients like carrots, oats, and flax. 

If you’re looking to increase your soluble fiber intake, this smoothie is a tasty choice. Carrots, oats, flaxseed, and banana are all great sources of soluble fiber. Add this cholesterol-lowering smoothie to your weekly rotation.  

In addition to the health benefits this plant-based smoothie brings, it also stores amazingly well. This isn’t something I can say about many smoothies!  Instead of separating and tasting “off” the next day, the oats in this smoothie create a really creamy texture the longer it sits. This is the perfect smoothie to meal prep 1-2 days ahead of time! 

Ingredients

Carrots: This carrot cake smoothie (yes, it tastes like carrot cake!) wouldn’t be possible without the start player: carrots! More than just a nice flavor, carrots are packed full of beta carotene.

Beta carotene is also known as pro-vitamin A. This means that it’s not vitamin A, but it helps your body to make its own vitamin A.  If you eat more than you need, it stays in your body acting as an antioxidant. Win-win!  

Oats: Oats add soluble fiber and bulk to this smoothie. If you’re looking for something to help keep you full and satisfied, this carrot banana smoothie is it. The oats also work their magic to help this smoothie thicken up the longer it sits. 

Protein powder: For a vegan smoothie, make sure to use a plant-based protein powder. One scoop 

Walnuts:  Add walnuts for a plant-based omega-3 boost. Many people consider omega-3 foods to include only fish. Walnuts are an excellent plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids. Several studies have found that walnuts can lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation and act as an antioxidant in the body. 

Other ingredients: milk, cinnamon, raisins, frozen banana

Equipment you’ll need

A blender. Any blender will work, especially if you let the mixture sit for 10 minutes or longer as I’ve described below. If you want an extra creamy finish, use a high-powered blender. 

Step by Step

1. Shred or dice your carrots. 
2. Add the carrots, oats, walnuts, raisins, cinnamon, and milk to the blender. Stir or shake and let sit for at least 10 minutes. 
3. Add the protein powder and frozen banana. Blend until smooth and creamy. 

Substitutions

Walnuts If you have a walnut allergy, feel free to use another nut, 1 tablespoon of nut or seed butter, or omit the nuts altogether. 

Milk You can use any type of milk you’d like. If you’re using this as a meal replacement, I would recommend using high protein plant milk.  Soy or protein-added plant milk will increase the protein content to help keep you full and satisfied. 

Oats I  recommend rolled oats, but you can use rolled or instant. Just don’t use steel-cut oats as they take much longer to absorb liquid. 

Protein powder Use a vanilla-flavored vegan protein powder in this smoothie. If you don’t have protein powder, just add a  ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract and note that the protein content will be quite a bit lower. 

Topping ideas for a carrot cake smoothie bowl

If you’re more into a banana carrot smoothie bowl you can have a lot of fun topping this recipe with different ingredients. 

• Raisins
• Shredded coconut
• Walnuts
• Ground flax
• Pecans
• More shredded carrots

How to store

Most smoothies don’t keep well in the refrigerator, but this one is an exception. The longer this one sits, the thicker and creamier it gets. The oats help soak up the extra liquid and the next day this smoothie is closer to pudding consistency.

Just give it a good shake or stir and enjoy with a spoon! Use after 1-2 days. 

Top Tips

Prep this ahead of time by combining everything up to the frozen banana and protein powder the morning before. This way everything has plenty of time to soften and you’ll save time before running out the door!

This recipe makes one serving, but feel free to double and store the rest for the next day. I  promise this one stays tasty for 1-2 days even after it's made. 

If you love this carrot banana smoothie, you’ll love these other plant-based breakfast recipes! 

Vegan Oatmeal Banana Pancakes

Strawberry Baked Oatmeal

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

Did you make this recipe? Be sure to rate it below and tell me what you think! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @Graciouslynourished!

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