Winter Berry Smoothie Blend (Printable version)
A vibrant blend of winter berries, banana, and warming spices for a nourishing start.
# List of ingredients:
→ Fruits
01 - 1 cup frozen mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, cranberries)
02 - 1 ripe banana
→ Liquids
03 - 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or plant-based milk alternative
04 - 1/2 cup orange juice
→ Flavorings & Boosters
05 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey, optional
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1 teaspoon chia seeds, optional
08 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
# Directions:
01 - Place frozen berries, banana, almond milk, orange juice, optional maple syrup or honey, ground cinnamon, optional chia seeds, and optional vanilla extract into a blender.
02 - Blend at high speed for 30 to 45 seconds until smooth and creamy.
03 - Taste and add additional maple syrup or honey to desired sweetness if needed.
04 - Pour smoothie evenly into two glasses and serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It comes together in under five minutes, no chopping or cleanup beyond rinsing the blender.
- The cinnamon adds a cozy warmth that makes frozen berries feel seasonal instead of summery.
- Its naturally sweet enough that you might skip the maple syrup entirely once you taste it.
02 -
- If your smoothie turns out icy instead of creamy, your banana wasnt ripe enough or you added too much liquid.
- Let the blender run a full minute if you used chia seeds, otherwise they clump at the bottom instead of blending in.
03 -
- Always taste your banana before adding sweetener, because a truly ripe one makes honey or maple syrup unnecessary.
- Run the blender for ten extra seconds after it looks smooth, that final push makes the texture silky instead of just blended.