18 Smoothie Recipes That Taste Like Dessert but Fuel Your Day
Craving something sweet but trying to eat a little better? These smoothie recipes taste like milkshakes, pies and ice cream, yet they are made with real fruit, yogurt and simple ingredients. Each one blends in about five minutes, and every slide includes a quick recipe. For a real treat, browse our dessert galleries..
Smoothie Recipes That Feel Like a Treat
The best smoothie recipes do not taste like a punishment. They taste like a chocolate shake, a slice of strawberry cheesecake or a scoop of mango ice cream. Frozen bananas give every blend that thick, creamy texture, so you never miss the ice cream. Line up a few jars, grab a straw and turn breakfast into something you look forward to..
You will need: 2 frozen bananas, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon honey, ice and your favorite flavor: cocoa, strawberries or mango.
How to make it: Add the milk and yogurt to the blender first, then the frozen bananas, honey, flavor and a handful of ice. Blend on high for one minute until thick and smooth. Pour into jars, top with a little whipped cream and fruit and serve right away.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie
This chocolate peanut butter smoothie tastes like a candy bar milkshake, but it is made with banana, cocoa and peanut butter. It is thick, rich and surprisingly filling, which makes it a favorite after workouts. Kids beg for it, and grown ups sneak sips too. Add a scoop of protein powder for an extra boost.
You will need: 1 frozen banana, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons peanut butter, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt and 1 teaspoon honey.
How to make it: Add the milk, yogurt, peanut butter and cocoa to the blender. Add the frozen banana and honey. Blend until thick and creamy. Pour into a glass and top with a drizzle of peanut butter or a few chocolate shavings.
Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie
Strawberry cheesecake in a glass might sound too good to be true, but this smoothie gets close. Frozen strawberries, Greek yogurt and a spoonful of cream cheese blend into a tangy, sweet drink. A sprinkle of crushed graham crackers on top completes the illusion. It is one of the most loved smoothie recipes in our kitchen.
You will need: 1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons cream cheese, 3/4 cup milk, 1 tablespoon honey and crushed graham crackers.
How to make it: Blend the strawberries, yogurt, cream cheese, milk and honey until smooth. Wet the rim of a glass and dip it in crushed graham crackers. Pour in the smoothie and sprinkle more crumbs on top.
Mango Lassi Smoothie
Inspired by the classic Indian mango lassi, this smoothie is creamy, tangy and full of tropical flavor. Ripe mango blends with yogurt and a pinch of cardamom for a drink that feels both refreshing and indulgent. It is perfect on hot days and cools you down instantly.
You will need: 1 1/2 cups frozen mango, 1 cup plain yogurt, 1/2 cup milk, 1 tablespoon honey and a pinch of ground cardamom.
How to make it: Add everything to the blender and blend until silky smooth. Taste and add more honey if your mango is tart. Pour into a glass and sprinkle a little cardamom or chopped pistachios on top.
Blueberry Muffin Smoothie
This smoothie tastes like a warm blueberry muffin but comes in a cold glass. Oats give it body and that bakery flavor, while blueberries add natural sweetness and gorgeous color. A dash of cinnamon and vanilla finishes the muffin magic. It is an easy grab and go breakfast.
You will need: 1 cup frozen blueberries, 1/4 cup rolled oats, 1 frozen banana, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup yogurt, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
How to make it: Blend the oats first until powdery. Add the remaining ingredients and blend until creamy. Pour into a glass and top with a few fresh blueberries, chia seeds or a sprinkle of granola.
Peaches and Cream Smoothie
Peaches and cream is a summer dessert many of us grew up with, and it makes a dreamy smoothie. Sweet peaches blend with vanilla yogurt and a little milk into a soft, creamy drink. Frozen peaches work all year round. It tastes like a lazy afternoon on a porch swing.
You will need: 1 1/2 cups frozen peaches, 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt, 3/4 cup milk, 1 teaspoon honey and a pinch of cinnamon.
How to make it: Add all the ingredients to the blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour into a glass and top with a fresh peach slice. For extra creaminess, add a few tablespoons of oats.
Watermelon Mint Cooler
Nothing beats the heat like a watermelon smoothie. Juicy watermelon blends with frozen strawberries and fresh mint into a bright pink drink that tastes like summer. It is light, hydrating and naturally sweet, with no added sugar needed. Serve it at backyard parties for a refreshing treat.
You will need: 3 cups seedless watermelon chunks, 1 cup frozen strawberries, juice of 1 lime and a few fresh mint leaves.
How to make it: Blend the watermelon first until liquid, then add the frozen strawberries, lime juice and mint. Blend until smooth and frosty. Pour into glasses and garnish with a mint sprig and a strawberry.
Piña Colada Smoothie
Close your eyes and this smoothie takes you straight to a beach chair. Pineapple and coconut milk blend into a creamy tropical drink, with banana for extra body. It has all the flavor of the famous cocktail, but it is family friendly and great for breakfast. Garnish with a pineapple wedge for vacation vibes.
You will need: 1 1/2 cups frozen pineapple, 1 frozen banana, 3/4 cup coconut milk, 1/4 cup yogurt and 1 tablespoon shredded coconut.
How to make it: Blend the pineapple, banana, coconut milk and yogurt until thick and creamy. Pour into a glass and sprinkle with shredded coconut. Add a pineapple wedge on the rim.
Orange Creamsicle Smoothie
Remember those orange creamsicle bars from the ice cream truck? This smoothie tastes exactly like them. Fresh orange juice and segments blend with vanilla yogurt into a creamy, sunny drink. It is bright, nostalgic and packed with vitamin C. Among smoothie recipes for kids, it is a top favorite.
You will need: 2 oranges peeled, 1/2 cup orange juice, 3/4 cup vanilla yogurt, 1/2 frozen banana, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and ice.
How to make it: Add the orange segments, juice, yogurt, banana, vanilla and ice to the blender. Blend until smooth and frothy. Pour into glasses and garnish with an orange slice.
Banana Caramel Shake
When you want something truly indulgent, this banana caramel shake hits the spot. Frozen bananas make it thick like a real milkshake, and a drizzle of caramel adds that salty sweet magic. Top it with whipped cream for a weekend treat. It is proof that dessert and smoothie recipes can be best friends.
You will need: 2 frozen bananas, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt, 2 tablespoons caramel sauce, a pinch of salt and whipped cream.
How to make it: Blend the bananas, milk, yogurt, 1 tablespoon caramel and salt until thick. Drizzle caramel inside a tall glass, pour in the shake and top with whipped cream and more caramel.
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Pumpkin pie smoothie is fall in a glass. Canned pumpkin blends with banana, yogurt and warm spices into a thick, creamy drink that tastes like a slice of pie. A sprinkle of granola on top adds a crunchy crust feeling. Make it all autumn long and enjoy the season without turning on the oven.
You will need: 1/2 cup canned pumpkin, 1 frozen banana, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 3/4 cup milk, 1 tablespoon maple syrup and 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.
How to make it: Blend all the ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust the spice or sweetness. Pour into a glass and top with a pinch of cinnamon and a spoonful of granola.
Acai Berry Bowl
An acai bowl is a smoothie thick enough to eat with a spoon. Frozen acai and berries blend into a deep purple base, then get topped with fruit, granola and coconut. It looks like art and tastes like sorbet. This is one of the most photographed smoothie recipes on social media for good reason.
You will need: 1 frozen acai packet, 1 frozen banana, 1/2 cup frozen berries, 1/4 cup milk, plus sliced mango, blueberries, granola and coconut for topping.
How to make it: Blend the acai, banana, berries and milk on low, using as little milk as possible, until thick. Spoon into a bowl and arrange the toppings in rows. Eat right away before it melts.
Raspberry Ripple Smoothie
Raspberries bring a bright, tangy flavor that wakes up your taste buds. Blended with banana and vanilla yogurt, they turn into a gorgeous pink smoothie that tastes like raspberry ripple ice cream. It is lovely for breakfast or a pick me up in the afternoon.
You will need: 1 1/2 cups frozen raspberries, 1 frozen banana, 3/4 cup vanilla yogurt, 1/2 cup milk and 1 teaspoon honey.
How to make it: Blend everything until smooth. For a ripple effect, blend a few raspberries separately and swirl the puree inside the glass before pouring the smoothie in. Serve with a straw.
Mocha Coffee Smoothie
Skip the expensive coffee shop drink and make this mocha smoothie at home. Cold brew or chilled espresso blends with banana, cocoa and milk into a creamy, energizing drink. It is breakfast and your morning coffee in one glass. Perfect for busy mornings when you need to grab and go.
You will need: 1/2 cup cold brew coffee, 1 frozen banana, 1 tablespoon cocoa, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt and 1 teaspoon maple syrup.
How to make it: Add all the ingredients to the blender with a few ice cubes. Blend until frothy and smooth. Pour into a jar and dust with a little cocoa powder.
Green Smoothie That Tastes Sweet
Green smoothies have a reputation for tasting like grass, but this one tastes like a tropical treat. Spinach disappears behind sweet pineapple, mango and banana, so you only taste the fruit. It is a smart way to sneak greens into picky eaters. Even kids ask for the green monster drink.
You will need: 1 big handful spinach, 1/2 cup frozen pineapple, 1/2 cup frozen mango, 1 banana and 1 cup coconut water.
How to make it: Blend the spinach and coconut water first until smooth. Add the fruit and blend again until creamy. Pour into a glass and enjoy right away for the brightest color.
Matcha Latte Smoothie
Matcha lovers will adore this creamy green tea smoothie. It tastes like a matcha latte from a café, but thicker and more filling thanks to banana and yogurt. Matcha gives a gentle energy boost without the jitters some people get from coffee. A little honey balances its earthy flavor.
You will need: 1 teaspoon matcha powder, 1 frozen banana, 1 cup milk, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt and 1 teaspoon honey.
How to make it: Add all the ingredients to the blender and blend until smooth and frothy. Pour into a tall glass over ice. Dust a pinch of matcha on top for a café look.
Creamy Avocado Smoothie
Avocado might sound odd in a smoothie, but it makes the creamiest blend you have ever tasted. Paired with banana, honey and milk, it tastes mild and sweet, a bit like a milkshake. In many parts of Asia, avocado shakes are a beloved dessert drink. Give it a try and be amazed.
You will need: 1/2 ripe avocado, 1 frozen banana, 1 cup milk, 1 tablespoon honey and a handful of ice.
How to make it: Scoop the avocado into the blender with the banana, milk, honey and ice. Blend until silky smooth. Pour into a glass and drizzle a little honey or chocolate syrup on top.
Kiwi Strawberry Smoothie
Kiwi and strawberry is a sweet and tangy pairing that looks as fun as it tastes. Blend each fruit separately and layer them in a glass for a rainbow effect that kids love. It is packed with vitamin C and fresh flavor. Serve it at brunch and watch everyone pull out their phones for photos.
You will need: 2 kiwis peeled, 1 cup frozen strawberries, 1 frozen banana, 1 cup yogurt and a splash of apple juice.
How to make it: Blend the kiwis with half the banana, yogurt and juice, and pour into glasses. Rinse the blender, then blend the strawberries with the rest. Gently pour it on top to create two colorful layers.
