Cinnamon Smoothie
This blended drink combines the warm, spiced flavor of ground cinnamon with creamy banana, Greek yogurt, rolled oats, and almond milk for a smoothie that tastes like a drinkable cinnamon roll. It's thick, satisfying, and naturally sweet without any refined sugar overload.
Equipment
- High-speed blender - Vitamix, Ninja, or similar powerful blender for pulverizing oats and frozen fruit
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board - For slicing banana before freezing
- Two tall glasses - For serving
- Reusable glass straws - Optional but recommended
- Airtight freezer bags - For prepping frozen banana in advance and making smoothie packs
Ingredients
- 1 large frozen banana - about 120g / 4.2 oz, sliced and frozen
- ½ cup almond milk - 120ml, unsweetened, or any milk of your choice
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt - 115g
- ¼ cup old fashioned rolled oats - 25g
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon - plus extra for garnish
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp honey - or maple syrup, optional, adjust to taste
- ½ cup ice cubes - 75g
For Garnish
- ground cinnamon - for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Peel a ripe banana and slice into 1-inch rounds. Freeze on a parchment-lined baking sheet for at least 2 hours or overnight, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Pour almond milk into the blender first, then add Greek yogurt, rolled oats, frozen banana slices, cinnamon, vanilla, honey (if using), and ice cubes.
- Blend on low for 15 seconds, then increase to high and blend for 60-90 seconds until completely smooth and creamy with no visible oat flakes.
- Pour into two tall glasses, garnish with a dusting of cinnamon, and serve immediately with a straw.
Notes
- Frozen Banana is Essential: Using a frozen banana is the single biggest trick for achieving a thick, creamy, milkshake-like texture. Fresh bananas will result in a thinner, less satisfying smoothie.
- Blend Oats Thoroughly: Rolled oats need at least 60 seconds on high speed to fully break down. If your blender isn't powerful enough, soak the oats in the milk for 5 minutes before blending.
- Use Ripe Bananas: The darker and spottier the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your smoothie will be. Underripe bananas taste starchy and slightly bitter.
- Add Liquid First: Always pour milk into the blender before adding solids to protect the motor and ensure even blending.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness. Taste before adding honey or maple syrup and adjust based on your preference.
- Make-Ahead Smoothie Packs: Measure all dry and frozen ingredients (banana, oats, cinnamon) into zip-top bags and freeze flat for up to 3 months. Just add milk and yogurt when ready to blend.
- Best Served Fresh: This smoothie is best enjoyed immediately. Oats will absorb liquid as it sits and the texture will become too thick within 15-20 minutes.
- Cinnamon Variations: Ceylon cinnamon (true cinnamon) has a milder, sweeter flavor that works beautifully in smoothies. Cassia cinnamon is bolder and more common in supermarkets. Start with ½ teaspoon of either and adjust to taste.