The Most Delicious Vegan Caramel Apple Smoothie (Nature Approved)!

Have you ever tried something so good you thought you were going to die and go heaven? If so, that is how I felt about my vegan caramel apple smoothie. I'm telling you, dates are a miracle food. They are so versatile as a natural sweetener and is nature's caramel.

Forget that sugary junk stuff from a can. Why eat it when you can have an exceptional caramel for a fraction of the price and is nature approved. Germany has an abundant of apple trees. And it is no secret that fall is the best time for apples or as they say, "apfels." I began to rummage through my cabinet looking at what ingredients I need to use - then inspiration hit. I wonder what a vegan caramel apple smoothie tastes like? We've had a warm November and plenty of sun, which is rare for Northern Germany. I wanted a smoothie that had a fall taste to it. 

Mmmm...inspiration served me right as I think this is one of the best smoothies or things I've concocted. I knew I wanted something creamy and thick, similar to ice cream. So, what's the secret to this ice-cream-like dream? Freezing the fruit and coconut milk. I always use fresh fruit, wash, cut and freeze it overnight or for at least 5 hours. The coolness and thickness of each is what makes this smoothie extra delicious.

But you can certainly use non-dairy milk if you'd like.  Also, I use medjool dates as they are sticky and easy to remove from the nut. You can also use deglet noor dates, but if they are rock solid, you may need to dice them or soak them before blending. Keep reading for the recipe below!! 

Vegan Caramel Apple Smoothie
​Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes
Total Time: 5 Minutes
Serves: 1

Ingredients:
1 banana, frozen
2/3 apple, frozen
4 mejdool dates (make sure you remove the pit)
1/2 cup coconut milk (from the can)
1/2 tsp vanilla

Directions:
Place the fruit, dates and vanilla in a blender (I have a food processor). Place 1/4 cup of the coconut milk in the blender and pulse several times. Next, blend until the blades no longer move. Remove the lid, mix the fruit to ensure nothing is stuck on the sides. Pour in the remaining coconut milk and blend until smooth. The key is to gradually add the milk. Depending on the power of your blender you may use more or less coconut milk.  

Seriously, it's lip smacking good! Enjoy!

Yum