Butter Pecan Smoothie

This Butter Pecan Smoothie tastes like dessert in a cup. No one will be the wiser that we’re sneaking VEGGIES into it!

Butter Pecan Smoothie

Remember when I shared this Cauliflower Smoothie where I added actual cauliflower to a smoothie? And then I practically begged you to trust me on it?!

Well, today I’m back again with veggies in a smoothie again and I’m telling you, it truly tastes like a dessert (in a healthful way of course) in a cup.

In fact, if you enjoy butter pecan flavoring, I think you’ll find this smoothie most reminiscent of that. This smoothie is so delicious, thick, creamy, and ultra satiating! Because of all the healthy fats in the nuts and paired with the veggies and bananas, you’ll be amazed at how filling it is.

Butter Pecan Smoothie Ingredients

• Frozen butternut squash: It’s important the squash is frozen– not fresh– for smoothie consistency and coldness.
• Frozen banana: Good ripe bananas make all the difference in this smoothie. Freeze the bananas when they’re ripe and use them only when completely frozen for the best smoothie experience.
• Medjool dates: To get a great natural sweetness in this smoothie, we rely on dates. The dates blend up nicely and add nutrients and sweetness to the smoothie.

Ingredients Continued

• Milk: Any milk works here. (To keep this Butter Pecan Smoothie dairy free, use plant-based milk.)
• Pecans: Try dry-roasted and lightly salted nuts for even more flavor, but raw pecans are also great. 
• Flavor enhancers: Vanilla, cinnamon, and a tiny pinch of salt add flavor and richness that contribute to the dessert-like flavor of this smoothie. Why salt? It helps intensify and balance all the ingredients in this smoothie — a little goes a long way!

Butter Pecan Smoothie Notes

• Freeze the banana. While this smoothie is simple to make, it does require just a bit of planning. I like to prep the bananas right after I get home from the grocery store, so I don’t forget! You can now find already frozen bananas in the grocery store — we love using these!
• Use a powerful blender. This recipe is quick and easy to make, but you do need a high-powered blender (think Blendtec® or Vitamix®) to break down the pecans and dates nicely.
• Measure. While it is easier to just eyeball the ingredients and throw them all together, I highly recommend measuring ingredients the first few times, so you get the proportions and quantities right. Throwing random quantities in a blender can often end up giving you way too much smoothie or tasting, well, nasty.
• Taste: If needed, add a little honey or maple syrup to sweeten this smoothie. I’ve found with a really good and ripe banana and the dates, you don’t need the additional sweetener, but this can vary; so give your smoothie a quick taste and add a teaspoon or two as needed. (BTW, honey will make it no longer vegan.)

More Smoothie Recipes:

• Carrot Smoothie that tastes like Carrot Cake!
• Chai Smoothie with vanilla protein powder
• Immune-Boosting Smoothie with honey Greek yogurt
• Green Smoothie Recipe with pineapple
• Blueberry Smoothie with only four ingredients

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5 from 1 vote

Butter Pecan Smoothie

By Chelsea Lords

Packed with nutrients and delicious flavor, no one will ever guess that this sweet dessert has vegetables in it.

Prep Time: 8 minutes minutes

Total Time: 8 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 smoothie

Equipment

• Large blender see note 1

Ingredients 

USMetric

 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1/2 cup frozen butternut squash
• ▢ 1 cup frozen banana slices
• ▢ 2 large pitted dates coarsely chopped
• ▢ 1/4 cup pecans
• ▢ 1-1/2 cups milk of choice
• ▢ 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
• ▢ 1/8 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions 

• Peel the banana and slice it into coins. Place the coins in a sealed bag in the freezer and wait until solid. You can also use store-bought frozen banana coins.
• If the dates are hard, soak in boiling water for 5-10 minutes before draining and coarsely chopping. If they're soft, coarsely chop and add to blender.
• Add all the ingredients to a high-powered blender and blend until completely smooth; about 90-120 seconds. Give it a taste (see note 2) and then pour into a cup and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Use a high-powered blender, such as a Blendtec or Vitamix, to blend the pecans and dates. If you don’t have one, soak the pecans and dates in boiling water for about 10 minutes. Drain and let them cool before adding to your mixture.

Note 2: If needed, add a little honey or maple syrup to sweeten this smoothie. I’ve found with a really good and ripe banana you don’t need the additional sweetener, but this can vary. So, give your smoothie a quick taste and add a teaspoon or two as needed. Be sure to use maple syrup if you're looking for a vegan recipe.

Storage: Enjoy this Butter Pecan Smoothie immediately after blending, as it doesn't store or freeze well. If you can't finish it in one sitting, consider halving the recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 415kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 51mg | Potassium: 1082mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 7749IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 212mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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