Creamy Carrot Cake Smoothie

GFVGVDFNS
Jump to Recipe
Sprinkling shredded coconut onto a Carrot Cake Smoothie

A reader recently requested we try our hand at a carrot cake smoothie, so we jumped on the challenge and came up with this 5-minute, 7-ingredient recipe!

It’s creamy, satisfying, and reminiscent of everyone’s favorite springtime treat: Carrot Cake! Let us show you how to make this naturally sweet, plant-based treat.

Cinnamon sticks, vanilla bean, ginger, date, sliced banana, carrots, and dairy-free milk

Frozen banana and carrots serve as the base of this smoothie. Banana provides creaminess and sweetness, while carrot provides an orange hue and carrot cake flavor.

Date is (optionally) added for extra bits of sweetness in every bite.

Blender with carrots, banana, date, ginger, and spices

Inspired by our No-Bake Carrot Cake Bites, we spiced this smoothie up with cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, and nutmeg. If you’re a TRUE carrot cake fan, you may even want to try the carrot cake bites ON your smoothie. Next level!

The banana, carrot, date, and spices are blended with dairy-free milk until creamy! We love coconut milk here most.

For an optional protein boost, we like adding a scoop of plain or vanilla protein powder (Tropeaka being our current favorite β€” not sponsored, just love it!).

Pouring a pitcher of our Carrot Cake Smoothie into a glass

We hope you LOVE this carrot cake smoothie! It’s:

Creamy
Naturally sweet
Subtly spiced
Comforting
& Quick and easy!

Enjoy as a refreshing snack, light breakfast, or healthier sweet treat!

More Creamy Smoothie Recipes

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo @minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!

Glass of our Creamy Carrot Cake Smoothie topped with shredded carrot and coconut

Creamy Carrot Cake Smoothie

A dreamy, creamy smoothie infused with the flavors of carrot cake! Just 7 wholesome ingredients required, including banana, carrot, plant milk, and spices.
Author Minimalist Baker
Print
Glass of our vegan carrot cake smoothie topped with shredded carrot and coconut
4.85 from 63 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 1 (Smoothie)
Course Breakfast, Smoothie
Cuisine Gluten-Free, Vegan
Freezer Friendly 1 month
Does it keep? 24 hours

Ingredients

  • 1 large ripe frozen banana (1 banana yields ~1 ΒΌ cup)
  • 1 small carrot, chopped (1 small carrot yields ~1/2 cup)
  • 1 pitted date (optional // if dry, soak in warm water for 10-15 minutes, then drain)
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (or 1/8 tsp vanilla powder)
  • 1 tsp fresh minced or grated ginger (or 1/4 tsp ground ginger)
  • 1 healthy pinch ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 – 1 cup dairy-free milk (use less for thicker smoothie, more for thinner smoothie // we prefer cashew, coconut, or almond)
  • 1 scoop plain or vanilla protein powder (optional // if adding protein powder that’s sweetened, skip the date)

FOR SERVING optional

  • Shredded carrots
  • Shredded coconut
  • 1 Tbsp chopped walnuts or hemp seeds

Instructions

  • Add banana, carrot, date (optional), cinnamon, vanilla, fresh ginger (or gound ginger), nutmeg, dairy-free milk (starting with the lesser amount), and protein powder (optional) to a high-speed blender and blend until creamy and smooth. Add more dairy-free milk as needed to thin / encourage blending.
  • Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more cinnamon for warmth, ginger for spice / kick, or date for sweetness.
  • Serve as is or garnish with shredded carrot, shredded coconut, or walnuts or hemp seeds (optional). Best when fresh. Will keep in the freezer up to 1 month (thaw before enjoying).

Video

Notes

*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with the lesser amount of fortified unsweetened almond milk and without optional ingredients.

Nutrition (1 of 1 servings)

Serving: 1 smoothie Calories: 173 Carbohydrates: 38.6 g Protein: 2.8 g Fat: 2 g Saturated Fat: 0.2 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.44 g Monounsaturated Fat: 0.92 g Trans Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 122 mg Potassium: 762 mg Fiber: 5.4 g Sugar: 19.4 g Vitamin A: 8692 IU Vitamin C: 15 mg Calcium: 268 mg Iron: 1.02 mg

Did You Make This Recipe?

Tag @minimalistbaker on Instagram and hashtag it #minimalistbaker so we can see all the deliciousness!

If you love this recipe...

Get Our Fan Favorites eBook Here!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment & Rating!

Have a question? Use ctrl+f or ⌘+f on your computer or the "find on page" function on your phone browser to search existing comments! Need help? Check out this tutorial!

My Rating:




  1. Em says

    Umm yummmmmmm!! I made this using the following:

    – Oatly oat milk
    – 1.5 medjool dates
    – powdered ginger
    – no protien powder

    Delicious!! Totally fixed my carrot cake craving :)

  2. Dianne says

    Thanks for the recipe.
    Definitely not enough milk, added 1.5 cups.
    Starchy texture wasn’t great.
    Not my favourite unfortunately

  3. Shola says

    Do you think unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree could be used in place of the frozen banana? I know it will change the taste slightly

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Hi Shola, perhaps frozen pumpkin purΓ©e, but it won’t be as sweet or thick. We wouldn’t recommend applesauce because it get thick/creamy.

  4. Marta says

    My kids and I all loved this! Added chia and spinach, as other reviewers mentioned. Even had to use PB2 powder b/c out of vanilla shake and it was still fantastic. Never had less pushback about vegetables at breakfast. :)

    Thanks a lot

  5. Kathleen A says

    I love this recipe! I keep minced frozen ginger on hand from Trader Joe’s and added three cubes. The only other modifications I made was adding some oats to thicken it up and some hemp hearts mixed in. This will be in my smoothie rotation from now on!

  6. Alexandra says

    This is my go-to smoothie now, especially when I get loads of sweet, flavorful carrots in my CSA box (like right now–yay, spring veggies!). I always make sure to have frozen bananas (and I pre-chop and freeze the carrots too) and dates on hand, so I can whip it up anytime. I don’t always have fresh ginger, but I discovered that using a teaspoon of your “pumpkin spice” blend of spices (which I also love!) instead of the cinnamon/ginger/nutmeg ingredients is a super quick and equally delicious substitute. I’ve been blending it with a cup of pea milk mixed with a scoop of plain pea protein–you can’t taste anything weird when it’s all whizzed together with the carroty goodness (although it does make it a touch chalky). But it’s such a nice breakfast!

    • Alexandra says

      I just noticed I wrote “teaspoon” of the DIY pumpkin pie spice blend when I meant half a teaspoon. Whoops!

  7. JulieA says

    This was super quick to make and really tasty. I like how much it did taste like a moist carrot cake. I think next time I won’t add dates because my protein powder was sweet enough.

  8. Cassie says

    Delicious! Followed almost exactly but swapped the date for a small dash of pineapple juice (my favorite local bakery adds pineapple to their carrot cake and it’s incredible). This smoothie tastes SO GOOD and I’ll definitely be making it again soon!

  9. Ann L says

    Absolutely incredible. I skipped the sweetener, used half almond milk/half water instead of full milk, and used refrigerated the carrot instead of frozen banana. This is the perfect smoothie to satisfy my pesky sweet tooth while filling me up.

  10. Catherine O says

    This was so easy to make and the consistency was perfect. I added flaxseed and spinach. I found the fresh ginger to be really overpowering. Next time I’ll halve the amount or use more of the other spices.

  11. Talia says

    Absolutely delicious. I haven’t had carrot cake in a while so I can’t compare but I let someone had a small try who said it tasted exactly like carrot cake. I followed the recipe without the date and added half a scoop of vanilla protein powder. It had a nice tang and I will definitely be making again. I also omitted the vanilla.

  12. Hilary says

    So good!! I added spinach, used whole milk instead of plant based and substituted cloves because I didn’t have nutmeg. Just like carrot cake! My new go-to!!

  13. Nicole says

    I absolutely love this! It tastes like dessert, but is actually healthy. I left out the date because I found it sweet enough with the frozen banana. I roasted the carrot first which I think added to the sweetness. I also didn’t add protein powder. Will definitely be making this again!

  14. Sara says

    I’m not a carrot cake fan, but I loved this!! The spice ratio is perfect and it’s not to sweet. I used dairy milk and unflavored whey protein powder and it turned out great!

  15. YNette COlyer says

    Yummy, yummy, yummy!
    I used .75 scoop MRM Veggie Protein with Superfoods and 1 cup Cashew Milk, and added .5c pineapple and dash of nutmeg to all the other ingredients (except the date). Then topped it with shredded coconut. Delicious!!!

  16. Eva says

    Althought it didn’t taste a lot like carrot cake to me, I really loved this recipe, it’s freshness and flavour! Will try it again soon

  17. Amanda says

    Such a lovely smoothie! A really nice treat to end the day with as well. Fresh ginger is definitely worth it and provides a ‘warming’ feel to the smoothie.

  18. Tammy Thiele says

    It’s so cool to see one of my favorite’s being featured on The Daily Good newsletter! A perfect place for you to be featured…bookmarking this to make as soon as possible!

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Thanks for sharing, Nicole! Feel free to play around with adding more spices (especially if they aren’t fresh) and/or carrot. Hope that helps!

  19. Nicole says

    Loved this! I didn’t have dates but I used vegan vanilla protein powder and it sweetened it perfectly alongside the banana. No need for added sweeteners! The fresh ginger packed a punch and chia seeds and walnuts on top had a nice crunch.

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Thanks so much for the lovely review and for sharing your modifications, Nicole. We are so glad you enjoyed it! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating with your review? It’s super helpful for us and other readers. Thanks so much! Xo

  20. Jesse says

    I will say the taste of this smoothie was delicious! I’m not too sure if it tasted like carrot cake though. I used a caramel flavored premier protein shake instead of milk + protein powder. I don’t have dates so I added 10 grams of raisins. I blended everything in my nutribullet which is decent but I decided to strain out the pulp because I didn’t want to drink it (I ate it on its own though because it tasted great). The texture of the ground spices bothered me somewhat so I’m giving the recipe 4 stars for that but I would 100% make this or something like it again!

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Thanks for the feedback, Jesse! We wonder if the caramel flavor + raisins made too much difference in the flavor? We’d suggest blending longer to better incorporate the spices.

      • Jesse says

        It was already starting to warm up I blended it so long. But it was more of a protein shake rather than a smoothie so I would probably feel the spices less if it was a thicker smoothie consistency. I feel like the caramel flavor definitely added something positive to the recipe and next time I’ll omit the raisins and just use the a packet of equal. Still a great recipe!

        • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

          Gotcha. For a thicker consistency, use less dairy-free milk. Also, make sure you’re using frozen banana rather than fresh. Hope that helps!

  21. Kim Hatcher says

    I just made this, and it’s legit carrot cake but without the sugar. I didn’t have orange carrots on hand so I put in a good scoop of turmeric and it’s so yummy! And, it’s perfect fall smoothie!

  22. Lev says

    This was absolutely wonderful! I subbed about a teaspoon of agave nectar for the date and used 1 scoop of Trader Joe’s unflavored pea protein powder.

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Thanks so much for the lovely review, Lev. We are so glad you enjoyed it! Next time, would you mind leaving a rating with your review? It’s super helpful for us and other readers. Thanks so much! Xo

  23. Heather says

    This is so good that I’ve made it twice! It really does taste like carrot cake! The only change I made was soaking the dried pitted date in hot (just off the boil) water from a tea kettle for the recommended 10-15 minutes. Your mileage will vary depending on the quality of your blender – mine’s a crappy cheap one.

  24. Megan says

    Absolutely delicious and creamy! It tastes more like pumpkin pie than a carrot smoothie. I drink smoothies every morning, and will definitely add this to the daily rotation.

  25. Sara says

    Absolutely love this recipe! Captures all the flavors of carrot cake.It’s a perfect afternoon snack. Feels like an indulgence but packed with healthy goodness.
    I double the recipe and pour leftovers into a popsicle mold.

    Thank you!

  26. Kim says

    I didn’t have milk so I put in 1 cup of water and then a tablespoon of flax seeds and 1 tablespoon rolled oats , then rest of ingredients as listed. Blended in vita mix so was very smoothly blended. I added more water just because I needed more hydration today. Loved this new smoothie combination. Next time I’d probably put more fresh ginger and toss in pineapple if I have any on hand. Possibly would add coconut too.

  27. B says

    SO GOOD! How? Few ingredients… Fantastic! The ginger really makes it!!! We are SO thankful for your talents! Spices are spot on! 10 stars!

  28. Liz says

    This was delicious! I used the protein powder and a fresh banana because I didn’t have frozen handy. After that I followed the recipe exactly. It is great for breakfast if you are craving something dessert-like, which I was. Husband would only eat it for dessert πŸ˜‰

  29. JennyL says

    Really delicious recipe! I had just run out of vanilla protein powder so added a TB of avocado to thicken. It was amazing! Added a TB of oats the second day. Very filling and decadent-tasting. Thank you for this! I will be making it on the regular!

  30. Chrissy S says

    This carrot cake smoothie is DELICIOUS!!! I made a few modifications due to lack of ingredients! I didn’t have cashew milk already made so I threw in raw cashews and water. Also no protein powder so I used rolled oats.

    I’m drinking it right now and already want another one!!! YUM!

  31. Lexie says

    This is one of the most delicious smoothies I’ve ever had! I’ve been making it daily, it is SO SO good!!

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Aw, we’re so glad to hear it, Lexie! Thanks so much for sharing. Next time, would you mind leaving a rating with your review? It’s super helpful for us and other readers. Thanks so much! Xo

  32. Claire says

    I was excited to try carrots in a smoothie, as I’d never done so before! To aid my blender, I bought a bag of shredded carrots, which made the texture kind of gritty. I opted out of the date and used dried ginger, but the flavor was mainly banana, sadly. I don’t think I’d try it again :(

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Hi Claire, sorry to hear that was your experience! It sounds like the type of blender may have not allowed them to blend fully? As for the flavor, is it possible the banana was overripe? That can cause it to have a stronger flavor.

  33. Linda says

    Really liked this :-) Left out the nutmeg, increased the cinnamon a bit, and added about 1/4 tsp of dried orange peel. I used sesame milk this time, but coconut milk sounds like it would be great, especially with shredded coconut as a garnish. Might try some soaked raisins instead of the date… will definitely be experimenting with this recipe! Thank you for sharing this :-)
    By the way, has anyone noticed that when you increase the servings (box right under ‘prep time’), while the main ingredient list increases appropriately, anything in the description in parentheses does not? (for example, 1 banana = 1 and 1/4 cup, 2 bananas still = 1 and 1/4 cup, 3 bananas still = 1 and 1/4 cup, etc. Same with the vanilla and the ginger.) So if you are increasing, just make sure you are paying attention to the actual measurements and not the description.

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Linda! Yes, unfortunately we don’t have a way around that at this time- but we write “as original recipe is written” to serve as a reminder. Let us know if you have any suggestions for how we could make it more clear! Thanks so much for sharing!

  34. Maureen says

    I tried this smoothie and now i MUST have one each morning! So delicious and very satisfying. Since i do have atevia sweetened protien powder i omit the date and i add extra spice some mornings…dee-licious

  35. Amy says

    Yum! This was a big hit. My eyes have been opened to carrots in smoothies now and they will not be closed! Thank you for this lovely idea. I added some collagen peptides instead of protein powder and garnished with coconut, pecans, and cacao nibs. Everyone loved it!

  36. Rachel says

    I really didn’t know what to expect out of this, but it is delicious. It’s simultaneously warm, refreshing, and creamy. I made it without protein powder and with a dollop of tahini, which I highly recommend. It’s pretty sweet with the date, not overly so but more like a dessert than a breakfast–I might try half a date next time.

  37. Sally Godfrey says

    Delicious – I love the little bit of heat from the ginger … used Bonsoy, left out the date and used 1/2 tbs vanilla pea protein powder that has a little stevia in it. Will definitely make this again. Thank you :)

  38. RB says

    Delicious and so easy! I made one double batch and my husband, daughter and I all shared and loved it. I didn’t have vegan protein powder so added a little maca and ashwaganda. Topped with raw pecans and shredded coconut.

  39. Nancy says

    This was quick and delicious. For my less powerful blender I grated the carrot and used a bit of maple syrup in place of the date. Will make this again for sure.

  40. Wanda says

    Delicious! I added buckwheat flakes and hemp seeds for some extra nutrition. Will definitely make this again and again… Ans again!

  41. Jennifer Neumann says

    OMG!! Just made this and it is amazing!!! I added 1/4 oat flour soaked 1 h in almond milk for some fiber. I omitted the date and instead of topping it with coconut and walnuts I just added it into the blender. Will make it again many more times!! Thank you for this great recipe! I would give 6 stars if I could!

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Aw, thanks so much for the lovely review and for sharing your modifications, Jennifer! We’re so glad you enjoyed it!

  42. Clem says

    Okaaayyy hold up. Carrot cake for breakfast anyone?
    Seriously, I’m the biggest carrot cake fan and this just hit the spot! I’ve been really watching eating refined sugars, so this is a perfect substitute.

    I made it with almond milk and vanilla protein powder and didn’t add any vanilla extract. Delicious!

  43. E says

    Criminally delicious. I immediately wanted to make seven more batches but I restrained myself.

    Next time I might make it as a cocktail. Any recommendations for what kind of booze I should add?

  44. earthly_edible says

    I love this idea! Would cooking the carrots first, then freezing them create a smoother texture? Just curious, since sometimes fresh carrots can make a smoothie a bit pulpy. Can’t wait to try it!

    • alicia wasmiller says

      I’m curious about cooking and cooling the carrots just so my blender will be able to mix it all together. Keep us posted!

  45. ashleigh cain says

    I absolutely loved this recipe! I think next time i’ll make the consistency a little thicker and have it as a smoothie bowl with some toppings, delicious!

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Ashleigh =) Thanks so much for the lovely review! And love the smoothie bowl idea!

  46. caroll says

    Like Camile, I was intrigued. I LOVE carrot cake but haven’t had any since I avoid sugar and dairy for years now. That said, I love your Creamy Carrot Cake Smoothie! I followed the recipe AS IS using Almond milk. It was delicious! Although I loved the sweetness of it, I will try without the date next time and compare and maybe putting a handful of ice. But boy, this is delicious AS IS. I am looking forward to making it again tomorrow. Thank you!!!

  47. Beans says

    Just made this today! It like you knew I had some sad looking carrots in the fridge I needed to eat and a root canal done on my teeth. I needed soft food. Tastes good. I used some maple syrup for some extra sweetness and dried ginger.

  48. Phoebe says

    It was good overall. I felt there was a little too much ginger and flavor, but that’s just my opinion. So to counter that, I just added some more almond milk.

  49. Susan says

    Delicious!!! I made it with the optional protein powder and water – no milk. Perfectly yummy! Thank you very much.

  50. Camile says

    When I saw this new recipe I was super intrigued to give it a try (and a little intimidated by putting carrots into a smoothie), but I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the result! I added some almond meal for thicker consistency, and used pumpkin pie spice instead of nutmeg. Refreshing, sweet, and comforting smoothie! A nice change from my usually mixed fruit smoothies.

  51. Katrina says

    Yum! This is a delicious smoothie and another great way to sneak veggies into dessert! I didn’t have ginger, so put in 1/2 tsp of pumpkin pie spice (omitted individual cinnamon and nutmeg), so a little different flavor, but still delish. I opted for 3/4 cup of coconut milk and it is so good and creamy. Thanks for the idea and recipe!

  52. Jonathon says

    Any thoughts on a banana substitute? Avocado maybe? I just can’t handle the taste of a banana…ugh

  53. Julie says

    I needed a change of pace this morning and came across this recipe while looking up another. It was yummy – and smelled SO good! I added the date, but won’t next time – thought the banana made it plenty sweet. Hit the spot this morning.

      • Pri says

        Hello, your recipes are lovely. I was wondering though what could be a good replacement for bananas in the smoothie?

        • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

          Hi Pri, maybe ice, more dates/carrot, and a tiny sliver avocado? Let us know if you try!

      • Radka says

        Wow what a great idea, can’t wait to try it! Have you got any recommendations for mixer/ blander/ juicer based on your own experience? Many thanks, Radka

        • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

          Hi Radka, our favorite blender is linked in the instructions. You can find our full blender review here and our favorite juicer and more here. Hope that helps! Let us know how it goes!