When the leaves start falling, many of us look forward to pulling out our comfy sweaters and hats and looking up recipes for chili and soup. Although comfort food seems to go along with fall and winter, there's no reason why we can't enjoy fall-time smoothies as well. These kefir smoothies are full of fall flavors like pumpkin, nutmeg and chai and are the perfect fall snack!
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Lifeway Kefir
Lifeway Kefir is a fermented milk smoothie full of health benefits and flavor. Since it's full of active probiotic cultures, it supports gut health and provides the "good bacteria" we need in our bodies. Lifeway is also a great source of calcium, vitamin C, antioxidants, dietary fiber and potassium, along with controlling blood cholesterol levels.
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This gluten-free, healthy gut dairy comes in many flavors, like plain kefir, coconut, vanilla, and more. You can use it as a kind of liquid yogurt for your morning cereal, or you can get fancy with your Kefir and make recipes! To find inspiration, check out the recipe page on the Lifeway Kefir website, where you can choose from berry smoothies like the Strawberry Kefir Smoothie or dessert recipes like the S'mores Summer Tart.
In the spirit of fall smoothies, I made three different Kefir smoothies full of autumnal flavors- the Chocolate Chai Smoothie, the Carrot Cake Smoothie Bowl, and the Gingernap Kefir Smoothie. While there were many delicious-looking Kefir smoothie recipes using various frozen fruits and veggies, these three seemed like the perfect healthy dessert-smoothies to embrace the season!
Chocolate Chai Smoothie
Lydia Greene
The Chocolate Chai Smoothie is made with Chocolate Truffle Low-fat Kefir, and it contains flavorful, healthy ingredients like frozen banana, sweet potato, coconut and chai spice. A ripe banana is the best way to get all the fruity flavor. It was chocolatey and yummy, ideal for a weekend brunch treat. If I were to make it again, I would consider adding frozen strawberries for a chocolate-covered-strawberry flavor. Overall, the chocolate blended wonderfully with the chai spices and cinnamon and was a tasty way to take advantage of Kefir's health benefits.
Get the recipe here.
Gingersnap Kefir Smoothie
Lydia Greene
The following day, I tried the Gingersnap Kefir Smoothie, because I'm already looking forward to the sweets that will fill my house come the holidays. This healthy recipe is made with Madagascar Vanilla Low-fat Kefir, Original Frozen Kefir, a Frozen Banana, various spices, and ice cubes as needed. It tasted just like my mom's gingersnaps!
Get the recipe here.
Carrot Cake Smoothie Bowl
Lydia Greene
Hands down, my favorite fall kefir smoothie was the Carrot Cake Smoothie Bowl. This one is also made with Madagascar Vanilla Low-fat Kefir, along with frozen sweet potato, banana, carrot, coconut, and the spices you'd taste in a bite of Carrot Cake. The kefir mixes perfectly with the veggies and spices to make a healthy breakfast or afternoon snack full of warm flavors.
How to Make the Kefir Carrot Cake Smoothie Bowl
Start by caramelizing your carrots. Slice carrots into 1/2 inch thick circles and place on a baking sheet. Drizzle with maple syrup and sea salt, and then broil in the oven until golden-brown. Set aside.
To make the smoothie, add all ingredients into a high-power blender. Blend on high until smooth, with no chunks. You might need to stop and stir a few times to get everything incorporated into the smooth texture.
Garnish with walnut pieces, caramelized carrots, and a splash of whole milk kefir. Enjoy your fall smoothie!
Carrot Cake Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups Madagascar Vanilla Lowfat Kefir
- 1/2 cup frozen sweet potato
- 1 banana, frozen
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- walnut pieces to garnish
Instructions
- Start by caramelizing your carrots. Slice carrots into 1/2 inch thick circles and place on a baking sheet. Drizzle with maple syrup and sea salt, and then broil in the oven until golden-brown. Set aside.
- To make the smoothie, add all ingredients into a high-power blender. Blend on high until smooth, with no chunks. You might need to stop and stir a few times to get everything incorporated into the smooth texture.
- Garnish with walnut pieces, caramelized carrots, and a splash of whole milk kefir. Happy fall!
