This vegan eggnog smoothie is my go-to for protein this season! It’s tough to fit in green smoothies during the holidays, but this creamy, decadent treat offers a festive way to start your day while enjoying a holiday tradition.
Perfect for those chilly mornings or as a post-workout pick-me-up. This vegan nog smoothie packs a punch of plant-based protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied all morning. So, forget the store-bought eggnog loaded with sugar and preservatives, and whip up this healthy and delicious alternative for a truly delicious holiday treat.
The Origin of Eggnog: A Brief History
The origins of eggnog can be traced back to medieval England, where it was a popular wintertime beverage among the aristocracy. The name “eggnog” is believed to be a combination of “egg” and “nog,” a type of strong ale that was often served during the holiday season. The traditional recipe consisted of eggs, milk, cream, and spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon. As it made its way to the colonies, it was adapted to include rum, whiskey, or brandy, and it became a popular holiday drink in the United States.
Ingredients and Substitutions
This vegan eggnog smoothie is packed with wholesome, simple ingredients that blend together to create a creamy, festive treat. Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient and some possible substitutions:
Vanilla Vegan Protein Powder
- Adds high protein content and a vanilla flavor. Substitute with any plant-based protein powder you prefer.
Chia Seeds, Flax Seeds, Hemp Hearts (Optional)
- These seeds provide a boost of healthy fats and fiber. You can omit them if you don’t have them on hand, or use just one type if preferred.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg
- Essential for capturing the classic eggnog flavor. If you can find it whole, fresh ground nutmeg is the perfect way to add that delicious flavor. Adjust the quantities to your taste, or add a pinch of ground cloves for extra warmth.
Salt
- Enhances the flavors of the smoothie. Just a pinch of salt is needed.
Medjool Dates
- Provide natural sweetness and a caramel-like flavor. Ensure they are large and pitted. Substitute with a tablespoon of maple syrup or coconut sugar if desired.
Ice Cubes
- Helps to chill and thicken the smoothie. You can skip if you prefer a less icy texture.
All-Natural Peanut Butter
- Adds creaminess and a hint of nuttiness. Almond butter or cashew butter are great alternatives.
Vanilla Extract
- Enhances the vanilla flavor. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
Plant Milk (Coconut Milk Preferred)
- Coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture reminiscent of traditional eggnog. Full fat coconut milk makes for the creamiest texture however I still found this delicious with a simple homemade almond milk. Substitute with soy milk, almond milk, cashew milk, or any plant-based milk you prefer.
Optional Add-Ins
- Frozen Banana: For extra creaminess and sweetness.
- Raw Cashews: Soak and blend for a thicker, richer texture.
- Coconut Cream: For an even more decadent smoothie.
The best thing is, that these ingredients should be easily available at your local grocery store.
Helpful Tools To Make This Vegan Eggnog Smoothie
To make this vegan egg nog smoothie, having the right tools on hand can make the process easier and ensure the best results. Here are some helpful tools:
High-Speed Blender
- A high speed blender is essential for achieving a smooth and creamy texture. It can easily blend the dates and seeds into the smoothie without leaving any chunks.
Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Accurate measurements ensure the perfect balance of flavors. Use measuring spoons and cups for the spices, seeds, and other ingredients.
Spatula
- A spatula is useful for scraping down the sides of the blender to ensure all ingredients are fully blended.
Ice Cube Tray
- For those who like their smoothies extra cold, having an ice cube tray to prepare ice in advance is handy.
Airtight Container
- If you plan to make the smoothie ahead of time, an airtight container will keep it fresh in the fridge.
Cinnamon Stick
For garnish, a cinnamon stick adds a festive touch and extra flavor when used as a stirrer.How To Make This Vegan Eggnog Protein Smoothie Recipe
Why Eggnog Isn’t Vegan
Traditional eggnog is a beloved holiday beverage, but it isn’t vegan due to several key ingredients. Here’s why regular egg nog is not considered vegan:
Raw Eggs
- Traditional eggnog recipes typically call for raw eggs, which contribute to its rich and creamy texture. Eggs are, of course, an animal product and thus not suitable for a vegan diet.
Dairy Cream and Milk
- Regular eggnog often includes heavy cream or whole milk to achieve its luxurious texture. Some eggnog recipes even include ice cream. These dairy products are also animal-derived, making them unsuitable for vegans.
Honey
- Some eggnog recipes use honey as a sweetener, which is not considered vegan since it’s produced by bees.
Flavor and Texture
- The flavors of eggnog are closely tied to these animal-based ingredients. The creamy texture from dairy and the richness from eggs are part of what makes eggnog so distinctive. This vegan version replicates those flavors and textures using plant-based ingredients like coconut milk and protein powder.
Vegan Alternatives
- To create a creamy vegan eggnog recipe, plant-based substitutes are used, such as coconut milk for creaminess and protein powder for added thickness and flavor. These alternatives provide a fantastical combination of goodness that mimics the traditional flavors without using any animal products.
By understanding the reasons behind eggnog’s non-vegan status, you can better appreciate the effort that goes into crafting a delicious vegan alternative that everyone can enjoy during the holiday season. Whether you’re enjoying this smoothie as a festive treat or as a part of your regular smoothie rotation, it’s a wonderful way to savor the flavors of eggnog in a vegan-friendly format.
How To Make This Vegan Eggnog Protein Smoothie Recipe
Making this eggnog shake with protein powder is easy and quick. Follow the simple steps below to create a creamy and delicious drink that is perfect for any time of day:
Gather all of the ingredients listed above.
Add all of the ingredients into a high-powered blender. Make sure that the large pitted medjool dates are properly pitted and remove any seeds.
Blend the ingredients on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You may need to blend for a few minutes to ensure that all of the ingredients are fully combined.
Pour the smoothie into a tall glass.
Top the smoothie with a dash of cinnamon and a cinnamon stick for garnish. This adds a festive touch and enhances the eggnog flavors.
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious vegan eggnog smoothie with protein powder!
You can also experiment with the recipe by adding different ingredients, adjusting the sweetness or spiciness to your liking, or using different types of plant-based milk. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy the classic eggnog flavors in a healthy and animal-free way.
Tips & Tricks For This Vegan Eggnog Smoothie Recipe
- Choosing creamy plant milk will help enhance the flavor and texture. Coconut milk or oat milk is the perfect choice for this recipe. However, If you don’t have those, any vanilla or unflavoured plant milk will do.
- This recipe calls for only 1/4 tsp of vanilla extract. It may seem so small that it’s tempting to skip. But don’t skip this ingredient! A little bit adds a lot of flavour. Vanilla is one of the key ingredients in eggnog.
- Medjool dates are used in this recipe as a sweetener. They have a sweet caramel flavour and are a healthy alternative to processed sugar.
- Whatever protein you choose, make sure it’s vanilla flavoured.
- It may seem strange to have peanut butter in eggnog. But this ingredient adds an element of fat and makes the smoothie thicker and creamier.
FAQ: Vegan Eggnog Protein Smoothie
Yes, you can use other natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, but the taste and texture of the smoothie may vary.
Yes, you can use any plant milk you prefer. However, creamy plant milks like coconut or oat milk will enhance the texture and flavour of the smoothie.
Yes, you can omit the peanut butter if you prefer. However, it does add creaminess and thickness to the smoothie.
Yes, you can use any vanilla flavoured plant-based protein powder you like.
Creamy Eggnog Protein Smoothie Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 scoop vanilla vegan protein powder
- 1 tbsp of each: chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp hearts (optional)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- pinch of nutmeg
- pinch of salt
- 2 large pitted medjool dates (make sure they are large medjool)
- 3 ice cubes
- 1 heaping tbsp all natural peanut butter
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup plant milk (Coconut is my favourite)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients into a high powered blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Top with a dash of cinnamon and a cinnamon stick for garnish. Enjoy!
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Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion: Vegan Eggnog Protein Smoothie
In conclusion, this Vegan Eggnog Protein Smoothie is the perfect healthy holiday treat. With its sweet and creamy taste and the perfect blend of holiday spices, it’s a delicious alternative to traditional eggnog which contains eggs and dairy.
Not only is it a tasty treat, but it’s also packed with healthy ingredients and perfect for a breakfast option or snack. So, whether you’re looking for a vegan alternative to traditional eggnog or just a delicious and healthy smoothie, this recipe is sure to please. So, give it a try and enjoy the taste of the holiday season!
Love this recipe! So good I added extra peanut butter and was almost too thick lol. But tasted amazing!
Thank you so much! So glad you loved the flavour!
Wow! This Christmas smoothie is my new favourite!! And I’m going to use it all year! Thanks once again for this amazingly delicious recipe!
So glad you love this vegan smoothie! Thank you so much!
Such a nice flavor! So creamy and delicious! Thank you for sharing this vegan eggnog smoothie 😋
Hi Lisa! Thank you so much for your review and trying out my vegan smoothie recipe!
I make this smoothie all the time! Love it 😊
Thank you for the feedback, so happy you love it 😊
So delicious I didn’t have any protein powder so I just used the seeds (hemp flax and chia) and turned out delicious!! I did add 3 tablespoons of peanut 🥜 butter
Thanks so much Johanna!
I’m in love with this vegan smoothie! It’s the perfect balance of flavors and nutrients
Thank you so much Rebecca!
Just made this and the flavor is amazing! Love all the spices you added. I used a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top which was delicious.
thanks so much Jane!
This was delicious! My wife and I loved this recipe tastes like the holidays but healthy!
Thanks so much Mike! So happy you and your wife loved the recipe!
Very nice flavour and consistency, loved it. I also used freshly grated nutmeg which I feel makes a nice addition. Loved this vegan eggnog recipe. Thank you.
Thanks so much Johan, so happy you loved it!