Butter Pecan Smoothie

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

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

Close-up view of a Butter Pecan Smoothie.

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.

Overhead view of the ingredients piled into the blender.

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.

QUICK TIP

By the way, did you know dates are actually fresh, not dried fruit?!) If you’ve got some leftover dates, use them in these Granola Bars or Gluten-free Zucchini Muffins!

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!

Overhead view of the Butter Pecan Smoothie in the blender, processed until smooth.

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.)

View of the Butter Pecan Smoothie with a straw in it.

STORAGE

Storage

This Butter Pecan Smoothie is best enjoyed right after blending! It doesn’t sit, store, or re-freeze well. If you won’t consume the whole smoothie in one sitting, I recommend halving the recipe.

More Smoothie Recipes:

FOLLOW ALONG! Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for the latest updates, recipes and content.

Butter Pecan Smoothie

5 from 1 vote
This Butter Pecan Smoothie tastes like dessert in a cup! No one will be the wiser that we're sneaking VEGGIES into it!
Print Recipe

Butter Pecan Smoothie

5 from 1 vote
This Butter Pecan Smoothie tastes like dessert in a cup! No one will be the wiser that we're sneaking VEGGIES into it!
Course Breakfast, Snack, Vegetarian
Cuisine American, Healthy, Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword Butter Pecan Smoothie
Prep Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings 1 -2 smoothies
Calories 415kcal
Author Chelsea Lords

Equipment

  • High powered blender (Note 1)

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup frozen butternut squash
  • 1 cup frozen banana slices
  • 2 very large pitted dates coarsely chopped
  • 1/4 cup pecans
  • 1-1/2 cups milk (plant based or milk of choice)
  • 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Tiny pinch of salt, splash of vanilla extract

Instructions

  • NIGHT BEFORE: Peel the banana and slice it into coins. Place the coins in a sealed bag in the freezer. We want a solidly frozen banana! OR use already frozen banana coins.
  • SOAK DATES: 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.
  • BLEND: Add all the ingredients to a high-powered blender and blend until completely smooth; about 90-120 seconds. Give it a taste (Note 2) and then pour it into a cup (or two) and enjoy promptly!

Video

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Blender: You'll need a good, powerful blender (like Blendtec or Vitamix) to break down the pecans and dates. If you don't have one, I recommend soaking the pecans and dates first in boiling water for about 10 minutes. Drain well and cool before adding.
Note 2: Taste: If needed, add a little honey or maple syrup to sweeten this smoothie. I’ve found with a really good and ripe banana plus 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.)

Nutrition Facts

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

We do our best to provide accurate nutritional analysis for our recipes. Our nutritional data is calculated using a third-party algorithm and may vary, based on individual cooking styles, measurements, and ingredient sizes. Please use this information for comparison purposes and consult a health professional for nutrition guidance as needed.

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

I love hearing from you when you've made one of my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @ChelseasMessyApron or leave me a comment below.

More Recipes You'll Love

Acai Bowl (4 Delicious Recipes!)

10 mins

Acai Bowl (4 Delicious Recipes!)

Click the Bookmark Icon to Add to Your Favories

Banana Smoothie

5 mins

Banana Smoothie

Click the Bookmark Icon to Add to Your Favories

Caribbean Passion Smoothie (Jamba Copycat!)

10 mins

Caribbean Passion Smoothie (Jamba Copycat!)

Click the Bookmark Icon to Add to Your Favories

Cauliflower Smoothie

10 mins

Cauliflower Smoothie

Click the Bookmark Icon to Add to Your Favories

FREE BONUS

FREE BONUS

EASY MEAL SECRETS:
How to Make Mealtime Hassle Free!

5 secrets to easy, fast and delicious dinners.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Leave a Comment:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




2 Comments

Never Miss a Recipe

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.