Vegan Carrot Cake Smoothie w/ Coconut Whipped Cream

I’ve been so busy working lately I haven’t shared a recipe in forever! This healthy and delicious smoothie will make up for it!

*Warning* 
This tastes more like a decadent dessert than a nutritious way to start the day.
​The natural sweetness of the orange and carrots are balanced by a trio of complementary spices, while a spoonful of homemade coconut whipped cream serves as the perfect finishing touch.

Tip: For best results, use coconut milk that does not contain guar gum to make the whipped cream. Scroll to see the simple receipe.

Prep time: 10 minutes     
Serves: 2

Coconut Whipped Cream Ingredients:
1 13.5-oz. can full fat coconut milk, chilled
1 tablespoon organic maple syrup (optional)
1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)

Smoothie Ingredients:
1 cup coconut milk
1 large ripe banana, peeled, cut into chunks and frozen
2 large stalks celery, roughly chopped
1 large orange, peeled
4 large carrots, roughly chopped
¾ teaspoon cinnamon
¾ teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
4-6 ice cubes

Optional Garnish:
Ground cinnamon
Finely chopped walnuts

Directions:

1. Chill full fat coconut milk in refrigerator for several hours or overnight. To prepare, remove can from refrigerator without shaking or turning and remove lid. Scoop out the solidified “cream” from the top of the can and transfer to a mixing bowl. Reserve remaining liquid coconut milk to use in smoothie.
2. Add maple syrup and orange zest, if desired, to mixing bowl or food processor and blend until light and airy. Allow coconut cream to warm up slightly before blending if lumps persist. Cover and place bowl in refrigerator until ready to use.
3. Add the coconut milk and frozen banana to a high-speed blunderer food processor  and blend until smooth, around 30 seconds.
4. Add celery, orange, carrots, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and ice cubes. Blend on high speed until completely combined and creamy, scraping down sides often; approximately 1-2 minutes.
5. Pour into glasses and top with a scoop of coconut whipped cream. Garnish with a dash of cinnamon or finely chopped walnuts, if desired, and serve immediately.
6. Enjoy!​

Yummy, vegan and delish!

Makes a wonderful breakfast for two! ​​

See you at the airport~