Coconut Key Lime Pie Smoothie
This vibrant Coconut Key Lime Pie Smoothie captures the beloved flavors of the classic dessert in a refreshing, healthy sip. It's a creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet treat that feels indulgent yet is secretly packed with wholesome ingredients like banana and spinach. Enjoy this delightful smoothie for breakfast, a snack, or a guilt-free dessert that transports your taste buds to a tropical paradise.
Prep Time
7 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Total Time
7 minutes
Servings
1 serving, easily doubled for 2
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Captures the classic Key Lime Pie flavor in a refreshing, sippable form.
- Packed with nutrients from banana and hidden spinach, making it a surprisingly healthy treat.
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy mornings or a fast snack.
- Offers a creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet profile that satisfies dessert cravings without the guilt.
- Easily customizable for dietary needs, especially dairy-free options.
Ingredients
- 1 large (approximately 150g) frozen ripe banana, sliced
- Zest from 1 small lime or key lime (approximately 5g)
- 30 ml (2 tablespoons) fresh lime or key lime juice
- 120 ml (½ cup) vanilla or coconut Greek yogurt (use coconut-based yogurt to keep it dairy-free!)
- 120 ml (½ cup) light coconut milk (or milk of choice)
- 30g (1/2 cup packed) fresh spinach
- 2.5 ml (½ teaspoon) vanilla extract
- Optional: 5-10 ml (1-2 teaspoons) maple syrup or honey, to sweeten if necessary
- For serving:
- 1 extra lime wedge, for rimming glass
- 30g (approximately 2 tablespoons) graham cracker crumbs
- 30g (approximately 2 tablespoons) whipped cream
- 5g (approximately 1 teaspoon) shredded toasted coconut
Instructions
- Prepare your serving glass by adding graham cracker crumbs to a small, flat plate. Take an extra lime wedge and run it around the rim of your chosen glass to moisten it. Carefully dip the wetted rim into the graham cracker crumbs, gently rolling it from side to side until it is evenly and well coated. This creates a delightful crust effect.
- Carefully add all the main smoothie ingredients to the pitcher of a high-powered blender. This includes the large frozen banana slices, the fragrant lime zest, the tangy fresh lime juice, the creamy vanilla or coconut Greek yogurt, the light coconut milk, the fresh spinach, and the aromatic vanilla extract.
- Secure the blender lid and blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, with no visible spinach pieces remaining. If the smoothie appears too thick for your preference, gradually add more coconut milk, 15 ml (1 tablespoon) at a time, blending after each addition until the desired consistency is achieved. Taste the smoothie and, if you prefer a sweeter profile, add 5-10 ml (1-2 teaspoons) of maple syrup or honey. Often, if you use vanilla yogurt, additional sweetener isn't needed.
- Once the smoothie reaches your ideal texture and sweetness, carefully pour it into the graham cracker-rimmed glass. Finish this delightful treat by generously topping it with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of shredded toasted coconut for an extra layer of flavor and presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tools You’ll Need
- High-powered blender
- Measuring cups and spoons (or kitchen scale)
- Small plate for rimming glass
- Microplane or zester (for lime zest)
- Citrus juicer (optional, for lime juice)
- Serving glass
Essential Success Tips
- Always use a frozen banana for the best creamy, thick smoothie texture without needing ice, which can dilute flavor and texture.
- Don't skip the lime zest; it provides an incredible burst of aromatic lime flavor that juice alone cannot replicate, contributing significantly to the 'pie' essence.
- Blend until completely smooth, especially to ensure the spinach is fully incorporated and undetectable, ensuring a perfectly creamy texture.
- Taste as you go: The sweetness level can vary based on your yogurt choice and banana ripeness, so adjust sweeteners accordingly for your perfect balance.
- For the best rim, ensure the lime juice is applied evenly, then press the glass firmly into the crumbs without twisting too much to create a robust crust.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To achieve restaurant-quality froth, blend on high for an extra 15-20 seconds after the smoothie is already smooth, incorporating more air for a luxurious, light texture.
- For a deeper 'pie crust' flavor within the smoothie itself, consider adding 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger or a tiny pinch of cinnamon to the blend before mixing.
- Pre-portion and freeze fresh spinach and banana together in individual freezer bags for ultra-fast smoothie prep, making healthy eating effortless on busy mornings.
Notes
- For a strictly dairy-free version, be sure to use a coconut-based Greek yogurt alternative. Many brands offer excellent options that maintain the creamy texture.
- This recipe is designed for a single serving, but it effortlessly scales up; simply double all ingredients to create two equally delicious and satisfying smoothies.
- If your vanilla yogurt is already quite sweet, you may find that no additional maple syrup or honey is needed, allowing the natural fruit and vibrant lime flavors to truly shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh banana instead of frozen?
While you can use a fresh banana, a frozen banana is highly recommended. It contributes significantly to the smoothie's thick, creamy texture and cold temperature without diluting the flavor with ice, which can make it watery.
Will I taste the spinach in this smoothie?
No, you shouldn't! When blended thoroughly with the strong, vibrant flavors of lime and coconut, the spinach is completely masked, providing a boost of nutrients without altering the taste or texture in the slightest.
How can I make this smoothie thicker or thinner?
For a thicker smoothie, reduce the initial amount of coconut milk or add a few additional ice cubes (though frozen banana is preferred for creaminess). For a thinner consistency, simply add more coconut milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired pourable consistency.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 380, Protein: 15g, Fat: 12g, Carbs: 55g, Fiber: 7g (Estimated per serving, may vary based on exact brands and quantities of ingredients)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (if using dairy Greek yogurt) and gluten (from graham cracker crumbs). For a dairy-free version, use coconut-based Greek yogurt. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the rim, or simply omit the rim altogether.
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