Name: Orange Cranberry Smoothie (Vegan) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups non-dairy milk; ¼ cup orange juice; ½ teaspoon orange zest (optional); ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract; tiny pinch of salt; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 large orange, peeled and frozen in segments; 1 large ripe pear, cored, chopped and frozen; 5 tablespoons cranberry sauce; ¼ cup rolled oats; 1 scoop vanilla vegan protein powder (optional); 1 tablespoon almond butter

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 15 reviews

If you’re looking to brighten your day with a burst of refreshing flavors and cozy spices, the Orange Cranberry Smoothie (Vegan) Recipe is just the treat you need. This vibrant smoothie combines the zesty brightness of orange with the tart sweetness of cranberry, all balanced by warming spices and creamy almond butter. It’s a wholesome, naturally vegan blend that feels like a hug in a glass, perfect for breakfast, a midday pick-me-up, or whenever you want a delicious and nutritious boost.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two layers of fruit pieces arranged on a light beige surface. The top layer has a row of bright orange segments neatly aligned horizontally, with their textured, slightly shiny surfaces visible. The bottom layer features irregularly shaped chunks of pear with light cream flesh and light brown skin, scattered loosely below the orange segments. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this smoothie lies in its thoughtful, vibrant ingredients that are both easy to find and perfectly complement each other. Each component plays a special role—from adding creaminess and sweetness to layering in that warmly spiced note and a refreshing citrus zing.

Non-dairy milk (1 ¼ cups): A creamy base that keeps this smoothie vegan and smooth in texture.
Orange zest (½ teaspoon, optional): Adds an extra pop of citrus aroma and bright flavor.
Orange juice (¼ cup): Brings fresh, natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Warms the flavor profile with a subtle spice boost.
Ground ginger (¼ teaspoon): Gives a gentle zing that livens up the palate.
Ground nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Adds depth and a cozy aroma that complements the other spices.
Rolled oats (¼ cup): Provides natural thickness and a satisfying texture.
Vanilla vegan protein powder (1 scoop, optional): Offers extra creaminess and a protein punch to keep you energized.
Cranberry sauce (5 tablespoons): Infuses tart sweetness and that signature cranberry tang.
Almond butter (1 tablespoon): Adds richness, healthy fats, and a subtle nutty flavor.
Vanilla extract (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with its sweet and fragrant essence.
Tiny pinch of salt: Balances the sweet and tart flavors perfectly.
Frozen orange segments (1 large orange): Cools the smoothie and packs in fresh citrus brightness.
Frozen ripe pear (1 large, chopped): Naturally sweetens and thickens the smoothie.

How to Make Orange Cranberry Smoothie (Vegan) Recipe

Step 1: Gather and prepare your ingredients

Before blending, make sure your orange and pear are peeled, cored, chopped, and frozen—this is key for that chilled, creamy texture without using ice cubes that can water down the flavor.

Step 2: Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender

Pour in the non-dairy milk, add the optional orange zest, and sprinkle in the cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Then toss in the rolled oats, protein powder if you want a boost, cranberry sauce, almond butter, vanilla extract, and a tiny pinch of salt. Finally, add your frozen orange segments and chopped pear on top.

Step 3: Blend until smooth

Secure the lid and blend on high speed for about one minute. You’ll see the ingredients whirl together into a luscious, smooth, and surprisingly thick smoothie. It should be perfectly creamy and packed with a bright, harmonious flavor.

Step 4: Pour and enjoy immediately

Serve your smoothie fresh to enjoy the full brightness of flavors and the ideal creamy texture that this Orange Cranberry Smoothie (Vegan) Recipe delivers.

How to Serve Orange Cranberry Smoothie (Vegan) Recipe

The image shows a clear glass filled with a two-layered smoothie placed on a rustic wooden surface. The bottom layer is creamy beige with small dark specks, and the top layer is a deep red, slightly blended into the layer below, creating a marbled effect. There is a thin, bright orange slice garnishing the rim of the glass. Another similar glass is partially visible in the background, along with two cinnamon sticks lying on the wooden surface and a halved orange to the right. The background has a soft, neutral tone, and the visible surface is changed into white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your smoothie’s presentation, try topping it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few fresh cranberries for a burst of color. A small dollop of almond butter on top can also add a pretty, rustic touch and extra flavor complexity.

Side Dishes

This smoothie pairs wonderfully with light, healthy sides such as vegan granola, fresh fruit slices, or a crunchy seed and nut bar. It works beautifully as part of a vibrant brunch or a wholesome snack tray.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Orange Cranberry Smoothie (Vegan) Recipe in clear glass jars or elegant tumblers to showcase its beautiful color. Add fun reusable straws or a twig of fresh mint to make sipping feel special. For gatherings, consider layering with coconut yogurt for pretty parfait-style treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to make extra, store the smoothie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a good stir or shake before drinking since some separation is normal.

Freezing

This smoothie freezes well in individual portions, making it easy to grab a nourishing snack on busy days. Thaw overnight in the fridge or blend it briefly again after thawing to restore that silky texture.

Reheating

Since this smoothie is best served cold and fresh, reheating isn’t recommended. However, if you prefer a warmer drink, gently heat only a small portion and stir well, but be aware it will change the texture and flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I use fresh fruit instead of frozen?

You can, but frozen fruit helps achieve that thick, chilled smoothie texture without diluting the flavor like ice cubes would. If using fresh fruit, consider adding a handful of ice or freezing the fruit beforehand.

Is this Orange Cranberry Smoothie (Vegan) Recipe suitable for kids?

Absolutely! It’s naturally sweet, packed with nutrients, and free from dairy or added sugars, making it a great choice for children.

What can I substitute for the almond butter?

Feel free to swap almond butter for any other nut or seed butter like cashew, peanut, or sunflower seed butter depending on your taste or allergy needs.

Can I make this smoothie without protein powder?

Yes, the recipe works wonderfully without protein powder. It will be just a bit lighter but still filling and flavorful.

How thick is this smoothie?

This Orange Cranberry Smoothie (Vegan) Recipe strikes a perfect balance—not too thick nor too thin—thanks to the combination of oats and frozen fruit. You can adjust the milk amount slightly for your preferred consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Cranberry Smoothie (Vegan) Recipe is truly a delightful way to add brightness and comfort to your day, with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for that perfect blend of citrus, spice, and creamy goodness. Go ahead and blend up a batch—you deserve something this delicious and nourishing in your life!