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Today I’m giving you a Red Velvet Smoothie recipe loaded with rich chocolate flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, it’s got a velvety texture that you want in a creamy dessert. Where does it get that lovely red color, you ask? Why a little bit of beet! (Don’t worry, you can’t even taste it.)
This luscious red smoothie satisfies my sweet tooth, gives me natural energy and provides a festive treat to share with a loved one.
Don’t let the spinach fool you. If you’re looking for a dessert smoothie, then this is a winner!
Table of Contents
Red Velvet Smoothie Recipe
I like blending my smoothies in two steps for the smoothest result:
First, blend spinach and coconut milk (canned or carton, your choice) until smooth. If you’re not using a high-speed blender, then whip the canned coconut milk before adding to the blender to stir the fat into the liquid.
Then add the strawberries (frozen), Medjool dates, beet, cacao powder and vanilla extract to the blender. Blend until smooth.
If you’re serving this as a dessert, feel free to add a dollop of coconut whipped cream to the top and turn it into a festive shake.
Tips for the Best Blend
To ensure the Medjool dates are thoroughly blended, let your blender run on medium speed for a bit, then slowly increase to high. If you’re using a non-high-powered blender, swap the dates with maple syrup for an easier blend.
Canned coconut milk (full-fat or light) gives you a milkshake texture. The beet adds the iconic deep red velvet color. You can also swap it with beet powder.
Using frozen strawberries ensures a refreshingly cool red velvet smoothie, or you can refrigerate before serving (give it a good shake).
Sweetener Swaps for Dessert Smoothies
I love the caramel flavor of Medjool dates, but you could use several natural sweeteners for this low-sugar red smoothie. Here are a few more options:
- Maple Syrup– Use two tablespoons of maple syrup to replace two dates. Maple syrup is a great swap if you’re not using a high-powered blender.
- Date syrup– This newer sweetener is a great option too! Start with one tablespoon, then add more to taste.
- Banana– 1/4 a banana (fresh or frozen) can add creaminess along with sweetness. It’s a great swap if you’re using carton coconut milk.
Red Velvet Smoothie FAQs
It depends on the texture you want. Canned coconut milk gives a thicker, creamier texture. Carton coconut milk is much thinner and offers a tropical taste when paired with other tropical fruits like pineapple and dragon fruit.
I recommend unsweetened cocoa or cacao in smoothies. Both are great options with a slightly different taste. It’s up to you to determine which you like better. Just make sure they are unsweetened; no need to add in extra sugar.
Blend spinach and coconut milk until smooth. Add strawberries, Medjool dates, beet, cacao powder and vanilla extra to the blender and blend again until smooth. Pour into a fancy glass and enjoy!
More Dessert Smoothies
If you’re craving a smoothie and have a sweet tooth, try blending one of these decadent recipes. Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or an easy dessert.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie
- Banana Smoothie
- Coconut Joy Smoothie Bowl
- Pineapple Smoothie
- Caramel Shake
- Strawberry Blueberry Smoothie
- Raspberry Smoothie
- Strawberry Vegan Milkshake
- Shamrock Shake
- Cinnamon Date Smoothie
- Maple Apple Smoothie Bowl
- Vanilla Fig Smoothie
Who knew plants could be so delicious? Which one of these do you want to blend first? Don’t forget to try this Red Velvet Smoothie recipe as well, then leave a rating to let me know what you think. It truly is like cake in a cup!
Red Velvet Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup strawberries frozen
- 2 medjool dates pitted
- 2 tbsp beet raw or cooked
- 1 tbsp cacao powder
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Blend spinach and coconut milk until smooth.
- Add remaining ingredients, and blend until smooth.
- Top with a dollop of coconut whipped cream, if desired.
Equipment
Notes
- Use frozen fruit to make smoothie cold.
- Swap spinach for the leafy greens of your choice.
- Swap Medjool date with the natural sweetener of your choice (maple syrup, honey, etc.)
- Use canned coconut milk for a richer, creamier smoothie.
- Use carton coconut milk for a lighter smoothie.
- Unsweetened cacao powder can be swapped with unsweetened cocoa powder.
Looks delicious. Can’t wait to try.
Hi Nancy! Did you give this one a try?!
Delish! A smoothie my husband would love with spinach and beets in it – (he’d never guess!) I substituted dates with maple syrup since I didn’t have them on hand. Soooo tasty!
Great substitute for dates, CJ!
So excited to give this one a try!! Looooove red velvet everything <3
Gonna be like your fav red velvet cake in a glass, Isabel. Enjoy!
THE sugar an carbs. HEALTHY how
Fantastic question Kenneth! The carbs and sugar here are from natural resources rather than refined ones. Also, the fruit in this smoothie not only sweetens naturally, but has a boatload of fiber – as do the beets. Fiber naturally slows your body’s absorption of the sugar, so you don’t end up with a big ol’ sugar high. Plus this smoothie looks red, but it has our trademark green hidden in there with the spinach. To reduce the amount of sugar, feel free to flip the serving amounts of fruit and greens – so 1 cup fruit to 1.5 cups greens instead. Give a blend and let us know what you think!
I am definitely making this for my husband – he is a red velvet fanatic!! If he can have something that’s red velvet flavored AND healthy, it’s a win-win!
Yay Cassie! Sounds like a wifey win!
I love this recipe! Right now, I don’t have coconut milk, what can I use instead?
My preference is oat milk (I think it’s the creamiest of all the plant-based milk options). But you can, also, use almond or cashew milk!
Or water!
Really any plant milk would do in a pinch. Personally, we’d love some oat milk in this case. That would make it creamy in the way coconut milk would. Happy blending, Kelly!
This smoothie looks like a treat I wanna make my hubby for Valentines Day! Can’t wait to try it!
He’s gonna love it, Marie!
I didn’t use the beets, so mine didn’t turn so red BUT it did taste delicious. Do the beets chance the taste or just make the color more vibrant?
Great question, Dani! The beets will give a little bit more of an earthy flavor to this sweet smoothie. Give it a try and let us know what you think!
I love this idea for a healthy dessert! Definitely adding the coconut whipped cream to mine.
So glad you’re gonna give it a blend, Erin! 🙂
Yumm! I made this red velvet smoothie for my hubby and I for Valentine’s day before we went on a 3 mile walk! Delicious!!
Nutritious and delicious
We agree! Thanks John!
Wonderfully tasting smoothie !!
Very velvety! Yum! The cacao seemed somewhat overwhelming. I wasn’t expecting that much. But it was all good!
This one is SO GOOD.
This is an amazing smoothie….addictive.
Dieta, I completely agree! Love this one.