Juicy strawberries and soft banana blend with crisp apple in this Strawberry Banana and Apple Smoothie for a cool, creamy drink that feels refreshing.
I won’t lie, my kids, especially my 5-year-old daughter, don’t like fruits. Yes, I know what you are thinking. You are a food blogger, and you can’t get your own kids to eat their fruits? Sort of.
But I am working on it. Smoothies are a great way to get my fussy little ones to have their daily intake of fruits and veggies, sometimes too. So I have been making more of these lately.
I make them with whatever I have handy, and they always turn out pretty yummy. This specific one was really successful. I was asked to make it again, so I wrote down the recipe because I don’t want to forget how to make a winner. Then I thought of sharing it with you all.
I promise it is great even for adults. Delicious and healthy, especially since it uses maple syrup instead of sugar. You could potentially skip this if your fruits are very sweet. Enjoy!
Why Kids Love This Apple and Strawberry Smoothie
- Works as a quick breakfast or an easy afternoon pick-me-up when something light yet satisfying is needed.
- Adapts easily to what is already in the fruit bowl, making it flexible and convenient.
- Helps kids discover fruit in a way that feels exciting and enjoyable every day.
Key Ingredients for Strawberry, Banana and Apple Smoothie
Strawberries
Strawberries provide bright fruit flavour and give the smoothie its soft pink colour. Choose ripe, deep red berries for the best taste, as underripe strawberries can make the smoothie slightly tart.
Banana
Thickens the smoothie and adds gentle sweetness. Use a ripe banana with brown speckles on the peel, as it blends more smoothly and gives a naturally sweeter flavour.
Apple
Apple adds a light crisp note that balances the sweetness of the banana. Mild varieties such as Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady work well because they blend easily and keep the flavour fresh.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup adds gentle sweetness with a mild caramel flavour. Start with a small spoonful, as ripe fruit already provides natural sweetness and often needs only a light addition.
Find the complete list with measurements in the recipe card below.
How to Make a Strawberry, Banana, and Apple Smoothie
Step 1: Put all the ingredients into an electric mixer and blend until smooth.
Step 2: Pour into 2 glasses and serve cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mild and slightly sweet apples such as Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady blend well and balance the banana without making the smoothie too tart.
Peeling helps create a smoother texture, especially if using a standard home blender. If using a high-powered blender, the peel can be left on for extra fibre.
A blender is recommended for the smoothest texture. Without one, the fruit would need to be mashed very finely, but the result may not be as creamy.
You can replace or combine the strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or mango for a different flavour. Pear also works well in place of apple, as it blends smoothly and keeps the texture soft.
Extra Help from the Kitchen
Balance Sweetness with Apple Choice – If the smoothie tastes slightly too sweet, choose a mildly tart apple such as Pink Lady or Braeburn next time. The gentle acidity helps balance the banana and strawberries.
Chill the Fruit Before Blending – Refrigerating the fruit beforehand helps the smoothie stay naturally cold without needing ice. This keeps the flavour concentrated and prevents dilution.
Blend Liquids First for Smoother Results – Pour the milk into the blender before adding the fruit. The blades move more freely when liquid sits at the bottom, which helps the ingredients blend evenly.
Adjust Thickness Easily – If the smoothie becomes thicker than expected, blend in a small splash of milk until the texture loosens slightly. Smoothies should pour easily but still feel creamy.
Serve in Chilled Glasses – Place the glasses in the refrigerator for a few minutes before serving. Cold glasses help the smoothie stay refreshing for longer once poured.
Variations and Twists
Blend in Greek Yoghurt – Stir Greek yoghurt into the blender for a thicker smoothie with a gentle tang. Reduce the milk slightly so the drink remains smooth and easy to pour.
Swap Fresh Fruit for Frozen – Replace part of the strawberries or banana with frozen fruit as a simple substitution to create a colder smoothie with a thicker consistency. Frozen fruit also works well when strawberries are not at their peak.
Fold Spinach into the Blend – Drop a small handful of fresh spinach into the blender with the fruit. It blends smoothly and adds nutrients while the fruit flavour remains dominant.
Switch to Plant-Based Milk – Replace regular milk with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free smoothie. Both options blend easily with the fruit and keep the texture light.
Stir in Chia Seeds – Mix chia seeds into the smoothie before blending to add fibre and a slightly thicker texture. Let the smoothie rest briefly so the seeds can absorb some liquid.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store the smoothie in an airtight glass jar or bottle in the refrigerator if it is not served immediately. It keeps well for up to 24 hours for the best flavour and texture. Slight separation may occur during storage, which is normal, so give it a quick stir or shake before drinking.
Freezing is possible, though the texture may change slightly after thawing. Use a freezer-safe airtight container and leave a little space for expansion.
Thaw the smoothie in the refrigerator and blend briefly before serving to restore a smoother texture.
Creamy and Refreshing Fruit Smoothie Ideas
Strawberry, Banana and Apple Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 large strawberries – hulled
- 1 ripe banana
- ½ apple – peeled and cored
- 1 tbsp maple syrup – to taste
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 400 ml – 1 ¾ cups milk
Instructions
- Put all the ingredients into an electric mixer and blend until smooth.
- Pour into 2 glasses and serve cold.
was great even with out the maple
Thank you
Will make this smoothie as a light start to the day…love the white pitchers (?). Any information…would love to purchase a couple. Looking forward to sunrise!
The good thing is the kids will outgrow all that. Sometimes a texture or a flavor is too intense and as they grow they’ll change. The best thing to do is ask them to take just one bite. I never forced my kids but I did ask that they taste. Over time it grows on them.
I love your smoothie though!
Smoothies are a great way to get kids to eat fruit. The other way is to freeze the fruit, especially bananas and other starchy fruits, and then process them into ice cream. My son didn’t know for years that I was feeding him nothing but a banana when I gave him ice cream. LOL.