They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and I couldn’t agree more! Especially in January when we’re all looking to reset after the holidays. Smoothies are the ultimate breakfast of champs. They set the tone for the morning and fill us up on vital vitamins and nutrients necessary for healthy start!
My personal favorite way to make smoothies is with a combination of yogurt, fresh fruits and protein powder. Normally I just dump all the ingredients into the blender, cause I’m in a rush in the morning as I’m sure you are too! But when I have extra time on my hands, and I’m feeling fancy, I like deconstructing the layers of each blend.
HOW TO LAYER SMOOTHIES
So what’s the secret to creating gorgeous smoothie layers every time? The answer, is simple, the freezer! There’s a strategic method to the layered smoothie technique. Each smoothie layer is placed in the freezer for roughly 15 minutes to set, with the heaviest of the layers on the bottom. Then once the bottom layer has set, add the second layer, place it back i the freezer for 15 minutes, then add the third layer on top.
Pretty simple right?!
What I enjoy most about the layered smoothie technique is the versatility. You can literally create any blend of smoothies under the sun in any variety of colors and flavors you dream up! Kids love to help with this too!
Since Valentine’s day is right around the corner, today’s layered smoothie is inspired by the hearts holiday, in a berry ombre!
LAYERED BERRY SMOOTHIES
This smoothie recipe features frozen berries, plant-based protein powder and cashew yogurt, blended together to create the ultimate Hearts day breakfast treat, complete with a frozen smoothie heart on top! The smoothie is also vegan and gluten-free and a healthy breakfast/brunch option for all.
The first layer is made simply with cashew yogurt. This is the heaviest layer so it goes on the bottom.
The second layer is frozen strawberries, plant-based protein powder and cashew milk.
The third layer is a blend of frozen berries, banana and cashew milk.
To be extra,( cause I’m good at that sometimes,) I filled a heart chocolate mold with the smoothie leftovers and popped them in the freezer to garnish each of the layered smoothies.
Fruity, festive, fancy and a tad bit sweet!
Fresh berries, plant based protein powder and vegan yogurt blended together to create fancy layered breakfast smoothies.
Ingredients
- Layer #1:
- 1 container of vanilla vegan yogurt (I love using cashew)
- Layer #2:
- 1 1/4 cups frozen strawberries
- 1/2 cup cashew or vegan milk
- 1 scoop plant based protein powder
- Layer #3:
- 1 1/2 cups frozen mixed berries
- 1/2 cup cashew or vegan milk
- 1/3 of a banana
- Fresh or frozen fruit for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- For layer 1:
- Evenly pour or spoon the vegan yogurt into the bottom of 2 glasses, being careful not to get any on the sides of the glass.
- Transfer to the freezer for 10-15 minutes to set.
- For layer 2:
- Blend frozen strawberries, cashew milk and protein powder together while layer 1 is in the freezer.
- Once layer 1 has set, evenly spoon or pour strawberry blend on top of the set yogurt. It should be a similar height as layer 1, for visual appeal.
- Transfer to the freezer for 10-15 minutes to set.
- For layer 3:
- Blend frozen berries, cashew milk and banana together while layer 2 is in the freezer.
- Once layer 2 has set, evenly spoon or pour berry blend on top of the set strawberry blend. It should be a similar height as layer 2, for visual appeal.
- Transfer back to the freezer for 5 minutes to set, and then serve immediately!
- Repeat these steps for each smoothie made.
- Leftover blended smoothies can be poured into molds and frozen for a fun garnish on top!
- Also garnish with fresh or frozen fruit!
Serve the layered smoothies for brunch or breakfast! The smoothies also make a chic Valentine’s or Galentine’s treat option since they’re allergy friendly.
If the layered look is not your thing, that’s okay too! Just blend all the ingredients together and enjoy post workout, or as an on the go pick me up!
Cheers and have a great rest of the week!
Layered Berry Smoothies was seen first on Posh Little Designs. All Rights Reserved. 2019
