“Cake for Breakfast” Green Smoothie

Most days, I crave savory things for breakfast. My ideas about what “breakfast” actually is are also blurred, so sometimes I’ll eat dinner leftovers, a random assortment of veggies and cheeses and toast, or (if I’m hungover) I’ll eat pickles. However, on the off chance I’m craving something sweet, I almost always turn to a smoothie.

With the weather warming up, smoothies are a no-brainer. This green smoothie is perfect when your cravings say “dessert” but your brain tells you “healthy.” It combines two varieties of greens, collagen peptides as your protein source, a little fruit, and a lot of flavor.

You can make this smoothie your own by swapping the kinds of greens you use. Don’t have spinach and lettuce? Use kale or chard! Don’t have strawberries? Any berry will do. You can also feel free to substitute the collagen for any protein you have, preferably keeping it unflavored or vanilla flavored. If you do use a flavored protein, you will likely not need the maple syrup that is listed in the recipe, as most flavored proteins are already flavored. The only thing you can’t skip out on is the almond and vanilla extract. Those two pack a flavorful punch that really gives this smoothie the “vanilla cake” vibes you’re looking for.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts below in the comments or at my post on Instagram. Share your photos and don’t forget to tag me @theardentcook on Instagram!

Ingredients

1 cup strawberries

½ of a very ripe banana

1 cup baby spinach, tightly packed

½ cup green leaf lettuce, tightly packed

1 tsp-1 tbsp pure maple syrup

1 scoop unflavored collagen peptides

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

½ tsp almond extract 

½ tsp vanilla extract

⅛ cup birthday cake granola, such as Safe and Fair, for serving

Sprinkles, for serving 

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients except granola and sprinkles in a blender. Blend on high until smooth. If more liquid is needed to achieve a smooth consistency, feel free to add additional almond milk or water.
2. Pour smoothie into a cup and top with granola and sprinkles. Enjoy!