Strawberry Shortcake Superfood Smoothie

I am SO happy that it is finally berry season! I usually inhale them all year long, but the unbelievable taste and the juiciness of summer berries is on all whole other level. Definitely worth the wait if you ask me.  

So is it any coincidence that one of my all-time favorite berry desserts happens to be strawberry shortcake? My boys too? Perhaps not. I just love how simple it is to put together, the flavors are perfectly balanced, and it’s light enough to satisfy my sweet tooth without being completely overwhelming. 

With that being said, I got a little curious about other ways to reinvent this dessert- and then it hit me. Blend it! I’m always drinking smoothies, and wreaking havoc on my blender by experimenting with recipes and ingredients… so why not give it a try?

I have to say that the results are incredible. This smoothie tastes just like a basic vanilla cake. The flavor is subtle, and the consistency is smooth. The baking soda gives it that familiar hint of salt that most cake batters have, and the cashews add a touch of heart-healthy fats. The beans help to round out all of the flavors, and boost this blended treat with extra protein and fiber. And can’t forget our Berry Bliss, which adds an energizing punch of B-12 and Vitamin C.

But the strawberries are definitely the star here, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I made a quick little topping by macerating the berries with some sweetener  and it literally set the entire thing over the edge. I could eat this ooey and gooey mixture on anything… and luckily, I have a little left over in the fridge to do just that!

Gather This:

… For the Smoothie

• 1 frozen banana
• 1 cup unsweetened vanilla nut milk
• ¼ cup cooked chickpeas
• 2 tablespoons soaked cashews
• 1 tablespoon Berry Bliss Superfood Protein + Blend
• 1 tablespoon Berry Bee Honey
• A pinch of vanilla powder (or ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract)
• ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
• ice

… For the Macerated Strawberry Topping

• ½ cup sliced fresh strawberries
• lemon
• stevia powder, or sweetener of choice  

Do This:

1. For the strawberry topping, and your sliced berries to a bowl, and sprinkle with stevia powder. A half teaspoon should be just fine, but you could always substitute a little honey, agave, or coconut sugar. Squeeze a few drops of lemon juice on top of the berries, and give them a good stir!

2. Let your berries sit for 10-15 minutes. They should soften, and begin to a create a natural “syrup”. Give the mixture a quick taste, and add more sweetener if needed.

3. For your smoothie base, add all ingredients into a blender, and pulse until everything is incorporated. Add extra ice or milk as needed!

4. Pour your smoothie into a tall glass. Mix in some fresh berries if you’d like, and pour the macerated berries on top. Sprinkle with a pinch of coconut sugar. Sip away!

How do you like to put your spin on the classics? Show us on Instagram and tag @philosophielove for a feature!

 Use the code SipOnSummer now through 6/17 to save 15% off Berry Bliss on thephilosophie.com!