If you’re in the mood for something bright, cozy, and nourishing all at once, this Cranberry Orange Smoothie Recipe is just the ticket. It’s packed with zesty citrus, warming spices, and creamy goodness that’ll liven up your mornings or power up your afternoon snack.

Two layered drinks in clear glasses sit on a wooden surface with cinnamon sticks and an orange half nearby. The bottom layer is a creamy beige color with small dark specks, and the top layer is a thick bright red poured unevenly over the beige part, creating a swirling effect. One glass is garnished with a slice of orange on the rim. The background is plain and blurry. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Orange Smoothie Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Smoothie Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Orange Smoothie Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of this smoothie when the seasons change. It’s like a refreshing wake-up call with all the flavors of fall and a hint of bright citrus sunshine. Plus, it blends up in just minutes, making it a go-to when you need fuel—fast.

Balanced Flavor: Tart cranberry and sweet frozen orange create a naturally delicious combo.
Nutritious & Filling: Rolled oats and optional vegan protein mean this smoothie keeps you full longer.
Dairy-Free & Vegan: Made with non-dairy milk for a creamy texture that suits many diets.
Customizable & Convenient: Swap spices or nut butters easily to match your taste preferences.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you blend, let’s talk about the magic behind the ingredients. Choosing ripe fruit and good-quality non-dairy milk really makes a difference, and a couple of pantry spices add cozy warmth to every sip.

Flat lay of a peeled and segmented large orange frozen and glistening, a ripe large pear chopped and frozen with frosty edges, a small white bowl of creamy non-dairy milk, a small white bowl filled with bright orange juice, a small white bowl containing deep red cranberry sauce, a small white bowl holding smooth almond butter, a small white bowl with rolled oats, a small white bowl with finely ground cinnamon, a small white bowl with ground ginger, a small white bowl with ground nutmeg, a small white bowl with tiny pinch of salt, a single scoop of pale vanilla vegan protein powder on a white ceramic dish, and a small white bowl with a touch of orange zest—all arranged in perfect symmetry and natural proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Non-dairy milk: I like almond or oat milk for creaminess without dairy, but pick your favorite plant-based milk.
Orange juice: Adds natural sweetness and brightens the smoothie vibrantly.
Orange zest (optional): A little extra citrus punch if you want to dial up the orange flavor.
Ground cinnamon: Brings a warm, comforting spice note that pairs perfectly with cranberry.
Ground ginger: Adds gentle spice and a touch of zing.
Ground nutmeg: Deepens the overall flavor with subtle earthiness.
Rolled oats: Adds fiber and thickness, creating a smoothie that’s satisfying and smooth.
Vegan protein powder (optional): A boost for plant-based protein, great if you need a more filling breakfast or snack.
Cranberry sauce: Tart and sweet, this gives the smoothie its signature cranberry flavor.
Almond butter: Adds creaminess plus healthy fats and a mild nutty flavor—you can switch it up with peanut or sunflower seed butter.
Vanilla extract: Just a hint of sweetness and aroma to round out the flavors.
Tiny pinch of salt: Helps all the flavors pop.
Frozen orange segments: Using frozen fruit keeps your smoothie chilled and thick without watering it down.
Frozen chopped pear: Adds natural sweetness and a silky texture when blended.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Cranberry Orange Smoothie Recipe is wonderfully versatile, inviting you to tweak it based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences. Whether you want to boost the protein, adjust the spices, or swap out nut butters, it’s all about making it your own delicious creation!

Protein Boost: I love adding a scoop of vanilla vegan protein powder when I need a more filling breakfast smoothie—it keeps me energized through the morning.
Nut Butter Swap: Sometimes I swap almond butter for peanut or sunflower seed butter, which gives a slightly different flavor and suits friends with nut allergies.
Spice it Up or Down: If you prefer a more pronounced spice flavor, try increasing the cinnamon and ginger slightly. For a gentler taste, reduce them to half.
Sweetness Level: Adding a teaspoon of maple syrup kicks it up a notch. I usually skip if I want a tart, refreshing vibe, but it’s lovely for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Milk Choices: I’ve tried oat, almond, and soy milk—all great! Pick whichever non-dairy milk you like or have readily available.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Orange Smoothie Recipe

The image shows a clear glass filled with a creamy drink that has two visible layers: a red berry-like layer on the bottom and a light beige creamy layer on top with some red streaks blending in. The top layer is sprinkled with a light dusting of cinnamon powder. An orange slice is placed on the rim of the glass as a garnish. In the background, there is a blurred glass with a similar drink and two cinnamon sticks laying flat on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Freeze Your Fresh Fruit

Start by peeling your large orange and separating it into segments. Pop those segments in the freezer. Then core and chop your ripe pear, and freeze those pieces as well. Freezing your fruit ahead of time makes the smoothie beautifully chilled and thick without needing to add ice, which can water it down.

Step 2: Load Up the Blender

Grab your high-speed blender and add 1 ¼ cups of your favorite non-dairy milk, the optional ½ teaspoon of orange zest if you’re using it, and ¼ cup of fresh orange juice. Next, sprinkle in the warming spices: ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ginger, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg. Toss in ¼ cup rolled oats, and if you want extra protein, add 1 scoop of vanilla vegan protein powder. Now for the star flavors—5 tablespoons cranberry sauce and 1 tablespoon almond butter—plus ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract and a tiny pinch of salt. Finally, add the frozen orange segments and pear chunks you prepared in Step 1.

Step 3: Blend Until Velvety Smooth

Secure the lid and blend on high speed for about 1 minute, or until everything turns into a creamy, smooth smoothie with no chunks left. You should see a velvety texture and smell the uplifting aromas of orange and warming spices right away—tempting, isn’t it?

Step 4: Pour and Enjoy Immediately

Pour your freshly blended smoothie into glasses and enjoy it immediately for the tastiest, freshest experience. This recipe yields 2 servings, perfect for sharing or saving one for later (though I won’t judge if you don’t share!). Cheers to a nourishing, vibrant start to your day.

Top Tip

Getting the best out of your Cranberry Orange Smoothie Recipe is all about the little touches that bring together vibrant flavors and perfect texture.

Freeze Your Fruit Ahead: Freezing the orange segments and pear chunks before blending is a game changer. It thickens the smoothie naturally and gives you that perfect chilled texture without watering it down with ice.
Customize Your Protein Boost: Adding a scoop of vanilla vegan protein powder makes this smoothie more filling and energizing, especially for busy mornings. But if you’re not in the mood, it’s totally fine to skip it!
Spice It Just Right: I like to start with the suggested amounts of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg but adjusting to your taste can really enhance the flavors. A little extra warmth from the spices makes this smoothie cozy and refreshing at the same time.
Use Your Preferred Non-Dairy Milk: Whether it's almond, oat, or soy milk, choosing your favorite non-dairy milk affects both flavor and creaminess. I usually go with oat milk for its natural sweetness and smooth mouthfeel.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Smoothie Recipe

A close-up view inside a blender jar filled with a thick, creamy mixture that has a light orange-brown color with small dark specks scattered throughout. The surface of the mixture has a smooth texture with some small bubbles and air pockets visible. The blender jar is clear with textured sides, and the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your smoothie, consider topping it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few fresh cranberries for a pop of color and texture. A small twist of orange zest on the rim adds a lovely citrus aroma that immediately wakes up your senses. For a bit of crunch, a sprinkle of toasted rolled oats or sliced almonds works beautifully.

Side Dishes

This smoothie pairs wonderfully with light breakfast or snack options like whole-grain toast with almond butter, a handful of mixed nuts, or even a fresh green salad for a more substantial meal. Vegan muffins or granola bars also complement the fruity, spiced flavors nicely.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover smoothie, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a good stir or shake before enjoying, as some separation may occur. Since this smoothie is best fresh for texture and flavor, try to consume it promptly for the best experience.

Freezing

You can freeze this smoothie in individual portions using freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight or blend the frozen cubes with a splash of non-dairy milk for a quick refresher.

Reheating

This smoothie is best served cold, so reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, enjoy it fresh or use frozen portions blended with a little non-dairy milk to recreate that smooth, chilled texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh fruit instead of frozen for the Cranberry Orange Smoothie Recipe?

Yes, you can use fresh fruit, but the smoothie won’t be as thick or chilled without the frozen pieces. To compensate, you might want to add ice cubes or freeze the fruit ahead of time for the best texture.

Is the vegan protein powder necessary?

No, the vegan protein powder is optional. It’s a great way to add extra protein and make the smoothie more filling, especially for breakfast, but the smoothie is delicious and nutritious even without it.

Can I substitute almond butter with other nut or seed butters?

Absolutely! Peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, or cashew butter all work well and will subtly change the flavor profile. Pick your favorite or whatever you have on hand.

What type of non-dairy milk works best in this smoothie?

Any non-dairy milk like almond, oat, or soy milk works great. Oat milk tends to make the smoothie creamier and slightly sweeter, but feel free to choose whichever you prefer!

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Smoothie Recipe is one of those refreshing, nutrient-packed treats that feel like a warm hug wrapped in a cool glass. It’s quick to make, customizable, and perfect for any time you need a bright, healthy pick-me-up. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast staple or a revitalizing snack, this smoothie brings together cozy spices and vibrant fruit in the most delicious way. Give it a try, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in your rotation too!