Name: Red Velvet Cake Smoothie Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ripe, frozen bananas (peeled, about 2 heaping cups); 1/3 cup cubed beet (raw or roasted/steamed until tender, then frozen); 2 tablespoons cocoa powder or cacao powder; 2 pitted dates; 3/4 cup dairy-free milk (coconut or almond milk recommended), plus more as needed; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Red velvet cake balls; Cacao powder or beetroot powder; Coconut whipped cream

Imagine sipping on a vibrant, creamy drink that tastes like your favorite dessert but is actually packed with nutritious goodness. That’s exactly what this Red Velvet Cake Smoothie Recipe delivers—a deliciously healthy twist on a classic treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.

A clear glass with a diamond pattern texture is filled with a thick, deep red smoothie being poured from a clear measuring cup held by a woman's hand. The glass sits on a white plate with specks, which rests on a white marbled surface. A soft yellow cloth is placed to the side, and the background is a light, neutral tone with some blurred shapes suggesting kitchen items. 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 Red Velvet Cake Smoothie Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Red Velvet Cake Smoothie Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Red Velvet Cake Smoothie Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I truly adore this smoothie because it turns wholesome ingredients like beets and bananas into a luscious indulgence that feels like dessert but fuels your day. It’s become one of my go-to recipes when I want something healthy and satisfying.

Natural Vibrancy: Beets give this smoothie that gorgeous red velvet color without any artificial ingredients.
Sweetened Naturally: Dates and frozen bananas provide perfect sweetness without refined sugar.
Dairy-Free Creaminess: Using coconut or almond milk keeps it smooth and vegan-friendly.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, including prep, making it a perfect grab-and-go option.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for this smoothie, I like to pick ripe bananas and fresh or frozen beets. Whether you choose raw or cooked beets, freezing them beforehand helps achieve that creamy, thick texture we all love in a smoothie.

Flat lay of two ripe peeled bananas, a small white bowl with bright magenta cubed beetroot, a small white bowl filled with dark brown cocoa powder, two glossy pitted dates, a small white bowl of creamy dairy-free milk, a small white bowl with clear vanilla extract liquid, all arranged symmetrically 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

Bananas: Using ripe, frozen bananas gives natural sweetness and a creamy base without ice dilution.
Beets: They add that classic red velvet hue plus earthy flavor and nutrients.
Cocoa Powder: For the chocolatey depth that makes this smoothie taste indulgent.
Dates: These natural sweeteners blend smoothly and balance flavors perfectly.
Dairy-Free Milk: Coconut or almond milk keeps it light, creamy, and allergy-friendly.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor, rounding everything out nicely.

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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

The beauty of the Red Velvet Cake Smoothie Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your tastes and needs. Whether you prefer it a bit sweeter, more chocolaty, or with added richness, feel free to experiment and make it truly your own!

Extra Sweetness: I sometimes soak the dates in warm water for 10 minutes before blending to help soften them and bring out more natural sweetness. This makes the smoothie extra smooth and sweet without adding processed sugars.
Boosted Beet Flavor: If you love that earthy, vibrant beet taste, I recommend adding a little more beet—about ½ cup instead of ⅓ cup—and freezing it beforehand. It amps up the color and the signature flavor beautifully.
Chocolate Lovers' Dream: Doubling the cocoa powder to 4 tablespoons completely transforms the smoothie into a rich chocolate treat. Perfect for those cravings that just won’t quit!
Seasonal Twist: In cooler months, add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of pumpkin spice for cozy autumn vibes. It pairs surprisingly well with the red velvet flavor.
Dairy-Free Alternatives: Feel free to experiment with oat milk or cashew milk if coconut or almond aren’t your favorites—each adds its own little twist to the flavor profile.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Red Velvet Cake Smoothie Recipe

A dark reddish-purple smoothie filled to the top in a clear textured glass, placed on a white speckled plate with some powder scattered around it. Above the glass, a woman's hand holds a small metal mesh sieve dusting cocoa powder over the smoothie’s surface, creating a fine dusting that falls gently. In the background, there is a white bowl with slices of beetroot beside a white marbled surface, and a crumpled yellow cloth to the left. The overall setting is bright with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Beets Just Right

Start by preparing the beets. If you’re using raw beets, chop them into small cubes—about ⅓ cup is perfect for this recipe. If you prefer a softer, mellower beet flavor, steam or roast the beets first until they’re tender. Steaming typically takes about 10-15 minutes, while roasting at 375°F (190°C) takes around 20 minutes. Once cooked, freeze the beet cubes before blending to keep your smoothie silky smooth.

Step 2: Combine All Ingredients in Your Blender

Grab your high-speed blender and add 2 ripe frozen bananas, the beet cubes, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 2 pitted dates, ¾ cup of your favorite dairy-free milk (coconut or almond work wonderfully), and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure bananas are peeled and nicely frozen beforehand—they’re the key to that creamy texture we all love!

Step 3: Blend Until Silky Smooth

Blend on high until all the ingredients break down into a luscious, creamy smoothie. If the texture feels too thick, slowly add a little more dairy-free milk—just a splash at a time—until it reaches your ideal consistency. Look for a vibrant magenta color and a smooth, velvety mouthfeel.

Step 4: Taste and Tweak

Give your smoothie a quick taste test. Want it sweeter? Toss in an extra date or two. Fancy a richer chocolate kick? Add more cocoa powder to deepen the flavor. If you’re after a brighter beet flavor and more eye-catching color, add a bit more frozen beet. This step is all about customizing the smoothie to perfectly fit your palate.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Immediately

Pour your vibrant Red Velvet Cake Smoothie into your favorite glass and dig in! For an extra special treat, top it with red velvet cake balls, a sprinkle of cacao or beetroot powder, or a dollop of coconut whipped cream. It’s a luxurious finish that feels indulgent yet stays guilt-free.

Step 6: Storage Tips

If you have leftovers or want to make this smoothie ahead, it keeps well frozen for up to 2 weeks. Just thaw it in the fridge for a bit before blending again or enjoying straight, as thawed beets may separate a little. This way, you’ve always got a healthy, delicious treat on hand!

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the creamiest, most vibrant Red Velvet Cake Smoothie every time – because a great smoothie is all about the details!

Use frozen bananas: Freezing the bananas ahead really thickens the smoothie and gives it that luscious, creamy texture reminiscent of a milkshake.
Freeze cooked beets: Whether you roast or steam the beets, freezing them before blending helps maintain that rich magenta color and keeps the smoothie silky rather than watery.
Adjust sweetness to taste: Dates are a fantastic natural sweetener – start with two and blend, then add more if you prefer it sweeter. Soaking dates in warm water beforehand can make them blend perfectly smooth.
Slowly add your dairy-free milk: Adding the milk little by little helps you control the thickness, so your Red Velvet Cake Smoothie is exactly how you like it – thick and spoonable or drinkable and refreshing.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cake Smoothie Recipe

Inside a clear blender jar, there are several ingredients layered on the bottom: a dark brown powder spread on one side, light pink liquid partly covering the base, yellow slices of banana, dark red chunks of beet, and a whole brown date placed near the center. The blender is on a white marbled surface with a yellow cloth in the upper left corner. The photo has a clean, bright look with a top-down view. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To really elevate your Red Velvet Cake Smoothie, consider topping it with some fun and flavorful options. A few red velvet cake balls add a playful crunch and enhance the dessert vibe. Dust a pinch of cocoa powder or beetroot powder on top for a pretty finish and an extra boost of color. For a dreamy, indulgent twist, add a dollop of coconut whipped cream—it’s the perfect dairy-free touch that ties all the flavors together beautifully.

Side Dishes

This smoothie pairs wonderfully with light, complementary bites. Think dairy-free yogurt parfaits with fresh berries, or a handful of crunchy granola to give you some texture contrast. For something heartier, vegan banana bread or oatmeal cookies make great companions for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Because this Red Velvet Cake Smoothie is best enjoyed fresh, try to make just enough for two servings right before you plan to drink it. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a good stir or shake before drinking as some settling might occur.

Freezing

This smoothie freezes beautifully for longer storage—up to 2 weeks in a sealed container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and give it a quick blend or stir to bring back that creamy texture.

Reheating

Since it’s a cold smoothie, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, thaw it gently and re-blend to refresh the smooth, velvety texture before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh bananas instead of frozen?

You can use fresh bananas, but the smoothie won’t be as thick or creamy. Freezing bananas beforehand adds that milkshake-like texture that really makes this Red Velvet Cake Smoothie special.

What kind of beet should I use?

You can use raw, steamed, or roasted beets. Roasting or steaming and then freezing them works best to maintain vibrant color and a smooth texture in your smoothie.

Is this smoothie really dairy-free and vegan?

Absolutely! This Red Velvet Cake Smoothie is made with plant-based ingredients like dairy-free milk (coconut or almond) and naturally sweetened with dates, making it suitable for vegan and dairy-free diets.

Can I add protein powder to this smoothie?

Yes, you can! Adding a plant-based protein powder is a great way to boost nutrition. Just keep in mind it might slightly alter the flavor or texture, so start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

Final Thoughts

Making this Red Velvet Cake Smoothie Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to enjoy a treat that feels indulgent yet nourishing. The natural sweetness of dates and beets, paired with creamy bananas and cocoa, creates a beautiful balance you just can’t get from store-bought drinks. Whether it’s a morning boost or an afternoon pick-me-up, I hope this smoothie brings a little joy and vibrant color to your day — and maybe even inspires you to get creative in the kitchen. Happy blending!