Some mornings call for coffee. Others call for something a little gentler — but still just as energizing. That’s where this Vanilla Matcha Smoothie comes in. It’s creamy like a milkshake, naturally sweet from ripe banana, and has just enough earthy matcha to wake up your taste buds without the jittery crash you get from coffee.
I started making this after morning workouts, but now it’s a regular breakfast or mid-morning pick-me-up. The matcha brings a slow-release energy, the cashews give it staying power, and the vanilla makes the whole thing taste like dessert.
Why This Matcha Smoothie Works So Well
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Steady energy – Matcha has caffeine, but it’s balanced with L-theanine so you feel alert without the spikes and dips.
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Nutrient-packed – Cashews and cashew milk bring plant-based protein and healthy fats; banana adds potassium and fiber.
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Shake-like texture – Soaking cashews before blending makes this unbelievably creamy.
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Customizable – Change the milk, swap the banana, or throw in extra greens without losing that amazing flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Raw Cashews: Creamy and mild, they add thickness and a subtle nuttiness. Soaking them helps them blend silky smooth.
Cashew Milk: My go-to for dairy-free creaminess. Unsweetened works best so the banana and vanilla shine.
Matcha Powder: A bright green tea powder with earthy notes and natural sweetness. Use a good-quality matcha for the best flavor.
Frozen Banana: Gives sweetness, thickness, and that “milkshake” texture. Make sure it’s ripe before freezing for maximum flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma that rounds out the matcha’s earthiness.
Ginger Root (optional): A fresh, zesty kick that pairs beautifully with matcha — great for cooler mornings.
How I Make It
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Soak the cashews:
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Overnight method: Place in water (or coconut water for extra flavor) in the fridge for 8 hours.
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Quick method: Soak in boiling water for 10 minutes, then drain.
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Blend: Add soaked cashews, cashew milk, matcha powder, frozen banana, vanilla, and ginger (if using) to a blender.
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Serve immediately: Pour into a tall glass and sip while it’s cold and creamy.
Easy Swaps and Add-Ins
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Swap the milk: Oat, almond, or coconut milk all work beautifully.
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Go nut-free: Use rolled oats in place of cashews.
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Lower sugar: Replace banana with frozen cauliflower or avocado for creaminess without the sweetness.
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Boost sweetness: Add 2 pitted Medjool dates or a drizzle of maple syrup.
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Extra fruit: Blueberries, pineapple, or mango add a fresh twist and pair well with matcha.
Variations
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Protein boost: Add a scoop of vanilla plant-based protein powder.
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Green power: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale — matcha’s flavor hides the greens well.
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Coconut matcha: Use coconut milk and top with shredded coconut for a tropical feel.
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Iced latte style: Blend without banana, then pour over ice for a lighter, sippable drink.
FAQ
Is matcha effective in a smoothie?
Yes — it blends well and keeps its benefits. You’ll get the caffeine, antioxidants, and amino acids just like you would in a cup of matcha tea.
What fruit goes well with matcha?
Banana, mango, pineapple, and blueberries are all great choices. They balance matcha’s earthiness with natural sweetness.
Does matcha help with weight loss?
Matcha isn’t a magic solution, but it can support weight management by boosting metabolism slightly and helping maintain steady energy, which can curb unnecessary snacking.
Vanilla Matcha Smoothie
Creamy, refreshing, and full of plant-based goodness — this Vanilla Matcha Smoothie blends the earthy notes of matcha with the smooth sweetness of vanilla.
Ingredients
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup cashew milk
- 2 tablespoons raw cashews
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon matcha (or more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ginger root (optional)
- Optional Sweetness: 2 pitted Medjool dates, if you like a sweeter smoothie.
Instructions
- Place the frozen banana, cashew milk, raw cashews, vanilla extract, matcha, and ginger (if using) into a high-speed blender.
- Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy, adjusting matcha to taste.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- If you’re using a regular blender, soak the cashews in water for 20 minutes before blending for extra creaminess.
- Always include at least one frozen fruit to keep your smoothie cold and thick.
- Add your favorite plant-based protein powder for an extra boost.
Nutrition Information
Yield
1Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 559Total Fat 12gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 5mgSodium 66mgCarbohydrates 110gFiber 10gSugar 79gProtein 12g
TastyFitnessRecipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although tastyfitnessrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This Vanilla Matcha Smoothie is proof that something healthy can taste indulgent. It’s thick, creamy, naturally sweet, and energizing without being overpowering. Whether you sip it after a workout, use it to start your day, or enjoy it as an afternoon treat, it’s a quick recipe that feels like a little self-care in a glass.
Try other Smoothie recipes: