Jump to the Recipe
Winter is the best time for warm, baked desserts.
It’s also the best time for creamy, warming drinks.
With this innovative recipe, you can combine both and turn the famous baked apple into a wonderfully flavored drink that has Christmas written all over it.
This new approach to a popular dessert is also the perfect idea for anyone who wants to prepare a quick and easy treat that will warm you up from within.
Making this drink requires fewer ingredients than the baked version, but it still offers the whole range of holiday flavors. Plus, the recipe is adaptable to suit your preferences.
Our take on this cool-weather classic calls for ground warming spices. My suggestions for these are cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, cardamom, aniseed, nutmeg, cloves, or allspice.
Now it’s your turn to decide whether to use a mix of all of them, or simply pick your favorite!
Why not increase the quantity of ginger or add a bit of cayenne pepper for a hot and spicy touch? Or use more vanilla for a sweet and exquisite taste? You could also try an Asian-inspired version with cardamom and cloves.
When it comes to the traditional baked dessert, I love to serve it with a warm vanilla sauce – the perfect addition to a dish like this.
That’s why another of my favorite tips would be to exchange the plain yogurt for a vanilla flavored kind, and recreate this mix in your mug.
The Recipe
| Servings | Prep Time |
| 2 servings | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time |
| 10 minutes |
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Baked apples combine the whole range of Christmas flavors. If you’re looking for a new approach to this dessert, try our spicy baked apple drink today!
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- 2 small apples
- 1/2 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 5 oz plain yogurt about 1/2 cup + 1 Tbsp
- 1/2 teaspoon ground winter spices*
- Core, peel, and chop the apples.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan and add the apples. Saute until they are really soft, stirring constantly.
- Add the apple juice and stir to combine over low heat, until warmed. Remove from the stove.
- Using a blender, immersion blender, or food processor, puree the apple mixture. Be careful to vent your blender or food processor and cover with a towel to avoid burns.
- Add the yogurt and spices, and stir to combine. Divide between two mugs and serve immediately, garnished with apple slices and cinnamon sticks.
Nutritional Information*
Cooking By the Numbers…
Step 1 – Prepare the Apples
Core, peel, and chop the fruit.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan and add the apples. Saute until they are soft, stirring constantly.
Step 2 – Add Juice and Warm Up
Add the apple juice to the saucepan and stir to combine. Spiced apple cider could also be used here.
Heat it up for a few minutes over low heat, until the juice is warm. Remove from the stove.
Step 3 – Blend the Mixture
Using a blender, immersion blender, or a food processor, puree the apple mixture.
Be careful to vent your blender or food processor and cover with a towel to avoid burns.
Step 4 – Season with Spices
Add the yogurt and spices, and stir to combine until smooth.
Divide between two mugs and serve immediately while still warm.
Time to Make Your Apple Smoothie
When is the best time to try out this decadent spicy smoothie at home?
It’s now! Whether served for breakfast or dessert, this warming drink with its rich and creamy texture is a wonderful choice for a bit of relaxation time, to take a restorative pause during all the festive stress.
Garnish with some apple slices or cinnamon sticks for a fancy look, and have yourself a merry little drink for any occasion.
If you want this same mix of flavors but in a relaxing cocktail, check out our article on how to add apples to your favorite boozy drink.
For more dessert-like smoothie recipes, try some of our indulgent favorites:
We can’t wait to hear how you liked yours! So let us know about your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.
Photos by Nina-Kristin Isensee, © Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details.
*Nutritional information derived from a database of known generic and branded foods and ingredients and was not compiled by a registered dietitian or submitted for lab testing. It should be viewed as an approximation.
About Nina-Kristin Isensee
Nina lives in Iserlohn, Germany and holds an MA in Art History (Medieval and Renaissance Studies). She is currently working as a freelance writer in various fields. She enjoys travel, photography, cooking, and baking. Nina tries to cook from scratch every day when she has the time and enjoys trying out new spices and ingredients, as well as surprising her family with new cake creations.
