Blackberry Cinnamon Smoothie is the kind of comfort I reach for when mornings feel chilly or afternoons drag on. Maybe you know the feeling too, when you want something cozy and sweet but still light and nourishing. This is that hug-in-a-glass. It’s creamy, a little spicy from cinnamon, and full of juicy blackberry flavor that makes the whole kitchen smell like a bakery. If you like to control sweetness, check out my go-to resource for choosing a better sweetener, the best natural sweeteners guide. Let’s make a smoothie that feels like a treat and still fits your day.
How to Make a Blackberry Smoothie Recipe
What You’ll Need
For this creamy blend, I like to keep it simple and flexible. If you’re new to smoothies, don’t overthink it. The star is always **ripe blackberries** with a good hit of **ground cinnamon**. Here’s my base that rarely fails me.
- 1 cup blackberries, frozen works best for chill and thickness
- 1 medium banana for creaminess and natural sweetness
- 3/4 cup milk of choice, like **oat milk** or almond milk
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt, or a dairy-free yogurt if you prefer
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, level it for a soft spice or heap it for bold flavor
- 1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey, optional
- 1 tablespoon rolled oats, optional for body and fiber
- 5 to 6 ice cubes if using fresh berries
Tools are simple: a blender and a glass. If you only have a basic blender, you can still get a great texture. I’ve picked up a few tricks from this helpful guide on blending smoothies without a high-speed blender and it honestly makes a difference with chunky fruit or oats.
Step-by-Step
Here’s how I bring this Blackberry Cinnamon Smoothie to life in under 5 minutes.
1. Add liquid to the blender first, then yogurt. This helps everything pull down smoothly.
2. Add blackberries and banana. If you’re using fresh berries, toss in a few ice cubes.
3. Sprinkle in cinnamon and oats. Add sweetener only if your berries are a bit tart.
4. Blend on low, then increase to high until creamy and silky. Taste and adjust. More cinnamon for warmth, more milk for a thinner sip, more ice for thickness.
5. Pour into a chilled glass and finish with a tiny pinch of cinnamon on top. That scent hits first and feels like a cozy blanket.
Tip: If your smoothie tastes dull, it probably needs a tiny pinch of salt. Weird but true. It brightens fruit quickly without extra sugar.
“I made this before a busy school drop-off and it kept me full till lunch. The cinnamon makes it taste like dessert but it’s surprisingly light.”
This Blackberry Cinnamon Smoothie is my five-minute fix for days when I want something warm-tasting but cool and refreshing. Sip it slowly and let that cinnamon do its cozy magic.
Ingredient Note
Small Choices That Make It Better
In this Blackberry Cinnamon Smoothie, balance is everything. Blackberries have a bright berry tartness. That’s why cinnamon is so good here, it adds warmth and roundness. I usually go for a heaped teaspoon of **cinnamon** for a bolder profile, but start with less if you’re unsure. Taste and go up from there.
Frozen vs fresh blackberries: Frozen berries give you that frosty milkshake vibe. Fresh berries are great if you want a lighter, more sippable smoothie. If using fresh, add ice or a few frozen banana slices to thicken.
Banana or not: Banana helps with creaminess and natural sweetness. If you’re not a banana person, a quarter of an avocado works surprisingly well, and a few extra ice cubes make up the difference. You’ll want a little maple syrup or honey if you skip banana.
Milk choices: Oat milk brings sweetness and a soft oatmeal cookie vibe. Almond milk is lighter. Dairy milk is rich and creamy. All play nicely with cinnamon.
Yogurt: Greek yogurt adds protein and a satisfying thickness. If you’re dairy-free, a coconut or almond yogurt with a clean ingredient list keeps the texture lush.
Sweeteners: Use a light hand. Blackberries can be sweet on their own. If your berries are tart, start with 1 teaspoon of maple syrup, blend, and taste. A little really goes a long way with cinnamon’s cozy flavor.
Substitution Tip
Easy Swaps to Fit Your Pantry
Want your Blackberry Cinnamon Smoothie dairy-free? Use a dairy-free yogurt and plant milk like oat or almond. No banana in the house? Sub a quarter of a ripe avocado for creaminess and add a date or a splash of maple syrup for sweetness. No oats? Toss in a tablespoon of chia seeds and let the smoothie sit for 2 minutes to thicken up.
Feel free to adjust cinnamon. If you grew up loving cinnamon toast, go bold. If you prefer a softer background spice, use half a teaspoon. A few drops of vanilla also boost the cozy factor without extra sugar.
Short on gear? You can still make this with a basic blender if you layer ingredients well and start slow. This short read on how to blend without a high-speed blender has practical tips like pre-chopping fruit and hydrating oats for smoother results.
Want a boost? Add a scoop of vanilla protein, a spoon of almond butter, or a small handful of spinach. The cinnamon hides the greens well, and blackberries keep everything tasting bright and berry-rich.
Dietary Note
Make It Work For You
Dairy-free or vegan: Use plant milk and dairy-free yogurt. Maple syrup keeps it vegan. If you skip yogurt entirely, add a bit more banana or a few extra ice cubes for body.
Gluten-free: Oats are naturally gluten-free, but if you’re sensitive, grab certified gluten-free oats or skip them. Chia or flax can replace oats for fiber.
Low sugar: Keep banana small or use avocado, and rely on the sweetness of your blackberries. Cinnamon helps desserts taste sweeter, so use it to your advantage. You can also add a few drops of liquid stevia if you like a sugar-free option.
Higher protein: Greek yogurt is a great base. Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder or a couple tablespoons of hemp seeds. Both play nicely with cinnamon’s flavor.
Kid-friendly: Start with less cinnamon and add a few chocolate chips on top as a fun sprinkle. It’s a neat way to make a nutritious snack feel extra special without much effort.
What to Serve with a Blackberry Cinnamon Smoothie
There are two directions to go with this smoothie. You can keep it light and snacky or lean into a fuller breakfast. I do both, depending on the day.
- Warm toast with almond butter and a drizzle of honey
- Scrambled eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper for protein
- Granola sprinkled on top of the smoothie for crunch
- A simple fruit plate with sliced pears or apples for fall vibes
- A berry-forward side like this Berry Detox Smoothie Bowl if you want a bigger, satisfying spread
For a cozy weekend treat, I also love pairing this with a small pastry or a toasted English muffin, plus a hot cup of tea or coffee. Cinnamon ties everything together and makes the meal feel a touch indulgent without weighing you down.
Common Questions
Can I make the Blackberry Cinnamon Smoothie without banana?
Yes. Swap banana for a quarter of an avocado and add a date or a little maple syrup. The avocado keeps it creamy and the cinnamon carries the flavor.
How do I get a thicker texture?
Use frozen berries, add ice, and include yogurt or a bit of avocado. A tablespoon of oats or chia seeds also thickens nicely after a minute of rest.
What if my smoothie tastes too tart?
Add a touch of maple syrup or honey and a tiny pinch of salt. The salt balances the tartness without making it overly sweet.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, but the texture is best fresh. If you prep, store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake or re-blend with a splash of milk before drinking.
Do I need a powerful blender?
No. Start slow, layer liquids first, and pre-chop fruit if needed. If you want more tips, consider checking basic blending techniques and practice with small batches.
A Warm, Cozy Sip You’ll Want Again
Now you’ve got a simple plan for a smoothie that tastes like breakfast and dessert had a friendly meet-up. Cinnamon adds a cozy kick, and blackberries bring that bright berry pop. Keep the method easy, taste as you go, and make it yours. If you want another take on a cinnamon-forward blend, I love this apple-oat twist too, or you can explore a great blackberry smoothie recipe from Well Plated for more inspiration on flavor pairings and prep tips. Your blender is ready, your glass is waiting, and the next sip is going to be really good.
Blackberry Cinnamon Smoothie
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Dairy-Free Option
Description
A creamy and cozy smoothie with ripe blackberries and a hint of cinnamon, perfect for chilly mornings or afternoon snacks.
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen blackberries
- 1 medium banana
- 3/4 cup milk of choice (oat milk or almond milk)
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or more to taste)
- 1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey (optional)
- 1 tablespoon rolled oats (optional)
- 5 to 6 ice cubes (if using fresh berries)
Instructions
- Add liquid to the blender first, then yogurt.
- Add blackberries and banana. Toss in ice cubes if using fresh berries.
- Sprinkle in cinnamon and oats, add sweetener if needed.
- Blend on low, then increase to high until creamy and silky. Adjust taste as desired.
- Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with a pinch of cinnamon on top.
Notes
If your smoothie tastes dull, a tiny pinch of salt can brighten the flavors without adding extra sugar.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 5mg