Fresh figs in a smoothie was not an obvious idea to me until I tried it. The figs break down into a jammy, honey-like sweetness that is completely different from banana or mango. Paired with crunchy peanut butter, the smoothie has both a smooth base and tiny bits of peanut that survived the blender. The texture alone sets it apart from every other smoothie I make.
One cup of halved fresh figs, a tablespoon or two of crunchy peanut butter, honey, unsweetened vanilla almond milk, and ice cubes. Blended until mostly smooth but with those peanut pieces still intact. It tastes like autumn in a glass, which makes sense since figs have a short season and this is the drink I make every time a flat shows up at the farmers market.
How to Make Peanut and Fig Smoothie
Use Fresh Figs, Not Dried
Fresh figs blend into a soft, jammy pulp. Dried figs are too tough and chewy for a smoothie. They leave fibrous bits even after extended blending. If fresh figs are not in season, frozen figs (thawed) are the next best option.
Halve them before blending. The stem end can be tough, so trim it off.
Keep the Peanut Crunch
Use crunchy peanut butter, not smooth. Blend on high for about 30 seconds. The figs and almond milk will be completely smooth, but some of the peanut pieces will survive. That crunch in a smoothie is unexpected and it is the reason people ask what is in it.
Add honey to taste. The figs are naturally sweet, so you may not need much. Start with one tablespoon and adjust.
Peanut and Fig Smoothie
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sophisticated twist on a classic PB&J.
This creamy smoothie is a quick gourmet snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cups (237 ml) halved fresh figs
- 1 to 2 tbsp crunchy peanut butter
- 1 to 2 tbsp honey
- 1 cups (237 ml) unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1 cups (237 ml) ice cubes
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour into 1 or 2 glasses and enjoy!
Notes
- For a thicker smoothie, use less almond milk or add more ice.
- Adjust honey to your preferred sweetness level; taste and add more if needed.
- Store leftover smoothie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 5
Frequently Asked Questions
When are fresh figs in season?
Late summer through early autumn, roughly August to October depending on your region. When they are ripe, they are soft and slightly wrinkled at the stem. Use them within 2-3 days of buying.
Can I use almond butter instead?
Yes, but use crunchy almond butter for the same textural effect. Smooth nut butter makes a uniform smoothie, which misses the point of this recipe. The crunch is part of it.
Can I use a different milk?
Any milk works. Oat milk is slightly sweeter. Cow’s milk is creamier. The vanilla almond milk in the recipe adds a faint vanilla note that complements the figs, but it is not essential.
