The moment temperatures begin to drop, people start scrambling like it’s a sport for treats made with apples, pumpkins, salted caramel, and fragrant pie spices. By the time the leaves have donned their gold and crimson coats, the fall flavor frenzy is inescapable. Unfortunately, this barrage of sweet foods doesn’t let up until January 1, when we are all supposed to obediently give up those playful confections and reach instead for concoctions of wheatgrass and kale.

I’m definitely caught up in the whirlwind of apples, and spice, and everything nice. Last week I noticed that my local artisan candy shop had already filled its windows with every type of caramel-dipped apple imaginable. There were gorgeous rows of apple shapes covered by thick layers of sticky caramel topped with chocolate, white chocolate, sprinkles, or rainbow candies. I wanted to take home one of each. But deep down I knew I didn’t really want any of them.

I skipped the sugar rush, the sticky fingers, the caramel cemented between my teeth, and the potential emergency visit to the dentist, and drove home to make this caramel apple smoothie instead! It uses unsweetened applesauce and caramel extract to capture the flavor of those candy-smothered treats, and it’s made with good-for-you Vanilla Shakeology. Does it taste just like a caramel apple? I’m not going to lie; it’s not an exact match, but it tasted so good, I was happy enough with the result to forget all about those caramel apples in the window. You can keep yours simple, like this recipe, or add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or powdered ginger.

Caramel Apple Shakeology

Ingredients:
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 cup ice
1 scoop Vanilla Shakeology
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp. pure caramel extract

Instructions:
Place almond milk, ice, Shakeology, applesauce, and extract in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.

Nutrition (per Shake):
Calories: 234
Total Fat: 5g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g (Fiber: 5g; Sugars: 19g)
Protein: 17g