Creamy Carrot Cake Smoothie

• 1 large ripe frozen banana (1 banana yields ~1 ¼ cup)
• 1 small carrot, chopped (1 small carrot yields ~1/2 cup)
• 1 pitted date (optional // if dry, soak in warm water for 10-15 minutes, then drain)
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (or 1/8 tsp vanilla powder)
• 1 tsp fresh minced or grated ginger (or 1/4 tsp ground ginger)
• 1 healthy pinch ground nutmeg
• 1/2 - 1 cup dairy-free milk (use less for thicker smoothie, more for thinner smoothie // we prefer cashew, coconut, or almond)
• 1 scoop plain or vanilla protein powder (optional // if adding protein powder that’s sweetened, skip the date)

FOR SERVING optional

• shredded carrots
• shredded coconut
• 1 Tbsp chopped walnuts or hemp seeds