Viral Cloud Smoothie
Posted on January 3, 2026
0 Comments
Share this recipe
This Blue Spirulina Cloud Smoothie is a homemade version of Erewhon's famous $20 Cloud Smoothie, but you can recreate it at home for a fraction of the cost using just a few simple ingredients! The star of this smoothie is blue spirulina, a stunning natural ingredient that gives you that vibrant, eye-catching blue color while being packed with incredible health benefits. Blue spirulina is rich in antioxidants, helps boost energy levels naturally, and supports immune health, making this smoothie as good for you as it is beautiful. The base is a creamy blend of plant milk, frozen banana for natural sweetness and that thick milkshake texture, tropical frozen pineapple for brightness, and a touch of avocado that adds healthy fats and makes everything silky smooth without any avocado taste. Optional add-ins like almond butter and collagen powder boost the protein and healthy fats even more. But what makes this smoothie truly special is the presentation, you whip refrigerated coconut cream until it's light and fluffy, then swirl it inside the glass and dust it with more blue spirulina before pouring in the smoothie. The result is this gorgeous layered effect with white coconut cream swirls throughout the blue smoothie that looks absolutely stunning. Top it with more whipped coconut cream and you have a smoothie that looks like it came from an expensive juice bar but costs just a few dollars to make at home. It's naturally vegan, dairy-free, refreshing, and tastes like a tropical vacation in a glass!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the difference between blue spirulina and regular green spirulina?
A: Blue spirulina (also called phycocyanin) is an extract from regular spirulina that isolates just the blue pigment. It has a much milder, slightly sweet taste compared to green spirulina, which can be quite earthy and strong. Blue spirulina is what gives this smoothie that stunning vibrant blue color without the "algae" taste that some people don't like about green spirulina. It still contains many of the same antioxidants and health benefits, but it's more expensive because it's an extract. If you can't find blue spirulina, you could use regular green spirulina, but your smoothie will be green instead of blue and have a stronger flavor.
Q: Can I make this without a high-speed blender?
A: Yes, but you may need to make some adjustments! If you have a regular blender, make sure to blend longer (90 seconds to 2 minutes) to get everything completely smooth, especially the frozen fruit and avocado. You can also help your blender by letting the frozen fruit thaw for 5-10 minutes before blending, or by adding the liquid and fresh ingredients first, blending those, then adding the frozen ingredients. If your blender really struggles, you can use fresh banana and pineapple instead of frozen and add more ice, though the texture won't be quite as thick and creamy. A blender like a NutriBullet, Ninja, or Vitamix works best for this recipe.
Q: My coconut cream didn't whip up fluffy. What went wrong?
A: This is a common issue! Here are the main reasons: (1) The coconut cream wasn't cold enough - it needs to be refrigerated overnight, and some people even chill the bowl and beaters too. (2) You used light coconut milk instead of full-fat - you need the high-fat version for it to whip. (3) You accidentally used the liquid part instead of the solid cream that separates at the top - make sure to scoop out only the thick, solidified cream. (4) You didn't whip it long enough - it can take 5-7 minutes of vigorous whisking to get it fluffy. If your coconut cream still won't whip, you can use regular whipped cream (not vegan) or store-bought coconut whipped cream as a substitute.
Q: Is this smoothie really that similar to the Erewhon Cloud Smoothie?
A: Yes! This homemade version captures the essence of the viral Erewhon Cloud Smoothie with that gorgeous blue color from blue spirulina, creamy tropical flavors, and the signature whipped coconut cream swirl presentation. The Erewhon version costs around $20 and contains similar ingredients like blue spirulina, plant milk, coconut cream, and tropical fruits. By making it at home, you get the same beautiful look and health benefits for just a few dollars. You can customize the sweetness and add-ins to your preference. While we can't know Erewhon's exact proprietary recipe, this version gives you that same Instagram-worthy, nutrient-packed smoothie experience without the hefty price tag!
Rate This Recipe!
Preparations
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Chill Time:
Overnight (for coconut cream)
Total Time:
10 minutes (plus overnight chill)
Cuisine:
American
Course:
Breakfast, Drinks
Calories:
320 kcal (approx. per serving)
Servings:
1
Author:
Ronica Rupan
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Smoothie:
- 1 cup plant milk of choice (coconut, almond, oat, or cashew)
- ½ cup crushed ice
- 1 cup frozen banana slices (about 1 small banana)
- 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- ¼ of a small avocado (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon almond butter (optional, for creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons collagen powder (optional, for protein)
- 1 teaspoon blue spirulina powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
- Sweetener of choice to taste (sugar, honey, maple syrup, or stevia)
For the Whipped Coconut Cream:
- ½ cup coconut cream, refrigerated overnight (see notes)
- 1-2 tablespoons sweetener of choice (powdered sugar, honey, or maple syrup)
- ½ teaspoon blue spirulina powder, for dusting inside the glass
Instructions
1. Chill the Coconut Cream (Do This Ahead)
Place a can of full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream in the refrigerator overnight. The cream will separate and solidify at the top. You need this solidified cream for whipping, so don't skip this step!
2. Make the Whipped Coconut Cream
Open the chilled can of coconut cream and scoop out ½ cup of the solidified cream (save the liquid for smoothies or other recipes). Place the coconut cream in a mixing bowl. Add your sweetener of choice. Using a hand mixer or whisk, beat vigorously for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and holds soft peaks. It should look like whipped cream! Set aside 2 tablespoons of the whipped coconut cream in a small bowl for topping. Keep the rest for the glass preparation.
3. Prepare the Serving Glass
Take your serving glass and use a spoon to add about 2 tablespoons of the whipped coconut cream to the bottom and sides of the glass, creating swirls. This is what gives you those beautiful white streaks throughout the blue smoothie! Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of blue spirulina powder inside the glass over the coconut cream. Set the prepared glass aside.
4. Blend the Smoothie
In a high-speed blender, add the plant milk, crushed ice, almond butter (if using), frozen banana slices, frozen pineapple chunks, avocado, collagen powder (if using), 1 teaspoon blue spirulina powder, and vanilla bean paste. Add sweetener to taste, starting with 1-2 tablespoons and adjusting based on how sweet your banana is. Blend on high speed for 45-60 seconds until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is completely smooth and creamy with a vibrant blue color.
5. Assemble the Smoothie
Pour the blended blue smoothie into your prepared glass. You'll see those gorgeous white coconut cream swirls throughout as you pour. The blue spirulina you dusted inside will create even more visual interest.
6. Top and Serve
Top the smoothie with the reserved 2 tablespoons of whipped coconut cream, creating a fluffy cloud on top. You can also add an extra tiny pinch of blue spirulina on top for garnish if you want. Serve immediately with a straw and enjoy your homemade version of that $20 smoothie!
Cooking hacks and tips
Tips & Notes
- Coconut cream vs. coconut milk: For the best whipped cream, use a can of full-fat coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk (not light). Brands like Thai Kitchen or Native Forest work well.
- Chill it properly: The coconut cream must be refrigerated overnight to separate and solidify. This is essential for whipping!
- Blue spirulina benefits: Blue spirulina is packed with antioxidants, supports immune health, boosts energy naturally, and may help with inflammation.
- Where to buy blue spirulina: Find it at health food stores, Whole Foods, or online. It's different from green spirulina and has a milder taste.
- Frozen fruit is key: Use frozen banana and pineapple for that thick, frosty texture without needing tons of ice.
- Avocado is invisible: The small amount of avocado makes the smoothie incredibly creamy without any avocado taste. You won't even know it's there!
- Sweetness level: Start with less sweetener since the banana and pineapple are naturally sweet. Taste and add more if needed.
- Plant milk options: Coconut milk makes it extra creamy and tropical, oat milk is naturally sweet, almond milk keeps it light, cashew milk is super creamy.
- Protein boost: The optional collagen powder adds protein without affecting flavor. You could also add vanilla protein powder.
- Make it thicker: Add more frozen banana or less liquid. Make it thinner by adding more plant milk.
- Glass swirl technique: The coconut cream swirl on the sides is what makes this look like the Erewhon version. Don't skip this step for that wow factor!
- Serve immediately: This smoothie is best enjoyed fresh while it's cold and the whipped coconut cream is still fluffy.
More Recipes
Connect with Us on Social Media:
Hey! It’s Ronica!
This is where I love to share my passion for cooking, baking, and flavor. When I’m not creating delicious recipes, you’ll find me spending time with my family, working on my spice blends at Flora & Mana, or enjoying a homemade baked goods. Join me on this culinary journey to taste, healthy meals and fun kitchen hacks!
Read MoreWe'd Love to Hear from you!
Drop a Comment Below!
Leave a Reply
Get recipes first!
Subscribe now to get exclusive recipes, kitchen tips, and cooking inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.
No comments yet