The holiday season is here, and there’s no better way to welcome cozy mornings than with pumpkin. This pumpkin pie smoothie is festive, flavorful, and perfect for starting your day. It’s packed with protein and warming spices—add it to your smoothie rotation right away.
SMOOTHIE SEASON
I’m a year-round smoothie fan. Even when it’s cold outside, a smoothie is my go-to breakfast for speed, convenience, and nutrition. Pumpkin is naturally rich in vitamins A, B, and C, as well as fiber, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. So the pumpkin-spice craze has real nutritional benefits. This pumpkin pie smoothie is a tasty example of a nutrient-dense, protein-focused breakfast that works any time of year.
PUMPKIN SPICE EVERYTHING
Whether you love pumpkin spice or you have a few tablespoons of leftover pumpkin puree from baking, this recipe is a perfect use for it. The recipe calls for 1/4 cup pumpkin puree—often the amount left in a can after making a dessert. Instead of letting that leftover sit in the fridge, blend it into a protein-packed treat.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- Almond milk (or milk of choice)
- Ice
- Frozen banana
- Pumpkin puree
- Ground flaxseed
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Almond butter
- Frozen pitted date
- Vanilla protein powder
- Granola (optional)
HOW TO MAKE THE PUMPKIN PIE SMOOTHIE
Freeze the banana and the date ahead of time—the frozen banana gives a creamy, chilled texture and the frozen date blends more smoothly.
When ready, add almond milk, ice, frozen banana, pumpkin puree, ground flaxseed, pumpkin pie spice, almond butter, the frozen pitted date, and vanilla protein to a high-speed blender. Blend on high until smooth or until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Pour into a glass and top with granola for a crunchy finish, if desired. Enjoy!
RECIPE QUESTIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
Swap any non-dairy milk you prefer for almond milk. Use your favorite nut or seed butter if you don’t have almond butter—though almond butter pairs especially well with pumpkin. You can also omit the ground flaxseed if you don’t have it; the smoothie will still be delicious.
WHAT IS PUMPKIN PUREE?
Pumpkin puree is simply cooked, mashed pumpkin. It’s a convenient ingredient for both savory and sweet recipes. I recommend choosing organic pumpkin puree if you can, and always check the label. Pumpkin puree is different from pumpkin pie filling—pie filling often contains added sugars and spices, while plain pumpkin puree is just pumpkin.
WHAT IS THE BEST VANILLA PROTEIN?
The best vanilla protein powders use simple, high-quality ingredients and minimal processing. I prefer options that are low in added sugar and free of ingredients that might upset a sensitive stomach. Choose a protein powder that fits your dietary needs—plant-based or dairy-free if needed—and one you enjoy the taste of.
LOOKING FOR MORE PUMPKIN RECIPES?
If you want other pumpkin ideas, try pumpkin bars, pumpkin protein balls, or pumpkin baked oats—use leftover pumpkin puree to make simple, seasonal breakfasts and snacks.
Watch the short reel for this recipe to see the smoothie come together.
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup almond milk, or milk of choice
- 1 cup ice
- ½ frozen banana
- ¼ cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1-2 tbsp almond butter
- 1 pitted date, frozen is best
- 1 serving vanilla protein
- granola, optional
Instructions
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Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Top with granola if desired and serve immediately.