Easy as Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Pumpkin pie, anyone?? If you just can’t wait until Thanksgiving to get your pumpkin pie fix, I have just the simple smoothie recipe for you. This pumpkin pie smoothie is filling, delicious, and a great source of protein and healthy carbs. Let’s be real, I’m not saying it’ll replace your pumpkin pie, but I know you’ll love it. Bring on the pumpkin goodness!
Why I Love This Easy as Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Have you ever made a recipe that called for canned pumpkin, only to be left you with a random cup of pumpkin you had no idea what to do with? Same.
This recipe came from one of those times I had no idea what to do with leftover canned pumpkin. Why not throw it in a smoothie? I tossed these ingredients in my blender and hoped for the best.
The result? “Oh we need to write this recipe down,” my boyfriend insisted after the first sip.
Nutrition Tidbits
This recipe is a great way to add vitamin-rich pumpkin into your life. Pumpkin is full of vitamin-A – an important antioxidant. Looking for more healthy ways to use pumpkin? Check out my Spiced Pumpkin Chia Pudding.
Need an energizing, high-protein meal with some carbs? This recipe has you covered. The nutrition profile makes it a good option for post-workout refueling. Why is that?
- To recover from a workout, our bodies need a combination of both protein and carbohydrates. After a workout, we need to repair muscles and refill glycogen stores (aka the storage form of carbs in our muscles and liver).
- If we were to eat just protein after a workout, some of this protein would be broken down into glucose through a process called gluconeogenesis instead of being used for muscle repair. Protein helps with muscle recovery, but we also need carbs to refill those glycogen stores and stabilize blood sugar.
Cooking Tips
I usually make this pumpkin pie smoothie in a single-serving blender (like a Ninja or NutriBullet). If you’re preparing smoothies for a crowd, this recipe can also be multiplied and made in a full-size blender.
Recipe Modifications
- Make it lower in calories – Use half of a banana and half of the almond butter, then add in another handful of ice.
- Make it lower in fat – Omit the almond butter.
- Make it lower in carbs – Use 1/2 of a banana, double the ice, and use unsweetened almond milk.
- Make it sweeter – Use sweetened almond milk and add a teaspoon of honey.
- Make it vegan/non-dairy – Use a vegan protein powder.
- Make it thicker – Add another 1/4 of a banana and another handful of ice.
- Make it creamier – Add a spoonful of yogurt.
- Make it more “pumpkin-y” – Add another 1/4 cup of pumpkin and another generous shake of pumpkin pie spice.
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Equipment
- blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup light vanilla almond milk or milk of choice
- 1 medium frozen banana
- 1/4 cup ice
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice*
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 tbs almond butter
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients until smooth and serve!
Notes
- If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own with 1/4 teaspoon each: ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice
- Multiply as needed for multiple servings
