An indulgent post-workout smoothie or high protein snack. This pumpkin pie smoothie is made with real pumpkin and comes out both creamy and comforting.
It contains 20+ grams of protein and no banana but is topped with pecans and maple syrup. This pumpkin spice protein shake is a healthy way to fuel up in the fall!
One of the biggest reasons that I love this healthy pumpkin pie smoothie as a Certified Nutrition Coach, is that there are no bananas!
More often than not, we use bananas in allll of our smoothie recipes. And while frozen banana has their place, too much of a good thing and whatnot.
As a result, this banana-free pumpkin pie smoothie is a nice switch up from the norm.
Likewise, there are other ways to make your smoothie creamy (learn more about building healthy smoothies).
You'll Love This Recipe Because
- it is allergy-friendly (dairy-free, gluten-free, paleo)
- the protein shake can be made using sweet potato instead
- it makes a very creamy smoothie bowl
- it can be made "light" for anyone looking at calorie intakes
Ingredients You'll Need
This pumpkin spice protein shake is made with real pumpkin, a blend of healthy fats, and vegan protein powder. It's similar to this slow cooker pumpkin spice latte but much more hearty.
It comes out creamy, indulgent, and the perfect fall comfort. Use it as a post-workout shake or a high-protein snack.
Or, make it as sinfully decadent as you wish and use it as dessert!
Pumpkin Puree: make sure to grab regular old, pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling.
The pumpkin pie filling will be loaded with unnecessary sugars. If you have extra, use it to make something like pumpkin chicken curry for dinner, pumpkin protein overnight oats for breakfast or even a pumpkin protein mug cake for dessert!
Vegan protein Powder: the protein powder you choose can and will affect the flavor and texture of the pumpkin pie smoothie recipe. Learn more about how to choose a protein powder suited to your goals and the benefits of a high protein diet.
Pumpkin pie spice: a crucial element for obvious reasons. Though you can make your own pumpkin pie spice, store-bought works just fine. Know that you may want extra pumpkin pie spice for dusting the top!
Coconut cream: the thick part from canned coconut is what helps make the pumpkin pie smoothie creamy. Make sure to use canned coconut milk and not coconut milk in a carton.
Hemp milk: any non-dairy milk will work. Personally, I use homemade hemp milk when I need to keep the pumpkin pie smoothie nut-free.
Maple syrup: this is used to sweeten the pumpkin pie smoothie recipe. However, if you have a really sweet protein powder you can scale back calories and omit it.
Choosing A Protein Powder For The Smoothie
The protein powder you choose to use will make a difference in how the vegan pumpkin pie smoothie tastes.
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, I made this smoothie with Botanica Protein Powder.
Botanica Perfect Protein is a unique blend of quinoa, coconut, and brown rice. This makes it dairy, gluten, and soy-free, organic, vegan, vegetarian, and non-GMO.
It’s a great-tasting protein powder and more similar to whey in that it doesn’t absorb or fluff like many other protein powders.
Plus, the classic flavors of Botanica are delicious.
You can grab it off Amazon.
I've also made the smoothie with Genuine Health’s Fermented Vegan Protein Powder (see notes below on which one suits your needs)
How To Make The Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
- Combine all the ingredients in a high-powered blender
- Blend until completely smooth.
- top the pie smoothie with 2-minute coconut whip, crushed pecans, and maple syrup as preferred.
Step By Step Photos
How To Make A Lighter Version
I'll be the first to admit that this healthy pumpkin pie smoothie is heavy. As a protein shake, it is loaded up on healthy fats which is why it makes two mini servings.
Although healthy fats are crucial for long-term health, they're not always the best post-workout. Though, they make a great addition to a morning snack,
This is why this healthy smoothie recipe is made into two smaller jars.
Likewise, if you're focusing more on calories you may want a lighter version of the pumpkin spice smoothie. This is what you do:
- don't top the pumpkin pie spice smoothie with anything. Just drink as is. The coconut cream and pecans add up!
- skip the coconut cream in the smoothie and simply replace it with more almond milk or hemp milk.
In other words, all of those swaps will make this protein pumpkin smoothie a little bit lighter while still maintaining an amazing flavor, similar to these pumpkin protein muffins.
What If I Dislike Pumpkin?
Well, I feel yah there! Pumpkin is just not everyone's favorite (even if you love pumpkin pie spice!). And since I'm also not always the biggest pumpkin fanatic I learned that you can make this vegan pumpkin smoothie recipe with sweet potato!
Same creamy texture, same great flavor but a wee bit less pumpkin-y.
In fact, simply cook a sweet potato until tender, remove the skin, and sub it in place of the pumpkin.
Important Teaching Tips
This pumpkin pie smoothie is made without frozen banana because it uses canned coconut milk to keep it creamy.
If you're using sweet potato in place of the pumpkin puree, make sure to cook and peel the sweet potato first.
You can top the smoothie with any of your favorites depending on your calorie goals. Check out the best smoothie toppings.
Topping The Pumpkin Smoothie
Keep in mind that adding extra toppings makes this pumpkin pie smoothie recipe much more like dessert!
A few of my favorites are:
- Whole30 whipped cream
- Extra pumpkin pie spice
- Dairy-free caramel sauce
- Toasted pecans
Fast, crave-worthy snacks that hit your protein goals (without tracking or extra cooking time).
More Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Chunky monkey protein shake
- Good morning green protein smoothie
- Crunchy almond granola
- Easy green smoothie bowl
- Pumpkin pie spice pancakes
- Pumpkin pie waffles
- Healthy smoothie recipes
- High-protein snack recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
Though you can make the pumpkin smoothie in advance, know that it will separate and thin out a bit in the fridge as it loses its chill from the ice. Shake it up before consuming. Likewise, make sure not to add any toppings until you're ready to eat.
When making a pumpkin smoothie, make sure to use pumpkin puree and not pie mix. The pie mix will have added sugars as it's essentially pre-done pie filling. Pumpkin puree on the other hand is just pumpkin.
Pumpkin Pie In A Glass
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice more as per preference
- ¼ cup canned coconut milk + more for drizzle if you’re fancy
- ¼ cup Almond milk
- ¼ cup vanilla vegan protein powder
- 2 tbs maple syrup +more for drizzle!
- 3 Ice cubes
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients in a powerful blender until smooth.
- Pour into two small mason jars (or one large).
- Top with shredded coconut, pecans and maple syrup!
Notes
- Any non-dairy milk can be used in place of almond milk.
- Pumpkin puree is not the same as pumpkin pie filling. Make sure you grab pumpkin puree.
- Add more pumpkin pie spice if you love it or sprinkle it on top.
- If you're using sweet potato in place of the pumpkin puree, make sure to cook and peel the sweet potato first.
- Start with ¼ cup of almond milk and add more based on your preferred consistency.
- Nutrition value is based off one large smoothie.
- To scale back on calories, sub almond milk for canned coconut milk, and don't top the smoothie with "extras".
Disclaimer:
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data"
Nutrition
This healthy pumpkin pie smoothie is perfect as a post-workout treat! The smoothie is filled with real food ingredients, protein, and your favorite pumpkin pie spice flavor.
Loaded with fiber and healthy fats this high-protein pumpkin smoothie is perfect for everyday indulgence.
Lisa says
"Lighter version"? You're a genius! I tried the almond milk trick and you were right! The smoothie is still as creamy, and it still tastes yummy.
fitasamamabear says
Sometimes you don't want the heavy!
Trina says
I made this for my teenage daughters as an after school snack yesterday and they both LOVED it - great combo of flavors using almond milk and coconut milk. Keeping this recipe for sure.
fitasamamabear says
Ah always a hit with kiddos love it!