Craving something creamy, cozy, and packed with protein? This pumpkin pie protein shake without banana is your fall-flavored fix. Made with real pumpkin, fall spices, and sweet maple syrup, it delivers all the indulgence of pumpkin pie with 31 grams of protein. Whether you need a comforting post-workout shake or a high-protein fall snack, this one hits the sweet spot, without the sugar crash.
"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." - Trina
A Quick Look At The Recipe
- ⏲️Ready In: 5 Minutes
- 👪Serves: 1
- 🍽 Calories and Protein: 284 kcals and 31 grams of protein.
- 📋 Main Ingredients: Pumpkin puree and spice, protein powder, maple syrup, and almond milk.
- 📖 Dietary Notes: Dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and can be made paleo too.
- ⭐ Why You'll Love It: It’s creamy, cozy, and loaded with pumpkin flavor that's ready in minutes.
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If you’ve been hunting for a pumpkin pie smoothie without banana that still delivers that ultra-creamy, cozy vibe, this one’s for you! It’s a flavorful break from your usual routine and proof that you don’t need frozen bananas to get that thick, dreamy texture in a post-workout shake (though they are a good staple when building healthy smoothies).
This pumpkin protein shake has become a fall favorite in my kitchen, especially when I want something comforting without the sugar crash. And if you’re like me and love options, you’ll also want to try this pumpkin protein mug cake or grab the Protein Playbook for even more ways to fuel your day with cozy, high-protein treats to hit your goals.
Jump To
- A Quick Look At The Recipe
- 💭You'll Love This Recipe Because
- Ingredients and Substitutions
- Toppings and Flavor Variations
- Expert Tips
- How To Make The Pumpkin Protein Shake Without Banana
- How To Make A Lighter Version
- Pumpkin Protein Shake FAQs
- More High-Protein Fall Recipes
- High Protein Pumpkin Pie In A Glass (Dairy-Free)
💭You'll Love This Recipe Because
Allergy-friendly: The pumpkin pie smoothie is naturally dairy and gluten-free but can be vegan or paleo as well, depending on your protein powder.
Rich and creamy: This protein shake is super thick and creamy (and all without banana!) which gives the feel of dessert-like indulgence.
Versatile: It can be lightened up to make for a lower-calorie snack or dressed up.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Pumpkin puree: This pumpkin spice protein shake is made with real pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, just like this slow cooker pumpkin spice latte and pumpkin chicken curry. Pumpkin pie filling will be too sweet for this smoothie.
- Protein powder: Using a vegan protein powder will keep this smoothie recipe ultra-thick (learn more about choosing a vegan protein powder). However, I personally prefer it with beef protein powder even more. Learn more about the benefits of beef protein powder and why I made the switch.
- Coconut milk: In addition to homemade hemp milk (or almond milk) you need coconut milk from a can. Specifically, the thick, white cream only. Make sure to use full-fat coconut milk and drain the water first, leaving only the cream.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities
Toppings and Flavor Variations
Keep in mind that adding extra toppings makes this pumpkin pie smoothie recipe much more like a dessert!
Toppings: Try whipping up some Whole30 whipped cream, dusting it with extra pumpkin pie spice, drizzling on dairy-free homemade caramel sauce, or sprinkling some chopped pecans. Any other smoothie toppings work too.
Skip the pumpkin: If you're not the biggest fan of pumpkin but love a pumpkin pie flavor, replace the pumpkin puree with cooked sweet potato! Same texture and delicious high-protein snack, but ever so slightly different. Bake it in the oven until tender, let it cool, and remove the skin first.
Chocolate: Of course, using a chocolate protein powder for a richer taste is a yummy choice as well.
Expert Tips
This pumpkin pie smoothie is made without frozen banana because it uses canned coconut milk to keep it creamy. However, you need to make sure you use canned coconut milk, specifically the thick, white, creamy part.
If you're using sweet potato in place of the pumpkin puree, make sure to cook and peel the sweet potato first.
The pumpkin shake recipe is best enjoyed immediately after whipping it up. If stored in the fridge, it will thin out and lose its creamy texture. If you need something to make ahead, try these pumpkin protein overnight oats.
How To Make The Pumpkin Protein Shake Without Banana
Step 1: Add all the ingredients to a high-powered blender.
Step 2: Process until smooth and pour into a mason jar or glass.
Step 3: Top with a dollop of coconut milk, and if using, mix together the ingredients for dairy-free caramel sauce.
Step 4: Drizzle on the caramel sauce, top it with pecans and enjoy!
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 with 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,
If you're focusing more on calories and want a lighter version of the pumpkin spice smoothie, this is what you do:
- Avoid extra toppings: Don't top the pumpkin pie spice smoothie with anything. Just drink as is. The coconut cream and pecans add up!
- Change the milk: 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.
Pumpkin Protein Shake FAQs
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, and if you know you're going to be storing it, do not add any toppings until you're ready to enjoy it.
Pumpkin pie filling or mix is not the same as pumpkin puree. Pumpkin puree is exactly as it sounds: pureed pumpkin, whereas pumpkin pie filling has spices and sugar added to it to create pumpkin pie in a pinch.
Banana is replaced by a combination of pumpkin puree and canned coconut milk to create a rich and creamy texture.
More High-Protein Fall Recipes
If you tried this Pumpkin Pie Protein Shake or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes!
High Protein Pumpkin Pie In A Glass (Dairy-Free)
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice more as per preference
- 3 tablespoons canned coconut milk + more for drizzle if you’re fancy
- ¼ cup Almond milk
- ⅓ 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 super large).
- Top with shredded coconut, pecans, and maple syrup or any other toppings you love, and then enjoy.
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, cool, 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 on 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
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!