All the flavors of pumpkin pie blended into a thick and creamy, healthy smoothie. Makes for a great breakfast, snack, or dessert! It’s vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar free.
What kind of pumpkin should I use?
For this recipe pure canned pumpkin puree works best. I stock up on several cans whenever I see them on sale at the beginning of pumpkin season in late September (they sell out quickly!). However you can usually find them all year-round in major grocery stores. Be sure NOT to use canned pumpkin pie filling. It looks very similar so be sure to read the label. Canned pumpkin pie filling has tons of added sugar and often trans-fat, which you should try and limit. If you’re feeling “extra” you can make your own pumpkin puree!
What can I sub for almond butter?
If you don’t have any almond butter on hand, feel free to sub peanut butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter (tastes similar to peanut butter but is allergen-friendly for those who are allergic to nuts), or any other nut/seed butter you want for this pumpkin pie smoothie! Peanut butter and pumpkin pair nicely together, but if you are struggling with Candida Overgrowth, avoid peanuts as they contain high amounts mold which produce mycotoxins.
Health Benefits: Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie
This pumpkin pie smoothie tastes like dessert but is loaded with nutrients from the following ingredients!
Pumpkin: lower in starch than their sweet potato and winter squash cousins, high in beta-carotin which makes Vitamin A- which is great for your eyesight!
Pumpkin Seeds: makes a great crunchy topping and is a good source of protein for plant-based eaters. These seeds are also high in fiber and magnesium!
Spinach: There’s a reason pop-eye loved his spinach! It’s a powerhouse of nutrients including Vitamins A, C, K, and iron, which helps to improve oxidative stress, eye health, and blood pressure.
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie (high protein, no sugar added)
Equipment
- 1 blender
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup canned pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
- 1/2 cup frozen spinach or handful of fresh baby spinach
- 1 small banana, pre-peeled, frozen, and sliced can sub frozen white sweet potato, pre-roasted, skinned
- 1 TBSP almond or other nut butter
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 cup unsweetened almond or non-dairy milk
Optional toppings:
- roasted pumpkin seeds
- cinnamon
- coconut whipped cream
- low sugar granola
Instructions
- Blend the first 7 ingredients together and then add desired toppings!
Notes
- You may need more or less milk depending on thickness preference. Smoothie is best served immediately but will keep for a few hours in the fridge. If making the night before, blend everything together in the morning prior to serving.
