A spiced pumpkin smoothie? Yep. And it tastes like liquid pumpkin pie. Rich and smooth with almond, coconut milk and warm spices, a touch of vanilla and of course, pumpkin. Puree it all in a blender and you have a nutritious pumpkin protein smoothie for a healthy fall breakfast. Dessert for breakfast? Why not.
Creamy Spiced Pumpkin Smoothie
Do you love fall like I do? It's many people's favorite season. I am ready for cooler weather, sweaters, a flickering fireplace, fall foods and ingredients, even living in sunny Southern California. Fall mode means pumpkin and comfort food again. Drinking one of these pumpkin pie breakfast smoothies is just the ticket to enjoying fall.
Pumpkin is For More Than Pie
If you say “pumpkin” most people say “pie”. But pumpkin is much more than a dessert ingredient; it's super nutritious. The power behind pumpkin’s bright orange flesh is beta-carotene. Beta-carotene, a provitamin that converts to vitamin A in our bodies, provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s good for your eyes, bones, teeth, immune systems, and may help prevent cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Sign me up.
Pumpkin also provides vitamins C, B1, B3, B5, B6, K and the minerals potassium (more than a banana), magnesium, iron, calcium, copper and phosphorous. And don’t forget fiber. Just ½ cup of pumpkin provides 4 grams of fiber, something we all need to get more of. I’ve even fed pumpkin puree to my dog to settle his tummy and digestive system. Pumpkin is also great in this black bean pumpkin soup recipe (one of my super easy favorite soups).
Ingredient Notes
Canned coconut milk is handy to have in the pantry as a basic staple versus buying refrigerated dairy coconut milk (and cheaper too). Plus using the canned coconut milk is richer and creamier. If you are allergic to coconut, try creamy oat milk instead.
Add freshly ground flaxseed to your smoothie for some healthy fat (12 grams), fiber (8 grams!) and protein (5 grams) plus it adds texture and body. For the best nutrition, grind flaxseed right before you use it in a small spice grinder like this. Don't add flaxseeds whole as the blender can't break them down.
For protein powder, there are a myriad of options. I use pumpkin seed protein powder from this brand, but use your favorite. Whey protein makes it creamier. If it gets too thick, add a little water.
If you are confused about choosing a healthy protein powder, this article will help.
Spice is Very Nice
One of the oldest known spices, cinnamon was once more prized than gold. Cinnamon has been linked to potential health benefits including controlling blood sugar, helping with nausea, colds, and is thought to increase energy, vitality, and circulation. So love on yourself and your family by enjoying cinnamon for more than its warm and lovely taste. Add a little nutmeg, clove or vanilla. Maybe a little allspice? They are all good.
For a pumpkin spice smoothie, you can use a pumpkin spice blend rather than using them individually, or blend your own.
How Sweet It Is or Isn't: Your Choice
The sugar-free option is Pumpkin Spice liquid stevia drops, made by Sweet Leaf, or use the vanilla creme. Another option is a little pure maple syrup.
Equipment
- blender
Ingredients
- ¾ cup almond milk 6 ounces
- â…“ cup canned pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup canned coconut milk 4 ounces
- 2 tablespoons flaxseed, ground
- 1 dropper pumpkin spice stevia drops or maple syrup
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon warm spices blend cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, clove
- 1-2 scoops protein powder of choice
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in blender and puree until smooth and creamy. If it gets too thick add a little water.
Madonna/aka/Ms. Lemon says
Okay, this sounds delish, but I need a few more cool days first. Just went to the market, it is full of fall veg. Love them, but I am not ready yet.
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
This pumpkin pie smoothie looks and sounds so incredibly delicious.. great recipe and perfect for the fall!
Ordinary Blogger (Rivki Locker) says
Liquid pumpkin pie? COUNT ME IN!! This looks and sounds wonderful.
Maresa | the lovely says
We've got a few rainy days coming up this week - might be a perfect time to make this! I love love love getting into the Fall spirit!
Tina K. says
I would love to see how many calories these smoothies contain. I need to watch my calorie intake and I'm looking for smoothies that have lime in them, but no greens. I have made frozen orange juice, frozen apple juice. I have also frozen fresh strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, peaches, mixed fruit, and I also have frozen orange and lime zest. I would really like to know what kind of diet smoothie or smoothies that will help me lose weight, I can make, using these ingredients.
By the way, I'm going to try this pumpkin pie smoothie. Sounds so good.
Sally Cameron says
Hi Tina. I've never measured the calories. I don't usually go by calories because I believe that if you are eating the right foods, don't eat fast food, junk, food, processed foods, eat lots of vegetables, quality proteins and healthy fats, you don't need to count calories. Sometimes it is good for reference or tracking though, I do understand that. You can add lime to any smoothie you want to, and always modify for your specific dietary needs, like eliminating the greens. One thought for you...I would not recommend using any juices as a base for your smoothies. Juices are pure sugar. I would suggest almond milk, unless you are nut-allergic. A few frozen berries is fine, say 1/2 - 3/4 of a cup, depending on your goals. If you are going lower carb, stay with the 1/2 cup. And since berries are frankly hard to measure, I suggest weighing them to get an idea of the true quantity. Use a digital kitchen scale. Berries will be lower in sugar, if that is a concern. Hope that helps.
One way to measure and track calories is using a smart phone app called My Fitness Pal. My husband uses it. I am just starting to use it out of curiosity. You could add the recipe to this app and see what it is, and make any adjustments that you personally need.
Why the protein powder ? says
Just asking because I have never used it b4.
Sally Cameron says
I add protein powder to increase the protein level and get a good start to my day. Protein provides balance, and you will feel better if you get protein in each meal. Protein powders are supplements. They are good ones and bad ones on the market, and it can be confusing on which to buy. Please read my post on How to Choose a Protein Powder and see if that helps. Ask questions too. I'm happy to help. I've also listed ways to add protein without powders, such as with hemp seeds, and other plant-based options.