Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie

Creamy and Delicious Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

There is something about pumpkin pie flavors that makes fall feel like fall. But I don't need an actual pie every time I want pumpkin, cinnamon and nutmeg.

This Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie is creamy, filling and easy enough for breakfast or an afternoon snack. It has pumpkin, banana, vanilla protein and those warm spices that make the whole thing taste a little more like dessert than breakfast.

And unlike the original version of this recipe I shared years ago, you don't need a seasonal pumpkin spice protein powder to make it.

Here's everything you'll need to make a Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond, oat or coconut milk

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (make sure you're using plain pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.)

• 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower rice

• 1/2 frozen banana

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or unsweetened dairy-free yogurt

• 1 tablespoon almond butter

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon hemp seeds (Chia or ground flaxseed works too.)

• 1 serving Origin vanilla protein powder

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Pinch of nutmeg, ginger and allspice (or use pumpkin pie spice instead.)

• Ice, as desired

Smoothie making is not rocket science and surprisingly enough, brings many benefits considering how simple they are to blend up for: improved digestion, hydration, eating more fruits and vegetables, easier weight loss, more energy, and many other reasons. But before your start blending, here are some tips from my Smoothies for Life guide to help you build the perfect smoothie once you've got all your ingredients together:

• When making a smoothie, the first thing that goes into the blender are your liquids -- stick to two cups or less per person. Liquids might include filtered water, organic and unsweetened almond/coconut/hazelnut/oat milk, organic juiced fruit, or kefir.

• To your liquids, add your base ingredients that will make your smoothie creamy. The most basic creamy base you can start with is a banana. You could also use frozen avocado, nut butters or plain low-fat yogurt.

• Next come the fruits or vegetables your smoothie recipe requires.

• The next layer is nuts such as almonds, cashews, walnuts, or pecans.

• Last, add in any other spices, seeds, and powders. (A pinch of pink Himalayan sea will boost mineral content and flavor profile.) Scoop in a plant-based protein powder.

• Blend at least two minutes starting on low, increasing speed, then ending on low.

How to Make a Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup Almond Milk

5-6 pieces frozen banana

5-6 pieces frozen avocado

1/2 cup CocoJune Organic Cultured Cocout or plain greek yogurt

1 tbsp Almond Butter

1 tsp pure Vanilla Extract

1 tbsp Hemp Seeds

2 scoops Origin Vanilla Protein

1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon

Pinch of Nutmeg, Ginger, and Allspice

DIRECTIONS:

Add the milk to your blender first, followed by the pumpkin, banana, yogurt, almond butter, vanilla, hemp seeds, protein powder and spices.

Blend until smooth and creamy. Add a little more milk if you like a thinner smoothie or a handful of ice if you want it thicker and colder.

Taste before you pour it. Pumpkin and protein powders vary, so you may want a little more cinnamon, vanilla or pumpkin pie spice.

That's it.

One thing I've learned after making a lot of smoothies over the years is that I like them much better when I think beyond throwing fruit into a blender. I want protein, some healthy fat and enough substance that I'm not looking for something else to eat an hour later. This one checks those boxes and still tastes like fall.

Enjoy!

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