This Pumpkin Protein Shake is a perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth during the fall season! It tastes like pumpkin pie filling and comes together in less than 5 minutes!
As a dietitian, I drink smoothies or protein shakes either for a healthy breakfast on busy mornings or as a post-workout snack. And this is one of my absolute favorite pumpkin recipes! It's a great way to use up leftover pumpkin puree after making Pumpkin Protein Balls. Feel free to double the recipe if you want a larger serving!
If you're looking for more smoothie recipes, this Blueberry Banana Protein Smoothie or Apple Cucumber Green Smoothie are great options!
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Video of How to Make Pumpkin Protein Shake
Below is a video of how to make this recipe that I hope is helpful!
Key Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
This Pumpkin Protein Shake is made with healthy ingredients. Below are some ingredient notes. Be sure to check the printable recipe card at the bottom for exact ingredient measurements and full recipe.
- Pumpkin Puree - canned pumpkin gives this smoothie a creamy texture and of course that great pumpkin flavor! It also adds vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber for a healthy gut.
- Frozen Banana - frozen banana is the secret ingredient that adds natural sweetness so there's no need to add any sugar or artificial sweeteners. It also gives this smoothie the perfect consistency!
- Vanilla Protein Powder - I use plant-based protein powder and love the flavor and nutritional profile of Orgain's Vanilla Protein Powder. Use your own favorite vanilla protein powder! Plant-based or whey protein powder works great.
- Almond Milk - I use unsweetened almond milk for smoothies. If you prefer, you can use cashew milk, coconut milk, oat milk, soy milk, or dairy milk.
- Ice Cubes (optional) - add a few ice cubes, especially if you like your shakes to have a thick consistency.
- Add-ins - I wanted to make this recipe super simple for you with as few ingredients as possible! But if you want to take things up a notch and don't mind adding more ingredients, here are my suggestions. For sweetness: cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, apple, maple syrup, or honey. For protein/creaminess: Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. For healthy fats and flavor: nut butter, cashews, chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp seeds.
How to Make a Pumpkin Protein Shake
Below are the instructions for how to make this pumpkin shake with some visuals that I hope are helpful! Don't forget to check out the recipe card at the bottom for the full recipe.
- Step 1 - add your ingredients to a high speed blender and blend for 30-60 seconds.
- Step 2 - if the smoothie is too thin, add a couple more cubes of ice. If it's too thick, add more milk.
Hint: be sure to use a frozen banana for the best consistency. And use a protein powder you like the taste of!
Dietitian Tip
Pumpkin is a nutritious ingredient and contains several vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants! It's a great source of vitamin A, antioxidants, and dietary fiber for a healthy gut. When buying the can of pumpkin for this Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie, be sure to look for 100% Pumpkin Puree and not Pumpkin Pie filling which has added sugars and salt.
Variations
One of the best things about this Pumpkin Spice Protein Shake is that you can customize it however you want! Below are some ideas, but feel free to get creative.
- Boost of healthy fat - add chia seeds, hemp seeds, or flax seed meal for some healthy fatty acids that support hormone health and brain health. Learn more about the benefits of chia seeds.
- Double Up on Pumpkin - throw in some pumpkin pie spice, a combination of warm spices full of fall flavors. This adds that delicious pumpkin spice flavor we all know and love.
- Sweeter - make it sweeter by adding vanilla extract, pure maple syrup, or coconut sugar. If you like chocolate, add some cacao nibs.
- Nutty - add nut butter like almond butter or peanut butter if you want!
Equipment
A high-speed blender works best for this easy pumpkin smoothie recipe, but you can use a regular blender or food processor. I have a Ninja Blender and love it. If you have more money to invest in a high-quality blender, invest in a Vitamix Blender!
Storage
- Refrigerator - if you want to make this Pumpkin Protein Shake in advance, store it in an airtight container like a mason jar for up to 1-2 days.
- Freezer - you can store this smoothie in an airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours or add it back to your blender with a bit more almond milk.
Expert Tips
- Add the liquid to your blender first to help everything blend smoothly.
- I suggest using a frozen banana! To freeze bananas, peel them first and cut them into halves or slices before freezing in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Be sure to use a protein powder that you like the taste of.
FAQ
While healthy means something different to everyone, this is a nutrient-rich option. Pumpkin provides many health benefits and nutrients including vitamins A, and C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber for a healthy gut. This recipe also provides protein to keep you full longer and support hormone health. Lastly, the banana in this recipe is a natural sweetener - a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth without added sugars.
You can usually find pumpkin puree in the baking aisle.
Related
Looking for other dietitian recipes like this? Try these:
Perfect for Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Pumpkin Protein Shake:
Want to Learn About Nutrition?
Here are some educational articles from a dietitian!
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! I would love to hear from you! If you made this recipe, please leave me a review below or tag me in a photo or story on Instagram. Your reviews help support me and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you know and love.🙂 IG: @mallorythedietitian.
📖 Recipe
Simple Pumpkin Pie Protein Shake (Pumpkin Smoothie)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup almond milk or milk of choice
- 4 tablespoon vanilla protein powder I use Orgain for this recipe
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice optional
- ice cubes optional
Instructions
- Add your ingredients to a high speed blender and blend for 30-60 seconds.
- If the smoothie is too thin, add a couple more cubes of ice. If it's too thick, add more milk.
- Hint: be sure to use a frozen banana for the best consistency. And use a protein powder you like the taste of!
Video
Notes
- Add the liquid to your blender first to help everything blend smoothly.
- I suggest using a frozen banana! To freeze bananas, peel them first and cut them into halves or slices before freezing in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Be sure to use a protein powder that you like the taste of.
- Refrigerator - if you want to make this Pumpkin Protein Shake in advance, store it in an airtight container like a mason jar for up to 1-2 days.
- Freezer - you can store this smoothie in an airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours or add it back to your blender with a bit more almond milk.
Additional Nutrition Info While healthy means something different to everyone, this is a nutrient-rich option. Pumpkin provides many health benefits and nutrients including antioxidants. This recipe also provides protein to keep you full longer and support hormone health. Lastly, the banana in this recipe is a natural sweetener - a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth without added sugars. For more nutrition information and tips, visit mallorythedietitian.com. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! 😊
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