This Pumpkin Protein Shake is a perfect way to satisfy all your pumpkin spice dreams and get in your protein during the fall season! It's decadently creamy, tastes like pumpkin pie filling, takes less than 5 minutes, and is made with wholesome ingredients. 😊 As a dietitian (and major pumpkin fanatic), I love having it as an afternoon snack!
Quick Look: Pumpkin Protein Shake
- 🧁 Serves: 1
- ⭐ Features: Quick ✓ Healthy ✓ Creamy ✓
- ⌛️ Prep Time: 5 minutes
- 🍪 Cook Time: 0 minutes
- 🕑 Total Time: 5 minutes
- 👩🍳 Skill Level: Beginner
- 🏆 Why make THIS version? It's loaded with pumpkin pie flavors and with 240 calories, nearly 20g protein, and 5g fiber, it'll keep you full and satisfied!
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I drink smoothies or protein shakes either for a healthy breakfast on busy mornings or as a post-workout snack. This is one of my absolute favorite pumpkin recipes when I want something quick! It's especially perfect if you crave pumpkin before the weather starts to get cold. Adding a frozen banana makes it extra creamy, and the touch of vanilla gives it a milkshake flavor!
If you like the idea of a smoothie, you may also like my high-protein banana date smoothie naturally sweetened with dates that makes an easy breakfast or snack. If you prefer a make-ahead breakfast, these easy pumpkin spice overnight oats for breakfast are another great option.
If you're looking for another pumpkin recipe that works as both a breakfast and a healthier sweet treat, try this pumpkin chia pudding with yogurt and pumpkin spice. For another pumpkin protein breakfast for busy mornings, try this pancake bowl when you're craving something warm and more substantial!
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Key Ingredient Notes and Substitution Ideas
This pumpkin protein smoothie is made with healthy ingredients. Below are some notes. Check the recipe card at the bottom for measurements.
- Pumpkin Puree - canned pumpkin gives this smoothie a creamy texture and a great pumpkin flavor! It also adds vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber for a healthy gut. It's a great way to use up leftover pumpkin puree after making No-Bake Pumpkin Protein Balls.
- Frozen Banana - frozen banana is the secret ingredient that adds natural sweetness so there's no need to add sugar or artificial sweeteners. It also gives this smoothie the perfect consistency. If you have extra ripe bananas, try these 4-ingredient banana oatmeal cookies for another easy fall snack. Since this recipe uses only half a banana, it's a great option when you have both pumpkin puree and ripe bananas to use. For a baked option, try this healthy pumpkin banana bread with ripe bananas.
- Greek Yogurt - plain Greek yogurt makes it even creamier and adds an extra protein boost. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a boost of protein. If you're looking for another easy breakfast centered around Greek yogurt, try this high-protein Greek yogurt breakfast bowl with blueberry compote and granola.
- Vanilla Protein Powder - I use plant-based protein powder and love the flavor and nutritional profile of Truvani's vanilla plant-based protein so that's the one I use. Use your own favorite vanilla protein powder. Plant-based or whey protein powder work.
- Almond Milk - I use unsweetened almond milk for smoothies because I love how creamy it is. Use your milk of choice - regular cow's milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, oat milk or soy milk.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice - to amp up the pumpkin flavor. If you don't have pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon works here.
- Ice Cubes (optional) - add a few ice cubes, especially if you like your smoothies 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: vanilla extract, apple, maple syrup, or honey. For healthy fats and flavor: nut butter, cashews, chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp seeds.
Recipe Variations
One of the best things about this pumpkin spice protein smoothie is that you can customize it however you want! Below are some ideas.
- Boost of healthy fat - add chia seeds, hemp seeds, or flax seed meal for healthy fatty acids that support hormone health and brain health.
- Sweeter - make it sweeter by adding vanilla extract, pure maple syrup, or coconut sugar. If you like chocolate, add cacao nibs.
- Nutty - add nut butter like almond butter or peanut butter if you want!
How to Make a Pumpkin Protein Shake
Below are the instructions for how to make this pumpkin smoothie with some photos that I hope are helpful! Check out the recipe card at the bottom for the full recipe.
- Step 1 - add the 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. Top with Greek yogurt and pumpkin pie spice (optional)
Hint: use a frozen banana for the best consistency.
Mallory's Dietitian Tip!
Pumpkin is a nutritious ingredient and has several vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants! It's contains 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.
Expert Tips
- Be sure to use 100% pumpkin puree, not canned pumpkin pie mix.
- 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.
Pumpkin Protein Shake FAQs
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.
- Refrigerator - if you want to make this Pumpkin Protein Smoothie 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.
More Healthy Pumpkin Recipes
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
Pumpkin Protein Shake (Tastes Like Pumpkin Pie)!
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- ½ frozen banana
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 tablespoon vanilla protein powder (I use Truvani plant-based)
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (optional)
- ice cubes (optional)
Instructions
- Add the 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: use a frozen banana for the best consistency. And use a protein powder you like the taste of!
Video
Notes
- Be sure to use 100% pumpkin puree, not canned pumpkin pie mix.
- 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.
- 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.
- You can store it 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.
Christine
Really good!!! I made it for breakfast