It's pumpkin everything season! One of my favorite treats for late summer and fall is a pumpkin pie smoothie. It's refreshing, delicious, and this healthy drink is perfect for breakfast, or a mid-day treat!
We used to have a smoothie shop at our farmers market that sold a delicious pumpkin pie smoothie. The problem was that they only made it for a few weeks each year. I wanted to enjoy it for a couple of months, not only a couple of weeks.
So, based on their ingredients I came up with a recipe that is pretty close (confirmed by the surprised smoothie shop owner). And possibly better.
My husband, who is not a pumpkin pie fan, laughs at my happiness when September arrives, which is when I feel like pumpkin season can start. He decided to finally try this smoothie 2 years ago, after hearing me go on and on about how delicious it is. He was sure that he wouldn't be a fan. Well, I'm happy to report that he loves it. I've made this twice this week and both times he's requested one and after drinking it said, "I can't believe how good that was".
It really is delicious!
Smoothie Ingredients
It's simple to make, features a smooth consistency, and is easily adaptable. Want more spice flavor? You can add more. Want it a bit thinner? Add more milk. Want it non-dairy? No problem at all.
I recently started adding cashew butter. This adds some protein and a very light pie crust-type flavor. It's delicious but completely optional.
- Pumpkin Puree - not pumpkin pie filling - can be canned, frozen or fresh
- Frozen Ripe Banana - used as a base for this smoothie to add creaminess and a hint of sweetness
- Maple Syrup - used as a sweetener. You can substitute honey for this, although I have not tried it.
- Yogurt - dairy or non-dairy can be used. Any style, although you may need to add a bit more milk if you use greek style since it's quite thick. Added for creaminess and a pie filling-type consistency
- Milk - dairy or non-dairy can be used. Once your smoothie is blended you can add more if it seems too thick.
- Spices - if you do not have pumpkin pie spice, you can use 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch each of ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Salt (optional) - just a tiny pinch, but again optional. Salt helps accentuate the flavors.
- Cashew Butter (optional) - this adds to the creaminess as well as a hint of pie crust flavor, and the added protein will keep you satiated. I think walnut butter, almond butter or pecan butter would be good too. This is completely optional - use it if you have it.
Tips For Making A Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
This smoothie is super simple, here are a few tips to help you out.
- If you have a small blender, it will be perfect for this recipe. Since this makes a single smoothie, you don't need to use a larger one. I always make it in my nutribullet (affiliate link).
- If your blender has a speed dial, start with low and as it blends slowly turn it up to high.
- Make sure your frozen banana was frozen when it was ripe (skin was speckled). That's when it's the creamiest and sweetest.
More Pumpkin Recipes To Try:
find a printable recipe here
Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
makes 1 smoothie
1 frozen ripe banana
2/3 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup plain or vanilla-flavored yogurt
2-3 Tablespoons maple syrup (more if you want it a bit sweeter)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice blend
tiny pinch of salt (optional)
2 Tablespoons cashew butter (optional)
Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until completely smooth. If you prefer it thinner, add a tablespoon or two of additional milk and blend again.
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I'll be trying this recipe this weekend! It's great having more allergy-friendly options. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteFantastic! Enjoy!!
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