Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Cooler weather is coming, but that doesn’t mean I’m putting away the blender. This creamy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie combines the flavors of fall with the ease and nutrition of a smoothie. In addition to adding creamy texture, pumpkin puree also provides fiber, beta-carotene (vitamin A precursor), vitamins K, C, and E and minerals such as potassium and iron.

Lightly sweetened with banana and full of protein thanks to the greek yogurt and almond butter, this simple smoothie will keep you full and satisfied. It naturally contains about 15 grams of protein, but you can also add vanilla protein powder and bring this smoothie to 35-40 grams of protein.

Next time you need to finish off a can of pumpkin or want to spice up your morning smoothie routine, give this Pumpkin Pie Smoothie recipe a try. It’s like pumpkin pie in a glass.

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 1 very ripe banana*

• 3/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (ex: almond or oat)

• 1/3 cup pumpkin puree

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or a zero-sugar vanilla version)

• 1 medjool date

• 1 tbsp almond butter

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1-2 dashes of pumpkin pie spice

• optional: 1 serving vanilla protein powder

• A few ice cubes (can skip this if you use a frozen banana)

*the sweetness of the smoothie will largely depend on how ripe your banana is. If your banana is not very ripe, you can sweeten this smoothie the following ways—you can choose one option or use a combination:

• add more dates

• use a vanilla flavored greek yogurt (I’d recommend choosing a zero-sugar version to minimize added sugars)

• use a sweetened plant-based milk

• use a sweet-tasting protein powder

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend on high until smooth.