Our pumpkin pie protein smoothie is packed with your favorite pumpkin pie flavor while also being nutritious and delicious! We started toying with this recipe about 10 years ago after getting a seasonal pumpkin shake at our gym. Since then, we’ve perfected the ratio of ingredients and spices to create a creamy pumpkin smoothie that’s great for pre- or post-workout, as a snack, or for a quick breakfast to go when it’s pumpkin season!
Made with clean ingredients, this no sugar added, plant based protein shake is a great way to enjoy a pumpkin treat this fall. We also love that this pumpkin protein shake is a great way to use up leftover pumpkin puree that you may have in your fridge from other fall recipes! Waste not, want not, right?
While you enjoy this yummy pumpkin smoothie, why not amp up the pumpkin goodness by pairing it with one of these 3-ingredient pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, a pumpkin pecan waffle, or a pumpkin protein muffin!
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Why you’ll love this Pumpkin Spice Protein Shake
Quick and easy to make. You’ll be sipping on this pumpkin smoothie in less than 5 minutes! A great option for busy mornings.
Clean ingredients. You can feel good about drinking this smoothie thanks to the good-for-you benefits of pumpkin and banana. Pumpkin is considered to be a nutrient-dense food. It is low in calories and is a great source of antioxidants and vitamins (being especially rich in vitamin A). Bananas are fat-free and are a good source of fiber (particularly soluble fiber) as well as potassium, magnesium, vitamin B5 and vitamin C. A great option for a nutritious breakfast or snack!
Bursting with fall flavors. Enjoy all the wonderful flavors of pumpkin pie, but without all the calories. This easy smoothie recipe is the perfect way to curb those pumpkin pie cravings (in addition to fueling you for your day).
Pumpkin Protein Shake Ingredients
- Canned Pumpkin Puree: Pumpkin is a nutrient-dense food, and using canned pure pumpkin puree as the base of your protein shake adds lots of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to your protein shake as well as the pumpkin flavor.
- Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk: Unsweetened almond milk is low in calories, low in carbs low in sugar, and dairy free, making it a great choice for a variety of diets and dietary needs. I prefer to use unsweetened vanilla almond milk for that extra hint of vanilla it adds to your pumpkin spice protein shake.
- Vanilla Protein Powder: Use your favorite vanilla protein powder for this recipe. I prefer to use a high quality vanilla whey protein powder, but this shake is great with vanilla plant-based protein powder too.
- Banana: Using fresh or frozen banana helps to thicken your protein shake, as well as adding in nutrients, antioxidants, and potassium.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: Adds the flavors of the season to this fun fall shake.
- Ice Cubes: Adding in ice helps to make your pumpkin protein shake extra cold.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Equipment Needed to Make this Pumpkin Spice Protein Shake
A good quality blender. This is the the newer model of the blender we are currently using, and it has been working great for years! This is a simple, no-frills blender that works great, and the newer model has some added features too.
How to make a Pumpkin Protein Shake
Step 1: Place all ingredients into the basin of a blender.
Step 2: Add the lid on tightly and blend.
Step 3: Pour into a glass or shaker cup and enjoy!
Pumpkin Spice Smoothie Variations
- Add another boost of nutrition with a scoop of chia seeds, hemp seeds, or ground flax seeds. If you like adding seeds to your protein shakes and smoothie recipes, toss a spoonful into your pumpkin pie shake too!
- Add live and active cultures with a scoop of yogurt. If dairy is a part of your diet, adding a scoop of vanilla Greek yogurt to your pumpkin pie protein shake is a great addition! Not only does this add protein and live and active cultures for gut health, it can thicken your smoothie too! I would recommend starting with ¼ C and adjusting until your perfect consistency is reached.
- Add more sweetness. I’ve found this smoothie to be sweet enough as-is, but if you’d prefer a sweeter smoothie, feel free to include a dash of your sweetener of choice. I would recommend a little pure maple syrup, but you could also use a little stevia, monk fruit sweetener, sugar, or brown sugar if desired.
- Replace the almond milk with a different milk if preferred.
- If you consume dairy, you can use any dairy milk in this recipe. 2% is a great option! If you do this, I would recommend adding a small splash of vanilla to your protein shake.
- If you are on a plant-based diet, you could select a different plant based milk substitute such as oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk.
When is the best time to drink this Pumpkin Protein Shake?
- Before or after exercise: Protein is important in rebuilding muscles after exercise and there is a lot of research on the topic of when to supplement with protein for the best results. Most research suggests that you can supplement with protein (like this awesome protein shake!) before, during, or after a workout. Do what works best for you!
- As a high protein snack: This pumpkin spice protein shake is a great low calorie snack to keep you full between meals! I like to throw one in my lunch bag for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up at work.
- As a quick, to-go breakfast: If you have a busy morning, blending up a protein shake is a great on the go breakfast option. It’s high in protein, and will get your day started on the right foot.
Pumpkin Spice Smoothie FAQs
If you select a vegan-friendly protein powder, this is a vegan protein shake!
Making this the night before you want to enjoy it is a great option if you have a busy morning, or need to take your pumpkin pie protein shake to-go. If you choose to make this pumpkin smoothie ahead of time, I would recommend skipping the ice as it tends to thin out your protein shake as it sits in the fridge (not a big deal, just a note). I’d also recommend placing your protein shake in a shaker cup so you can help re-mix your shake as it may settle in the fridge.
Canned pumpkin puree, or 100% pure pumpkin, only contains cooked and mashed pumpkin whereas pumpkin pie filling contains cooked and mashed pumpkin with added flavors, spices, and sometimes added sugars. Using 100% pumpkin allows you to customize your dishes with the spices and sweetness level that you prefer. For this reason, 100% pure pumpkin puree should be used in this recipe.
More Recipes To Try
Protein Packed Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Ingredients
- ½ C pumpkin puree
- 1 C unsweetened vanilla almond milk*
- 1 serving vanilla protein powder
- ½ medium banana
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice + more to top
- 1 C ice about 8 standard-sized ice cubes
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a blender, blend until smooth
- Pour into serving glass (or shaker cup), and top with a dash of pumpkin pie spice if desired
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Add another boost of nutrition with a scoop of chia seeds, hemp seeds, or ground flax seeds.
- Add live and active cultures with a scoop of yogurt. I would recommend starting with ¼ C and adjusting until your perfect consistency is reached.
- Add more sweetness. I’ve found this smoothie to be sweet enough as-is, but feel free to add a little pure maple syrup, stevia, monk fruit sweetener, sugar, or brown sugar if desired.
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Replace the almond milk with a different milk if preferred.
- If you consume dairy, you can use any dairy milk in this recipe. 2% is a great option! If you do this, I would recommend adding a small splash of vanilla to your protein shake.
- If you are on a plant-based diet, you could select a different plant based milk substitute such as oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. I do recommend selecting an unsweetened, vanilla variety.
M. says
I LOVE this easy recipe during the fall months and make it a lot. Everything you crave about pumpkin pie, but way healthier!
ourlovelanguageisfood says
I’m glad you love this too – nothing better than pumpkin pie flavor!
David says
This is so tasty. Tastes like a milkshake, but way healthier 🙂
ourlovelanguageisfood says
So glad to hear you enjoyed it! Thank you for making my recipe.
Angela says
All the cozy feelings fall gives you in a cup!!! If you’re looking for a delicious pick me up after a workout or to just kick start your morning – look no further, this is your smoothie. This is definitely my new fall favorite
ourlovelanguageisfood says
I’m so glad this protein shake is your new fall favorite!! Thank you so much for making my recipe
Mika says
This recipe is so easy and so delicious! I saw it early before work, it took me 3 minutes to make and I was on my way. Delicious, warm and cozy, and you probably already have all the ingredients!
ourlovelanguageisfood says
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it (and that you could whip one up quick before work!). Thank you for making my recipe!
Kenton@kitchenriffin says
Loved this shake and so did my bacon and eggs loving husband. Will make again!
ourlovelanguageisfood says
I am so glad to hear that you both loved it!! Thank you for making my recipe