Pumpkin Spice Protein Smoothie Recipe (with Pumpkin!)

After making a batch of Primal Blueprint paleo pumpkin muffins for the umpteenth time, I realized that the other half of the can of pumpkin purée would be good for another batch next week (or in a few days). Or, given that it’s “pumpkin spice” season, extra canned pumpkin is a very fun smoothie ingredient. Along with its seasonally popular flavor, pumpkin is a nutritional powerhouse especially high in Vitamin A and fiber.

What is Pumpkin Puree?

For this as well as any other recipes calling for pumpkin puree, be sure you buy pumpkin purée, not “pumpkin pie filling” as the latter will already be spiced with pie filling ingredients already added. We need just the plain pumpkin purée for our purposes. Essentially, a purée is a cooked fruit or vegetable that’s been blended or ground down and made into a liquidy paste. I know that doesn’t sound very appetizing, but pumpkin purée is an extremely useful and shelf stable pantry staple if you know how to use it. Long popular in the health and wellness scene, it’s been in rotation for a number of nutritional and dietary styles – and for good reason. It’s nutritious, convenient, and easy to work into a recipe. There’s some really freaky (and honestly interesting) old WeightWatchers recipes that use it in ways that defy the imagination (and possibly the digestive system). While some might disagree with me, it is possible to add too much pumpkin purée to the muffins recipe and thus you’re left with half a can at least of this tasty stuff. All the more reason to put it to good use elsewhere like…

The Recipe for a Pumpkin Spice Smoothie with Real Pumpkin!

Do not be fooled by how simple this recipe is–the sum of the parts is greater than the whole and all that.

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Pumpkin Spice Protein Smoothie (with Pumpkin)

A seasonally spiced high protein smoothie that can be enjoyed any time of year - and has actual pumpkin purée in it too!

Prep Time3 minutes mins

Course: beverages, Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: American, High Protein

Keyword: blender, protein shake, pumpkin, pumpkin spice, smoothie, Vitamix

Servings: 2

Equipment

• Blender

Ingredients

• 2 Scoops Vanilla Protein Powder of your choice Be sure it's one you like with a strong vanilla flavor for extra tasty results
• 2 Cups Milk or Alternative Milk I really like this with almond milk or coconut "beverage"
• 1 Cup Ice Or more?
• 1 Cup Water Adjust as necessary to your preferred consistency
• 1/2 Cup Pumpkin purée Canned pumpkin for the win!
• 1 Tablespoon Pumpkin Spice mixture Or more. I'm a maniac so I use as much as I can stand. Not sure this is actually a good idea. In a pinch you can be a slacker and just use cinnamon - it will lack some of the extra flavor complexity, but will still be tasty
• 1 tsp Maca powder OPTIONAL - and more like 1-2 teaspoons - again adjust to your liking.

Instructions

• If using a high powered blender, load the blender as per the manufacturer's instructions. For Vitamix this would be liquids first, then soft fruit/veg, leafy things, and ice on top. In our case this means liquids, pumpkin, protein powder, spices, maca, ice.
• Blend to oblivion, adjusting for consistency if desired
• Serve and consume immediately!

What is Maca? Why Would I Want to Add It to a Pumpkin Spice Protein Smoothie Shake?

Maca is a really neat adaptogen, and the short answer on why you’d want to add it to this recipe is that it adds a nutty “pie crust like” flavor while also bringing in some serious nutrition. While optional, I find that I really enjoy adding maca to this smoothie recipe for both reasons. Maca is a root from Peru which has been in the human diet since warriors in Ancient Inca consumed it. As an adaptogen, it’s theoretically going to help with stress — so a good thing to have on hand for a “holiday” drink for sure. Normally you’ll see it paired with chocolate, but I find that it complements the pumpkin and pumpkin spices really well in this smoothie recipe. Maca is also reported to have hormonal benefits for all human bodies! I use this gelatinized version which is easier to digest.

What Kind of Blender Do You Need For This Recipe?

Admittedly, I’m extremely spoiled because I’ve got a classic Vitamix 5200. But the good news is, this recipe (unless you add tons of ice) could even be mixed in a much less powerful blender. If you’re OK to leave out the ice or don’t mind a few cubes floating around, you could even mix it in a blender bottle!

That being said, the airy fluffy delicious texture of a protein smoothie blended up in a very high powered blender is a sublime treat in and of itself… so if you happen upon a new or reconditioned Vitamix 5200 “legacy series” blender (or if your budget allows one of the crazy Vitamix blender series), then go for it!