Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

🎃 Pumpkin Spice Smoothie Recipe

📝 Description:

This Pumpkin Spice Smoothie captures all the cozy flavors of fall in a healthy, refreshing drink. It blends creamy pumpkin puree, banana, warm spices, and your milk of choice for a naturally sweet, nutrient-packed smoothie that tastes like pumpkin pie in a glass — without the guilt.

🍽️ Servings:

• Yield: 1 large smoothie or 2 small smoothies

🧾 Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (100% pure, not pie filling)

• 1 frozen banana

• 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)

• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free alternative)

• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

• 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 4–6 ice cubes (for texture)

• Optional: 1 tbsp chia seeds or flaxseeds (for added fiber & omega-3s)

• Optional: 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (for a protein boost)

🍳 Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender.

2. Blend until smooth and creamy (30–60 seconds).

3. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice if desired.

4. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.

5. Optional: Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive touch.

💡 Notes:

• Pumpkin Puree: Use canned or homemade, just make sure it’s unsweetened and 100% pumpkin.

• Banana: Frozen bananas give a creamy, milkshake-like texture. If you only have fresh, add extra ice.

• Spices: Adjust pumpkin pie spice to your taste preference; some like it stronger.

• Sweetener: The banana adds natural sweetness, so taste before adding extra sweetener.

🧠 Tips:

• For an extra creamy texture, use frozen pumpkin puree cubes (freeze puree in an ice cube tray).

• Make it a smoothie bowl by reducing the milk and topping with granola, nuts, and seeds.

• Add a pinch of nutmeg or clove for deeper spice notes.

• To make it vegan, use plant-based yogurt and milk, and maple syrup instead of honey.

📊 Nutritional Info (Per Serving):

(Estimated for 1 serving with almond milk and without optional ingredients)

• Calories: ~180

• Protein: 5g

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Sugars: 16g

• Fat: 4g

• Fiber: 5g

• Vitamin A: 200% DV

• Vitamin C: 15% DV

• Calcium: 20% DV

• Iron: 6% DV

DV = Daily Value based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

🌟 Health Benefits:

• Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene (vitamin A), which supports eye health and immunity.

• Bananas provide potassium and natural sweetness.

• Greek yogurt adds protein and probiotics for gut health.

• Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

• A great post-workout smoothie or fall-inspired breakfast on the go.

❓ Q&A:

Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
A: Yes! Roast and blend fresh pumpkin until smooth. Make sure it’s cooled before adding to the smoothie.

Q: Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?
A: It’s best fresh, but you can prep all ingredients (except ice) and refrigerate them overnight. Blend when ready.

Q: How do I make it higher in protein?
A: Add a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder, or more Greek yogurt.

Q: Can kids enjoy this smoothie?
A: Absolutely! You can reduce or omit the added sweetener for young kids and enjoy it as a nutritious snack.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes! Pour into popsicle molds or an airtight container and enjoy it as a frozen treat.