What would fall be without some pumpkin spice?!
This Creamy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie is dreamy, filling and perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. Instead of driving to the coffee shop for flavored caffeine and sugar, try blending up this smoothie to give you the energy push you need to finish your day strong.
What’s in pumpkin goodness?
Pumpkin, the quirky looking winter squash we all love to carve during fall, also happens to boast some impressive nutritional benefits.
The bright orange color reminds us that pumpkin is loaded with Vitamin A, more than a day’s worth to be exact, which acts as an antioxidant protecting your cells from damage that can lead to chronic disease or cancer. The fiber in pumpkin fills us up and helps your body manage blood glucose more effectively.
While there are a variety of ways to sweeten smoothies, this Creamy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie is primarily sweetened by adding half of a ripe banana. At the end, you may also like to add a touch of maple syrup which perfectly complements the pumpkin and spices, but this is optional and can be eliminated, especially if your banana is very ripe. Regardless, you can keep added sugars very low so that this smoothie does exactly what you want it to do – appease your taste buds and energize your body.
Don’t be scared of the cottage cheese if you are not a fan. This ingredient is pureed so that it is not detectable and it adds great richness to the smoothie along with a huge boost of protein. If you want to turn this Creamy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie into a morning breakfast, add ½ serving of vanilla protein powder for an extra protein boost to keep you satisfied all morning long.
You can enjoy pumpkin spice and everything nice all season long and it doesn’t require any artificial pumpkin flavor, sugary syrups or long lines! Head on into your kitchen and grab your blender so you can enjoy a Creamy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie. Cheers!
Creamy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup pumpkin puree’
1/2 lg frozen banana, very ripe
1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup almond milk, unsweet (or dairy milk)
1/4- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon)
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/2-1 tsp pure maple syrup (optional)
DIRECTIONS
Combine all ingredients in blender and puree until smooth. Serve chilled with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice on top!
TIPS & TRICKS
- Add ½ serving of vanilla protein powder for additional protein to turn this into a yummy & filling breakfast!
- Unfrozen bananas can be used but frozen ones make this cold and creamy! Brown speckled ones are the sweetest.
- A few drops of liquid stevia could be used in place of maple syrup, if desired.
NUTRITION
Calories 216; Fat 5g; Carb 33g; Fiber 5g; Added Sugar 2g; Protein 16g
