Pumpkin Protein Shake (No Banana)

This easy, creamy pumpkin protein shake tastes just like pumpkin pie and comes together simply in less than 5-minutes by using canned pumpkin. Made without banana (because who wants their pumpkin smoothie to taste like banana?), it leans on a “secret” ingredient to add creaminess without added sugar, plus warming pumpkin pie spices for a filling, cozy pumpkin smoothie of your dreams.

Hello Cozy! Pumpkin Spice Protein Smoothie

This protein shake is full of all the pumpkin spice flavor, but is easily quickly made with canned pumpkin puree and includes protein powder and Greek yogurt to help carry you through your day. Plus it tastes like a sippable creamy pumpkin pie (with none of the added sugar).

As a healthy habits expert, I often lean on easy smoothies for breakfast or quick, convenient snacks for good reason, as they come together quickly and you can use almost any combination of fresh, frozen or pantry ingredients to make them. Plus, the super fast prep time makes them super easy to blend, pour & take on the go!

For breakfast I’m particularly partial to protein shakes, and I love them year round — hello berry protein smoothie, and matcha protein shake! Of course, when fall rolls around I’m a PSL girl through and through, and this pumpkin pie protein smoothie is my favorite way to transition into the season.

Let’s Whip Up a Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

All you need to do is add all your ingredients to a blender and let it work it’s magic, and before you know it you’ll be sipping on a delicious, nourishing protein shake! Note, this pumpkin spice smoothie is only slightly sweet from the natural sweetness of the pumpkin and protein powder. 

I tested it with banana but the end result tasted less like pumpkin spice and more like, well, banana. So I decided to make this smoothie without banana to keep to really allow the pumpkin flavor to shine through. For a sweeter smoothie option you can add a frozen banana or 2 pitted dates before blending.

What’s with The Cauliflower Rice?!?

Okay, I get it, frozen cauliflower rice does not sound very good when it comes to a breakfast smoothie. Once it blends in with the other ingredients, though, it adds creaminess and body without tasting at all like cauliflower. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Tip: Look for frozen riced cauliflower on the freezer aisle of the grocery store for a quick prep, super convenient option for this recipe. Don’t worry, the frozen cauliflower rice adds creaminess so there’s no need for a banana, but it won’t make the smoothie taste like cauliflower!

Ingredient Notes & Modifications

Pumpkin puree: Look for canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling for this recipe. You can use homemade pumpkin puree as well.

Frozen riced cauliflower: I chose to add frozen riced cauliflower for extra veggie power and to add creaminess without adding banana. Don’t worry, I promise you won’t be able to taste the cauliflower! You can also substitute a banana if you want extra sweetness.

Greek yogurt: Adds extra creaminess to the shake. Swap in a plant-based Greek yogurt for vegan/dairy-free.

Pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice is a combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cloves. I like using pre-made pumpkin pie spice as a shortcut, but you can also make your own. Or just use a pinch of cinnamon in its place.

Milk: You can use any milk you like. Cashew milk would also work great in this recipe. Be sure to choose a non-dairy milk if you want to keep this recipe vegan. For a nut-free option try hemp or oat milk.

Protein powder: You can use any protein powder you like the taste of. If you can find a pumpkin spice protein powder, feel free to use it! To keep this recipe vegan friendly, be sure to use a plant-based. To keep this recipe paleo friendly, be sure to use a grain-free and dairy-free protein powder.

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