Welcome to another episode of “Smoothie Time" here at Daniel's Plate, where we blend deliciousness with a touch of creativity! Today, we’re in the season of sweater weather and pumpkin everything. The autumn flavors of this yummy, healthy pumpkin spice smoothie will have you traipsing through the fall leaves with more pep in your step. This nutrient-packed pumpkin smoothie is great for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. Truth be told, this creamy smoothie is great any time of the year! It's gluten-free, soy-free, vegan, and has no added sugar.
This smoothie brings together the creamy richness of pumpkin puree, the natural sweetness of bananas and dates, and the nutty goodness of flaxseed. Let’s get into the details of making this fall-inspired delight!
What You'll Need to Make this Pumpkin Smoothie
- Plain, unsweetened almond milk: This is your base, providing a creamy texture without overpowering the other flavors. To make this smoothie nut-free, swap out the almond milk for plain, unsweetened soy, oat, or coconut milk.
- Pumpkin puree: A key ingredient that offers "body" to the texture and a boost of nutrients. Make sure you’re using plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Ripe bananas (frozen): Adds natural sweetness and a creamy consistency. If you haven’t frozen your bananas yet, just slice them into chunks and freeze them the night before. You can also use fresh bananas and add a little ice.
- Ground flaxseeds: This will add thickness, fiber, and an omega-3 boost.
- Dates (or homemade date syrup): For natural sweetness and a touch of caramel flavor. Dates are ideal because of their rich, chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract (no alcohol) or vanilla bean powder: A hint of vanilla enhances all the flavors and adds a nice aroma.
- Pumpkin spice: This blend of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg gives this smoothie that yummy pumpkin pie flavor.
- OPTIONAL toppings: chopped or crushed pecans or walnuts, hemp hearts, pumpkin seeds, sweet cashew cream, and some additional pumpkin spice.
To make your own pumpkin pie spice mix from scratch, combine the following:
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon of ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
You only need ¼ to ½ teaspoon of this spice mixture for this recipe, so store the rest in a spice jar for later. Check out some of our other pumpkin spice recipes, like the pumpkin spice overnight oats, pumpkin spice chai latte, pumpkin brownies, and pumpkin oatmeal bars.
How to Prepare
Prepare Your Ingredients: If you haven’t done so already, freeze your banana slices and soak your dates in hot water for at least five minutes for easier blending.
Blend It Up: In a blender, combine the almond milk, pumpkin puree, frozen banana, ground flaxseeds, dates (or homemade date syrup), vanilla, and pumpkin spice. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste your smoothie. Depending on the sweetness of your banana and dates, you might want to add an extra date or a splash more almond milk if you prefer a lighter consistency.
Serve and Enjoy: Pour the smoothie into a glass or mason jar, and add any additional toppings if using. These optional toppings include chopped pecans or walnuts, hemp hearts, pumpkin seeds, sweet cashew cream, and a dusting of additional pumpkin pie spice.
Leftover smoothies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store them, make sure they’re in an airtight container—like a mason jar with a lid—to prevent oxidation. Give your smoothie a shake or stir before drinking.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Smoothie
This smoothie is a treat for your taste buds and a healthy choice.
- Pumpkin is rich in vitamins A (beta carotene) and C
- Flaxseeds add heart-healthy omega-3 ALA essential fatty acids.
- The banana and dates provide potassium, which is important for lowering high blood pressure. They also provide a natural sweetness without any added sugars.
- This smoothie is high in fiber, making it good for gut health.
- It only takes about 10 minutes to whip up—making healthy the easier choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! To do this, roast or steam a small sugar or pie pumpkin until tender. Scoop out the flesh and blend it until smooth. You’ll need about ⅓ cup of fresh pumpkin puree for this recipe per serving. Make sure to let it cool before using it in your smoothie.
If you’re not a fan of almond milk or need a substitute, you can use any plant-based milk, such as oat milk, soy milk, or coconut milk.
While a frozen banana provides a thicker, creamier texture, you can use a fresh banana if you don’t have frozen ones. If you use a fresh banana, add a few ice cubes to the blender to achieve a similar creamy consistency and chill.
Yes, you can prepare the smoothie ahead of time. Blend the ingredients and store the smoothie in an airtight container (like a mason jar with lid) in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a good shake or stir before drinking, as it may separate over time.
If you don’t have flaxseed, you can substitute it with chia seeds or hemp hearts. Both options provide similar health benefits, including omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.
If your smoothie is too thick, add a little more almond milk or water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add more frozen banana, ground flaxseeds or a handful of ice cubes to thicken it up.
Yes, feel free to experiment with other fruits and vegetables. Spinach, kale, or a small amount of carrots can be blended for added nutrients. Apples, pears, or even a few berries can add a new twist to the flavor.
Yes, you can freeze the smoothie for up to 1 month. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for individual portions. To thaw, place the container in the refrigerator overnight or blend the frozen cubes with a little liquid until smooth.
Whether curling up with a good book or heading out the door, this pumpkin spice smoothie will keep you feeling cozy and satisfied. So, try this recipe, and let the fall flavors fill your cup.
Please do us a favor. If you tried this recipe, please rate it and comment below. Your feedback helps us tremendously!
Stay tuned for more delicious recipes and smoothie ideas. Until next time, happy blending!
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Pumpkin Spice Smoothie
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
The autumn flavors of this deliciously healthy pumpkin spice smoothie will have you traipsing through the fall leaves with more pep in your step. This nutrient-packed pumpkin smoothie is great for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. Truth be told, this creamy smoothie is great any time of the year! It's gluten-free, soy-free, vegan, and has no added sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 banana, cut into chunks and frozen (recommended)
- 1 cup plain, unsweetened almond milk
- ⅓ cup pumpkin puree
- 1 Tablespoon ground flaxseeds
- 2 dates, pitted, and soaked in hot water to soften (or 3 Tablespoons homemade date syrup)
- ¼ teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract (or a pinch of vanilla bean powder)
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice *See the NOTE below to make your own
Instructions
Prepare Your Ingredients: If you haven’t done so already, freeze your banana slices and soak your dates in hot water for at least five minutes for easier blending.
Blend It Up: In a blender, combine the almond milk, pumpkin puree, frozen banana, ground flaxseeds, dates, vanilla, and pumpkin spice (*see NOTE below to make your own). Blend until smooth and creamy.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste your smoothie. Depending on the sweetness of your banana and dates, you might want to add an extra date or a splash more almond milk if you prefer a lighter consistency.
Serve and Enjoy: Pour the smoothie into a glass or mason jar, and add any additional toppings if using. These optional toppings include chopped pecans or walnuts, hemp hearts, pumpkin seeds, sweet cashew cream, and a dusting of additional pumpkin pie spice.
Leftover smoothies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store them, make sure they’re in an airtight container—like a mason jar with a lid—to prevent oxidation. Give your smoothie a shake or stir before drinking.
*NOTE: To make your own pumpkin pie spice mix from scratch, combine the following:
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon of ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
You only need ¼ to ½ teaspoon of this spice mixture for this recipe, so store the rest in a spice jar for later. Check out some of our other pumpkin spice recipes, like the pumpkin spice overnight oats, pumpkin spice chai latte, pumpkin brownies, and pumpkin oatmeal bars.
Notes
EQUIPMENT / SUPPLIES
- Measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
- High-speed blender
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Smoothie
- Method: Blender
- Cuisine: American
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