Pumpkin Spice Protein Shake

If you love the taste of pumpkin pie, you really need to try this pumpkin spice protein shake! All the delicious flavors of fall are combined into a healthy breakfast or light lunch. Pumpkin purée, plant milk, bananas, and almonds are featured in this dairy and sugar-free smoothie.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Quick & easy: All you have to do is throw the ingredients in a blender and you’re good to go. No more excuses not to eat breakfast, even on busy mornings!
• High in protein: With the addition of almonds, almond milk, and optional protein powder, this shake is packed with muscle-building and satiating nutrients.
• Kid-friendly: Your kids will love the pumpkin pie-like flavors of this healthy drink! Dessert for breakfast?! Plus it's not an overload on protein for kids.
• Perfect for fall: There is just something about pumpkin spice that hits better in the fall than fruity and tropical flavors, right?
• Allergen-friendly: This pumpkin spice protein shake is vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free, making it suitable for a wide variety of dietary needs. 

What is a pumpkin spice protein shake?

There isn’t an exact definition when it comes to a pumpkin spice protein shake. However, most of these smoothie recipes have two ingredients in common — pumpkin purée and pumpkin spice blend. 

I wanted this recipe to be dairy-free, so I mixed bananas and plant milk to form the creamy base. For a whole food protein source, I added almonds rather than powdered protein. 

Try this pumpkin protein shake for a quick, easy, and filling meal in the morning. It will surely keep you full until lunchtime!

Are protein shakes vegan?

When it comes to protein shakes, they have a notorious reputation for being loaded with milk and whey protein. With the number of alternatives available today, it’s so simple to make a healthy vegan protein shake!

Instead of cow’s milk, swap in almond, soy, or pea milk. Instead of whey, add foods that are naturally high in protein such as almonds, hemp seeds, tofu, or pumpkin seeds.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Pumpkin purée: Pumpkin purée not only adds a fall-inspired flavor, but it also helps to create an ultra-creamy and smooth consistency.
• Plant milk: For a higher protein content, use soy, pea, or almond milk in this shake. If you don’t have any of those available, try hemp, flax, or oat milk.
• Banana: To naturally sweeten the shake, I love adding bananas! Make sure they are extra spotty and ripe for the optimal flavor.
• Almonds: I add raw almonds for the protein element in this shake. You also try pecan, cashew, or sunflowers. Or replace it with your favorite nut butter. To elevate it even further, add a scoop of your favorite vegan protein powder.
• Pumpkin pie spice: It wouldn’t be a pumpkin spice protein shake without the warming flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger! Make your own mix, or use store-bought for a more convenient option.
• Maple Syrup: While optional, I think it adds the perfect boost of flavor and sweetness. You can also use stevia, monk fruit, coconut sugar, coconut nectar, or agave.
• Optional Garnishes: Add crushed pecans and cinnamon for a delicious topping.

Instructions

• Step 1: Add all of the ingredients to a blender.

• Step 2: Blend the shake until a smooth consistency is reached, then pour it into a glass.

• Step 3: Optional - Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon powder and crushed pecans before serving.

What to serve alongside this protein shake

For the perfect morning, pair your pumpkin spice protein shake with one of these energizing coffee or tea beverages:

• Masala chai
• Pumpkin spice latte
• Iced lavender latte

Storage

While I recommend drinking this smoothie right away, here are a few storage tips for leftovers:

• Fridge: Fill a mason jar to the very top with your smoothie and store it in the fridge for 3-4 hours. Make sure there’s a lid on to keep it fresh.
• Freezer: You can freeze your smoothie in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw: Thaw the smoothie in the fridge overnight, add it to a blender, and blend until smooth. You can add plant milk to thin it, or frozen bananas to thicken it back up.

Variations

• More protein: For even more protein in this shake, throw in 1-2 scoops of your favorite vegan protein powder or nut butter.
• Different nut butter: If you want to add nut butter for more protein, there are several options. You can add almond butter, try peanut butter, hemp seed butter, sunflower seed butter, pumpkin seed butter, or cashew butter.
• Chocolatey: Make a chocolate pumpkin protein shake with the addition of cacao or cocoa powder.
• Adjust the consistency: If you prefer a thicker smoothie, add an extra scoop of almond butter, pumpkin purée, or more bananas. If you want it thinner, add more plant milk.

Top tips

• Use a high-speed blender. To achieve the creamiest smoothie consistency, I suggest using a high-speed blender.
• Let the bananas ripen. There is nothing worse than unripe bananas in a smoothie. You’ll know your bananas are ready when they are covered with many spots.

FAQ

More breakfast and brunch recipes

If you enjoyed this pumpkin spice protein shake, test out some more of my favorite smoothies and breakfast recipes like these:

• Vegan strawberry protein shake: A fruit-forward shake that’s both tangy and sweet.
• Tropical mango smoothie: Creamy mango smoothie topped with coconut whipped cream and granola.
• Mini Hasselback potatoes with rosemary: Crispy potatoes coated with a homemade balsamic sauce.