Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for pumpkin smoothies, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Pumpkin Puree – Use pure pumpkin puree from a can, not canned pumpkin pie filling (which contains added sugar and other fillers). Pumpkin Pie Spice – A seasonal blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. Although you can get it store-bought, homemade pumpkin pie spice tastes a lot better. Banana – Many healthy pumpkin smoothie recipes use a frozen banana to make them creamy, thick, and sweet with no added sugar. If you need to make this a low carb pumpkin pie smoothie with no banana (or avoid carbs in banana in general), simply omit the fruit. You can add a sugar substitute to taste if you want it sweeter. Sugar-Free White Chocolate Hazelnut Spread – With the consistency of peanut butter but the flavor of white chocolate and hazelnut, this adds sweetness and takes the smoothie to the next level. (It also tastes amazing in fruit dip!) Greek Yogurt – Adds creaminess and boosts the protein in the smoothie. For a reduced dairy option, try it with homemade coconut yogurt instead. Although I used a plain variety, vanilla yogurt easily works as well. Unsweetened Almond Milk – You can use store-bought or homemade almond milk, just make sure it’s unsweetened. If you prefer a different non-dairy milk, you can use that too — oat milk, coconut milk, or hemp milk would make delicious options. Vanilla Extract – Use a high-quality vanilla extract for best flavor. Almond extract would also work well.
How To Make Pumpkin Smoothies
This section shows how to make a pumpkin smoothie healthy, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Variations
Add toppings – A sprinkle of oats, chopped nuts, or a swirl of sugar-free whipped cream (shown in the photos here, along with a sprinkle of cinnamon!) would make delicious and simple garnishes. Trade the protein – Although Greek yogurt makes a creamy protein source in this smoothie, you can swap it (or add to it) with a scoop of your favorite protein powder. Make it sweeter – If you omit the banana, you can easily add in other elements to give this smoothie sweetness. I love it with a teaspoon or two of sugar-free maple syrup!
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep your pumpkin spice smoothie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Meal prep: Blend the entire smoothie and refrigerate or freeze until ready to enjoy. Freeze: Pour leftovers into an ice cube tray, freezer-safe bag, or mason jar with a lid (leaving at least 1 inch of space from the top). Freeze until solid. Thaw overnight before serving, and shake or stir (or blend) if separation occurs.
More Healthy Fall Recipes
If you like this pumpkin spice smoothie recipe, cozy up with these other fall dishes and drinks next time: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email.
