A quick peek into the internet will reveal that I am not the first person to think of this concoction, but I’m proud to say I figured the recipe out on my own. I love pumpkin pie, but - for health reasons - it’s not something I’m comfortable eating outside of the context of one or two joyful and family-filled meals. So I applied a food hack. It’s my favorite hack, one in which I try to replicate a classic craving with a healthier set of ingredients, all without sacrificing on taste. Not all attempts of this nature pan out, but this one is possibly top of the list in terms of being able to satisfy the pumpkin pie craving. 

What I love about this recipe

Sometimes we share recipes that are just good enough. Not every recipe we share is a show stopper. But I’m telling you, between taste, time and health benefits, this smoothie is a true show stopper. Here’s a bit more on why. 

• Sneaky veggies. With frozen rice cauliflower and a healthy dose of pumpkin puree, this smoothie makes me feel so good about my first meal of the day. Vegetables are full of fiber (which keeps you full) and critical micronutrients that contribute to all aspects of our bodily and mental health. One cup of raw cauliflower offers 77% of your daily vitamin C needs, which is an antioxidant that tamps down inflammation. One cup of pumpkin lends 200% of your daily vitamin A needs, which can help strengthen your body’s immune system. 

• Prebiotics & probiotics. With both fibrous elements (banana, cauliflower, pumpkin, & chia) and probiotic elements (greek yogurt, Orgain protein powder), this smoothie specifically supports your gut microbiome health by creating conditions in which there are a variety of good bacteria supplied by the probiotics and plenty of fiber for them to munch on by way of the prebiotic ingredients. 

• Satisfying mouthfeel. Since this recipe replaces the traditional butter/oil of a pumpkin pie with almond butter, you still get the creamy/smooth mouthfeel that makes the dish feel rich and decadent. 

• No added sugar. Unlike many smoothies that call for honey or even dates, this smoothie is perfectly sweetened by just banana & clean protein powder.

• Contains pumpkin pie spice! Need I say more? I supposed if you didn't know me in college, when I purchased and parked my own bottle of pumpkin pie spice in the shared sorority kitchen to sprinkle on my coffee and yogurt every morning, you might not know that I am obsessed with putting pumpkin pie spice on all things, not just pumpkin pie. This recipe lends itself especially well to the habit. 

• Fast as heck. This recipe takes 10 minutes to make, drink & clean up. It’s perfect for the days when you don't need breakfast to be an affair. Which, realistically, is every day, but I tend to make feeding myself an unnecessary affair too frequently. 

How to make my pumpkin smoothie

Equipment: Nutri Ninja or other high powered blender (you can use a traditional blender, but you’re unlikely to get an ultra creamy consistency) 

Ingredients: 

• 1 banana, frozen 

• ½ cup riced cauliflower, frozen  

• ½ cup pumpkin puree, canned

• ¼ cup greek yogurt 

• 1 tablespoon almond butter 

• 1 cup almond milk (cold water works, too!) 

• 1 scoop vegan vanilla protein powder

• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 

• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional) 

Directions: 

• If you’re using a Ninja or another blender that is flipped over while blending, add ingredients to the blender in the order they’ve been listed. It’s important that the heaviest items go on bottom (so they press everything down once flipped) and that you don’t pour in liquid after you’ve added powdered elements, like protein and spices (or they’ll get stuck to the top when you flip). 

• Blend using the Ninja’s “Auto” button.

• Pour into an 8oz glass, sprinkle with more pumpkin pie spice, and enjoy! 

It’s really that simple. I’m so excited to hear what you think and if you go on to make this for yourself. My gift to you this holiday season!! xx