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This creamy pumpkin pie smoothie captures all the flavors of the classic Thanksgiving dessert without the guilt. Perfect for fall mornings or as a healthier alternative when those pumpkin pie cravings hit, it delivers satisfying seasonal flavor in minutes.
I created this recipe when I wanted the comfort of pumpkin pie but needed something healthier for breakfast. Now my daughter requests it throughout autumn, calling it "pie you can drink."
Ingredients
- ¼ cup pumpkin purée: pure canned pumpkin provides authentic flavor and nutrients without added sugars
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons nonfat or light soy milk: creates the perfect creamy base while keeping calories low
- 1 teaspoon Truvia: natural sweetener that provides sweetness without the calories of sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon: the essential warming spice that defines pumpkin pie flavor
- 1/16 teaspoon ground nutmeg: use freshly grated for the most aromatic experience
- 1/16 teaspoon ground ginger: adds subtle heat and complexity to the spice blend
- 1 ½ cups ice cubes: creates the perfect frosty texture and thickens the smoothie
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients:
- Add the pumpkin purée, soy milk, Truvia, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to your blender. Make sure to use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling which contains added sugars and spices.
- Pulse to Incorporate Spices:
- Pulse the mixture a few times until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the liquid. This ensures you won't get pockets of strong spice in your finished smoothie.
- Add Ice and Blend:
- Add the ice cubes to the blender and blend on high speed until completely smooth, about 30-45 seconds. The texture should be thick but pourable, similar to a milkshake.
- Serve Immediately:
- Pour into a tall glass and enjoy right away for the best texture and temperature. If desired, you can garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a small dollop of whipped coconut cream.
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My favorite aspect of this smoothie is the spice blend. I spent weeks perfecting the ratio of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger to capture that authentic pumpkin pie flavor. The tiny amount of nutmeg makes all the difference as it's the signature note in most traditional pumpkin pie spice blends.
Make It a Complete Breakfast
For a more substantial morning meal, consider adding a scoop of vanilla protein powder or a tablespoon of chia seeds to boost protein content. This transforms your smoothie from a light snack into a nutritionally complete breakfast that will keep you satisfied until lunch.
Seasonal Variations
While perfect for fall, this smoothie can be enjoyed year-round. In summer, try adding a handful of frozen peaches for a peach-pumpkin pie variation. During winter holidays, a drop of peppermint extract creates a festive twist. Spring mornings pair well with a handful of fresh strawberries blended in for brightness.
Storage Solutions
Though best enjoyed immediately, you can prepare the liquid base without ice and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply blend with fresh ice. If you have leftover smoothie, freeze in popsicle molds for a healthy dessert option later.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, you can use any milk like almond, rice, whole, or any non-dairy milk of your choice.
- → How can I adjust the sweetness level?
You can add more Truvia or use your preferred sweetener to balance the sweetness to your liking.
- → Can I omit the ice cubes?
The ice cubes help give the smoothie a thick and refreshing texture, but you can reduce or omit them if desired.
- → What can I use instead of pumpkin purée?
For an alternative, you can try butternut squash purée to achieve similar flavors and texture.
- → Can I double the ingredients for more servings?
Yes, the ingredients are easily scalable. Just double or triple them for additional servings.