Easy Pumpkin Protein Shake

Name: Easy Pumpkin Protein Shake
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 Cups Unsweetened Soy Milk (or any plant based milk); 1/3 Cup Unsweetened Pumpkin Puree (see Note 1); 1 Scoop Vanilla Protein Powder (see Note 2 for my favorite); 1 Frozen Banana (see Note 3 for substitutions); A Pinch (Less Than 1/8 Teaspoon) or a Dash of Pumpkin Pie Spice; 1-2 Tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup, Optional (to taste, see Note 4 for substitutions)

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Pumpkin Protein Shake is a sweet and healthy way to enjoy your favorite fall flavor with it's creamy rich texture and pie-like flavor. This easy pumpkin spice protein shake is a delicious way to boost your protein intake no matter what time of year it is!

Hey Internet, on the day I'm writing this, tomorrow is the first day of fall so I'm officially declaring that it's pumpkin season!

I LOVE pumpkin recipes, sweet or savory. My favorite sweet pumpkin recipes include my Pumpkin Pie Vegan Custard, Pumpkin Chia Pudding, Vegan Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread, and of course my Vegan Pumpkin Pie.

But pumpkin can also be savory! Check out my Vegan Pumpkin Risotto, Sweet Potato and Pumpkin Soup, Pumpkin Curry, and Vegan Pumpkin Mac and Cheese.

But we're not here to talk about other pumpkin recipes. We're here today to talk about this amazing pumpkin pie protein smoothie. I love all things pumpkin and I've been having some major pumpkin pie cravings and it's only September!

This pumpkin protein shake is ready in minutes and it's a super delicious way to up your intake of plant based protein. Plus it's loaded with pumpkin flavor.

You only need 6 simple ingredients for this recipe, so keep reading to find out how you can soon be sipping on this delicious fall themed plant based protein shake.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You only need plant based milk, pumpkin puree, protein powder, frozen bananas, pumpkin pie spice, and a little maple syrup (optional) to make this delicious pumpkin protein shake. Plus check out my substitutions section below if one of these ingredients doesn't work for you.
Quick and Easy: This pumpkin spice protein shake comes together in just 5 minutes and it's so EASY. No oven, no stove, just a blender and a handful of ingredients!
Packed with Protein: This pumpkin protein shake recipe is the perfect way to pack more protein into your day. It's a great option to have with a meal to boost your satiety, or you can enjoy it for a dessert or post-workout!
So Much Flavor: There is so much pumpkin spice flavor in this chilled fall drink that it will surely become one of your favorite smoothie recipes!

Ingredients

Pick up these simple ingredients the next time you're at a grocery store. See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for full ingredients, instructions, and accurate nutritional information (to the best of my ability; please consult your physician or healthcare professional if you have specific dietary needs or need to meet a certain daily value of any nutrient). I give substitutions for the ingredients in the section below this one, so most people can still make this recipe!

1.5 Cups Unsweetened Soy Milk: I like to use shelf stable soy milk that has just 2 ingredients: organic non-GMO soybeans and water. It stays good till I'm ready to use it, it doesn't have weird fillers or other ingredients, I buy it by the case, and bonus: it has more protein than most refrigerated plant-based milks!
⅓ Cup Pumpkin Puree: I used unsweetened pure pumpkin puree for this recipe. I save my leftover pumpkin puree in a container in the fridge so I can get a few of the pumpkin protein shakes out of each can!
1 Scoop Vanilla Protein Powder: My favorite plant based protein powder by far is the Sun Warrior Warrior Blend Protein Powder. The amount of protein in this recipe and how much sweetener you might need depend highly on which protein powder you're using!
1 Frozen Banana: This adds a creamy texture, natural sweetness, and thickens our pumpkin protein smoothie nicely. It also helps make it cold!
A Pinch (Less Than ⅛ Teaspoon) or a Dash of Pumpkin Pie Spice: Try not to overdo the pumpkin pie spice, as it can give the pumpkin protein shake a bitter flavor. Start with less and add more if you need to.
1-2 Tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup, Optional: Depending on how sweet your protein powder is (and how sensitive you are to sweet flavors), you may need more or less maple syrup. You can also leave it out if you prefer less sweetness!

Substitutions

Unsweetened Soy Milk: You can use any plant based milk you like here, such as unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, cashew milk, etc. For a richer pumpkin pie protein shake, try canned coconut milk!
Canned Pumpkin Puree: If you don't have pumpkin purée and want to try using pumpkin pie filling, make sure you read the ingredients label. Most canned pumpkin pie filling brands will already have the warm spices in it (so don't add more) and may also have sugar so you might not need to add any maple syrup. And, of course, if you want to use fresh pumpkin puree, feel free!
Vanilla Protein Powder: Use your favorite vanilla protein powder for this pumpkin shake. If you have an unsweetened pea protein powder (or any kind), you may want a little more sweetener. If you don't want to use protein powder, you could blend in some chia seeds, hemp seeds, flax seed meal, almond butter or peanut butter, vegan Greek yogurt, etc. to up the grams of protein. You could even try adding in silken tofu like we do in our Chocolate Peanut Butter Tofu Smoothie!
Frozen Banana: If you can't have (or don't like) banana, try using something creamy like a quarter cup of vegan yogurt or 2 tablespoons of creamy almond butter and something cold like ice cubes to make your pumpkin shakes without banana.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: If you don't have any pumpkin pie spice on hand you can try just a little ground cinnamon instead.
Pure Maple Syrup, Optional: Any other sweetener such as agave or a pinch of brown sugar will work here. If you prefer a no calorie sweetener, try a little stevia.

How to Make the Best Pumpkin Protein Shake

Blend: Add all your ingredients to the blender and blend on high for 30-60 seconds, until smooth.
Taste: Taste your healthy pumpkin protein shake! Does it need more sweetness? Add a little more maple syrup. Is it too thick? Add a splash more non-dairy milk. Blend again if necessary.
Serve: Pour your creamy pumpkin smoothie into a glass and enjoy (with a straw, if you like)!
Store: If you have leftover pumpkin puree, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are protein shakes healthy?

Usually, yes! It depends largely on your protein powder and what else you put in your protein shakes. Many protein powders have health benefits like added vitamins such as vitamin B, vitamin C, Omega 3 fatty acids, and other things to help your immune system. ZardyPlants doesn't recommend whey protein powder since it contains dairy. But as long as you put healthy ingredients in, you'll get a healthy protein shake. (Also make sure your protein powder isn't loaded with sugar!)

How to customize this recipe?

There are SO many ways to customize this pumpkin spice protein smoothie! For some healthy fats, try a tablespoon or two of almond butter or hemp seeds. A pinch of brown sugar would be a great addition for those warm fall flavors (instead of the maple though!), especially if you have a sweet tooth! You could also add cold brew to this smoothie for a protein-packed pumpkin spice latte!

When is the best time to consume this pumpkin pie smoothie?

Whenever you want, really! It's great for busy mornings when you just need a quick yet healthy breakfast. You can serve it alongside your meal or pack it along with some overnight oats like our Coffee Overnight Oats or chia pudding like our Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Pudding. It's a great way to build muscle after a workout, so make this quick pumpkin protein shake when you get home from the gym. You can also enjoy it for dessert!

Can I make it with zero added sugar?

Yup! Simply use an unsweetened protein powder and nix the maple syrup. You might need another frozen banana or a pitted medjool date or two to naturally sweeten your healthy pumpkin smoothie to your liking.

More Fall Recipes

If you love this high protein easy pumpkin smoothie, check out my other pumpkin and fall flavored recipes:

Pumpkin Chia Pudding (this one tastes like this creamy pumpkin protein shake but in pudding form!)
Caramelized Apples
Pumpkin Pie Vegan Custard
Apple Butter in Instant Pot
Gluten-Free Vegan Pumpkin Bread
Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal
Apple Pie Chia Pudding