Pumpkin Spice Protein Shake

This pumpkin spice protein shake is made with healthy ingredients in just 5 minutes, resulting in a creamy and smooth post-workout drink to curb your pumpkin pie cravings while gaining muscle. It is low-carb and high-protein!

Whether you are looking for a quick breakfast, an afternoon healthy treat, or a post-workout drink, this pumpkin pie protein shake recipe fits the bill!

You can easily customize it to your taste or make it a little different every time by simply replacing one or more ingredients.

Moreover, it tastes like Fall without all the extra calories! 🙂

Cheers!

What is pumpkin spice?

Also known as pumpkin pie spice, it is a blend of spices made of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Some brands also add allspice to it! You can buy ready or make your own at home by mixing the spices that you have in your pantry.

What are protein shakes?

They are beverages made with added powdered protein which usually comes from eggs, milk, or plants such as soybeans or peas. They provide around 10-15 grams of protein in a scoop.

You can make your own at home with protein powder, a liquid such as plant-based milk, a sweetener, and also a flavoring such as fruit or cocoa powder.

Ingredients and Substitutions for pumpkin pie protein shake

To make this pumpkin spice protein shake, you will need:

• 1 cup almond milk (or any other dairy or plant-based milk such as coconut milk), unsweetened

• ½ cup canned pumpkin puree, frozen (or you can find out how to cut and peel a pumpkin).

• 3 tablespoons vanilla isolated protein powder (or concentrated protein powder if you prefer. You can replace it with pumpkin protein powder or coconut protein powder)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or ground cinnamon if you prefer)

• 1 tablespoon Stevia (or more to taste). If you're not on a low-carb diet, use honey or maple syrup)

• 5 oz Chobani Zero Sugar vanilla yogurt ( or Greek plain yogurt). If you're not on a low-carb diet, replace it with a frozen small banana and skip the sweetener)

• Topping (optional): Pumpkin seeds or dairy-free whipped topping with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Protein Shake

1. In a blender, blend all the ingredients together until smooth, creamy, and thick.
2. Pour into a large glass or two small ones, and then top with one of the suggested toppings. Enjoy while cold!

Tips for making the best pumpkin protein shake

• Freeze a portion of canned pumpkin puree in a freezer bag or in ice tray containers the day before making this protein shake. But if you forgot, no worries! Add 4-6 ice cubes to give the drink a frozen consistency or a frozen banana.
• Be aware pumpkin purée is made from cooked pumpkin only. On the other hand, pumpkin pie filling contains pumpkin purée, a sweetener (sugar), and spices. I don't find pumpkin pie filling suitable for this healthy protein shake recipe.
• Choose your sweetener of choices such as honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, coconut sugar, or a sugar substitute.
• If you don't have pumpkin spice ready to use, you can make your own at home or use ground cinnamon instead.
• But if you prefer to replace yogurt with frozen banana for a creamier shake, skip the sweetener. The bananas are often quite sweet! The riper, the sweeter!
• Flavored protein powders such as pumpkin, coconut, or vanilla go well in this drink. Find a good-quality one, preferably low-carb (or that has no added sugar).
• If you are vegan or dairy intolerant, you can use a plant-based protein powder. Otherwise, prefer whey protein powders (concentrate or isolate). Whey protein isolate is a superior supplement to build muscle, and for weight loss, because it is lower in lactose, carbs, and fats, and it tastes better. You can use it for making this protein overnight oats, protein ice cream, and even some high protein meal preps for lunch.
• Use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. It is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals!
• If you customize your protein smoothie and find it to be too sweet, add a tablespoon of lemon juice.

How to Store Leftovers

This pumpkin spice protein shake yields one large glass. If you want to reserve half for later, cover tightly and refrigerate (without the toppings) for up to one day.

Stir well before drinking.

how to freeze

Alternatively, you can freeze it in an ice tray container for serving as ice pops.

Other Shake recipes to enjoy

• Fruit milkshake
• Healthy Shamrock protein shake

 More Pumpkin recipes

• Pumpkin donuts (low-calorie)
• Pumpkin brigadeiros
• Pumpkin spice Nutella
• Easy pumpkin bread
• Pumpkin pie spice pull-apart bread
• Roasted pumpkin seeds
• Pumpkin cookies (no bake)
• Pumpkin dip (low-carb)
• Pumpkin pie flan

PIN & ENJOY!