Nick Shultz shared this pumpkin protein smoothie recipe with me to sip after a hard workout. He calls it his post-workout shake. Nick, a long-time friend, is an excellent personal trainer and the Executive Director of the Republic Athletes here in Owings Mills, MD. I train with him several times a week, and he is always reminding me that good food is half the work.
If you love the cozy flavor of pumpkin pie but want it in a glass you can blend in two minutes, this is the one. It is thick, creamy, and warmly spiced, and it comes together with pantry staples you probably already have. Whether you want a quick breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or something to enjoy after the gym, this pumpkin smoothie hits the spot.
I like to build a smoothie around real flavor, and honey earns its place here. A spoonful of honey instead of sugar rounds out the pumpkin and spice, and it blends in smoothly without any graininess. I reach for a tablespoon of Bee Inspired Honey and let it do the sweetening.
- Nick Shultz
Pumpkin Pie Flavor, No Baking Required
This pumpkin protein smoothie tastes like fall in a glass. Made with pumpkin puree, vanilla protein powder, and unsweetened almond milk, it has a creamy texture and that familiar warm-spice flavor people crave once the leaves start turning. It works for breakfast, a snack, or even a lighter dessert, and the whole thing takes about as long as it takes to rinse the blender afterward.
What Goes Into a Pumpkin Smoothie
Pumpkin gives this smoothie its earthy, autumnal flavor and a gorgeous orange color. It is a fall staple for a reason: it tastes wonderful with cinnamon, vanilla, and honey, and a little goes a long way toward that pumpkin-pie character. Paired with protein powder, almond milk, and a few mix-ins like chia seeds and walnuts, you end up with a drink that feels every bit as indulgent as a milkshake while staying simple to make.
Do you know how pumpkin carving started?
Pumpkin Puree Is Not Pumpkin Pie Filling
When you are shopping for this smoothie, there is a big difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin puree is exactly what it sounds like: pure pureed pumpkin and nothing else. It is 100% pumpkin, with no added sugar or spices.
Pumpkin pie filling, on the other hand, comes pre-sweetened with sugar, spices, and thickeners so you can pour it straight into a crust. If you want a sweeter, dessert-style smoothie you can absolutely use the filling, though it may change the texture a little.
For this recipe, we stick with plain pumpkin puree so we can control the flavor and sweetness ourselves. Canned puree is far easier than cooking pumpkin from scratch, and it still delivers that rich, earthy taste.
How to Make a Pumpkin Protein Smoothie
This is one of the quickest recipes on our blog. You are basically tossing everything into a blender, but here is the play-by-play. For more ways to use pumpkin, browse our pumpkin recipes with honey.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
First, get everything together. Here is your shopping list:
- Crushed ice
- Coconut oil
- Canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- Chia seeds
- Cinnamon
- Bee Inspired Cranberry Honey
- Vanilla protein powder (or your favorite protein powder)
- Unsweetened almond milk
- Cold water
- Walnuts
Step 2: Blend and Enjoy
Add everything to the blender and blend until smooth. Pour into your glass and enjoy. See? We told you it was easy.
Storage and Meal Prep
This pumpkin smoothie can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just blend, pour into a sealed container, and chill until you are ready. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months and thaw when you want one. Blending a batch on the weekend means you always have one ready to grab on a busy morning.
Ways to Make This Pumpkin Smoothie Your Own
All of our honey recipes are meant to be a starting point. Do not feel like you have to follow this one to the letter. Get creative and try something different. Here are a few ideas:
- Add blueberries or a handful of your favorite berries for extra color and flavor. If you go the berry route, you might as well blend in our Cranberry Honey.
- Swap in pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon to lean further into that pumpkin-pie flavor.
- Try a different protein powder. Pumpkin spice protein powder is out there if you want to double down.
- Add a frozen banana for a thicker, creamier texture.
- Stir in a little maple syrup or almond butter for a nutty, sweeter spin.
- Blend a bigger batch with leftover pumpkin puree so you have smoothies all week.
- Experiment with whey or plant-based protein to find your favorite blend.
- Turn it into a smoothie bowl, pile on fresh fruit, and finish with a little drizzle of honey.
Your Go-To Fall Smoothie
A pumpkin protein smoothie is easy to make, fun to customize, and tastes like the season in a glass. With pumpkin, warm spices, and a spoonful of honey, it is the kind of drink you will want on repeat from the first crisp morning of fall through the holidays. It keeps in the fridge for a busy week and bends to whatever flavors you are in the mood for. So the next time a pumpkin-spice craving hits, skip the drive-through and blend one at home.
Curious how honey fits into a workout routine? Read our guide to honey for athletes.
FAQs About Pumpkin Smoothies
What is the difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling?
Pumpkin puree is 100% pureed pumpkin with nothing added. Pumpkin pie filling is pre-sweetened with sugar, spices, and thickeners so it can go straight into a crust. For this smoothie, use plain pumpkin puree so you can control the flavor and sweetness yourself.
Can I make a pumpkin smoothie ahead of time?
Yes. Blend it, pour it into a sealed container, and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months and thaw it when you want one, which makes weekend meal prep simple.
How do I make a pumpkin smoothie dairy-free?
Use unsweetened almond milk and a plant-based vanilla protein powder. Both swaps keep the smoothie creamy while leaving out dairy.
What can I use instead of protein powder in a pumpkin smoothie?
You can leave the protein powder out and still have a delicious pumpkin smoothie. A frozen banana or a spoonful of nut butter adds body and a little extra richness in its place.
Why add honey to a pumpkin smoothie?
A tablespoon of honey rounds out the pumpkin and warm spices and blends in smoothly without any grit. It is an easy way to sweeten the smoothie with real flavor.
More Honey Smoothie Recipes to Try
More Honey Pumpkin Recipes to Try
- Bourbon + Honey Pumpkin Pie
- Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins
- Dairy-Free Pumpkin Soufflé
- Gluten-Free Pumpkin Roll
- Boo-zy Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Pumpkin Espresso Martini
Love the scent of pumpkin spice? You need our Autumn Harvest Candle and our Autumn Harvest Body Care Duo!
