Ingredients
- Pumpkin Purée: 1 cup (240g) canned pure pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling). This is the star of the show, providing authentic pumpkin flavor and a beautiful orange hue. Make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin.
- Frozen Banana: 1 large ripe banana, previously peeled, sliced, and frozen. This adds natural sweetness, incredible creaminess, and makes the smoothie cold without needing too much ice.
- Plant-Based Milk: 1 cup (240ml) unsweetened almond milk. You can also use soy milk, oat milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk (from a carton, for a richer flavor). Adjust the amount for desired consistency.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: 1 ½ – 2 teaspoons. This is crucial for that classic pie flavor. Use store-bought or make your own blend (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cloves).
- Maple Syrup: 1-2 tablespoons, or to taste. This adds a touch of sweetness. You can also use agave nectar, date syrup, or a few pitted Medjool dates. Adjust based on the sweetness of your banana and your preference.
- Vanilla Extract: ½ teaspoon (optional, but recommended). It enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- Ground Flaxseed or Chia Seeds: 1 tablespoon (optional, for added fiber, omega-3s, and thickness). If using chia seeds, they will thicken the smoothie considerably if left to sit.
- Ice Cubes: ½ – 1 cup (optional). If your banana isn’t super frozen or you prefer an extra-chilled, thicker smoothie.
Instructions
- Prepare Your Banana (if not already frozen): If you haven’t already, peel a ripe banana, slice it into chunks, and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for at least 2-3 hours, or until solid. This step is crucial for achieving a thick, creamy smoothie.
- Gather Your Ingredients: Measure out your pumpkin purée, chosen plant-based milk, pumpkin pie spice, maple syrup, vanilla extract (if using), and optional ground flaxseed/chia seeds. Have your ice cubes ready if you plan to use them.
- Combine in Blender: Add all the ingredients to your blender. It’s generally best to add liquids first (plant-based milk), followed by softer ingredients (pumpkin purée), then frozen ingredients (banana, ice), and finally spices and sweeteners. This helps the blender work more efficiently.
- So, the order would be: plant-based milk, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, flax/chia seeds (if using), frozen banana, and then ice cubes (if using).
- Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid on your blender. Start blending on a low speed, then gradually increase to high. Blend for about 45-60 seconds, or until the smoothie is completely smooth and creamy. If your blender has a tamper, use it to help push the ingredients down towards the blades.
- Check Consistency & Taste: Pause the blender and check the consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little more plant-based milk (a tablespoon at a time) and blend again. If it’s too thin, you can add a few more ice cubes or a bit more frozen banana and blend. Taste the smoothie. Want it sweeter? Add a touch more maple syrup. Need more spice? Add a pinch more pumpkin pie spice. Blend briefly to incorporate any additions.
- Serve Immediately: Pour the smoothie into a glass or two. Garnish if desired (see “How to Serve” section below) and enjoy right away for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One Normal Portion
- Calories: 350-450