Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: None | Servings: 1 | Difficulty: Easy

This pumpkin pie smoothie tastes exactly like it sounds — rich, creamy, and full of warm fall spice — but it comes together in a blender in under five minutes. A frozen banana gives it the thick, milkshake-like texture, pumpkin puree adds natural sweetness and body, and a scoop of vegan vanilla protein powder turns it from a seasonal treat into a genuinely filling meal. A spoonful of Greek yogurt rounds out the creaminess and adds a little extra protein to keep you going.

Topped with Purely Elizabeth Pumpkin Cinnamon Ancient Grain Granola, it works equally well as a drinkable smoothie or poured into a bowl and eaten with a spoon. Either way, it's one of the easiest ways to get into fall mode without turning on the oven.

Ingredients

• 1 frozen banana

• 1 scoop vegan vanilla protein powder

• ¾ cup pumpkin puree

• ¼ cup Greek yogurt

• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

• Purely Elizabeth Pumpkin Cinnamon Ancient Grain Granola, for topping

Directions

1. Add the frozen banana, protein powder, pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, and pumpkin pie spice to a blender. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy — about 30 to 45 seconds.

2. Pour into a glass or bowl and top with a generous handful of Pumpkin Cinnamon Ancient Grain Granola. Serve immediately.

Make It with Purely Elizabeth

The granola on top is more than just a garnish — it adds crunch, whole grains, and an extra layer of pumpkin spice flavor that makes the whole thing feel complete. Purely Elizabeth Pumpkin Cinnamon Ancient Grain Granola is made with ancient grains, chia seeds, and coconut sugar, so it brings real texture and substance to what would otherwise be a one-note topping.

→ Shop Pumpkin Cinnamon Ancient Grain Granola

Tips & Variations

Make it a smoothie bowl. Use half the liquid you'd normally add (or none at all beyond what's in the yogurt) and blend until very thick. Pour into a bowl, top with granola, and eat it with a spoon. The granola stays crunchier this way and the whole thing is more filling.

Make it dairy-free. Swap the Greek yogurt for a thick coconut yogurt. The smoothie will be slightly sweeter but just as creamy.

Add a milk base. If your blender needs a little help getting started, add 2–3 tablespoons of almond milk or oat milk to get things moving. Keep it minimal so the smoothie stays thick.

Adjust the spice level. One teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice gives a warm but not overwhelming flavor. Add up to 1½ tsp if you want a more pronounced spice, or swap in individual spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice) and adjust to taste.

Use leftover pumpkin puree. This recipe uses ¾ cup — if you've opened a full can for another recipe, this is a perfect way to use the rest. Pumpkin puree keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days in a sealed container.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a pumpkin smoothie a good source of protein? This one is — between the vegan vanilla protein powder and Greek yogurt, it has a meaningful amount of protein for a smoothie. The exact amount will depend on your protein powder, but most scoops add 15–20g, making this a genuinely filling option rather than just a fruit drink.

Is this pumpkin smoothie gluten-free? Yes. All ingredients in this recipe — banana, pumpkin puree, protein powder, Greek yogurt, and pumpkin pie spice — are naturally gluten-free. Purely Elizabeth Pumpkin Cinnamon Ancient Grain Granola is also certified gluten-free. Always check your specific protein powder label if you have a serious gluten sensitivity.

Can I make this pumpkin smoothie dairy-free? Yes — swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or simply leave it out. The frozen banana will still give the smoothie a thick, creamy texture on its own.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? You can, but canned 100% pumpkin puree is more consistent and easier to blend smoothly. If using fresh, roast and blend the pumpkin until completely smooth and make sure it's fully cooled before adding it to the blender.

What protein powder works best in a pumpkin smoothie? A vegan vanilla protein powder blends seamlessly here and complements the warm spice flavor without overpowering it. Plant-based options like pea protein or a pea-and-rice blend tend to have a naturally neutral flavor that works well. If you prefer whey, that works too — just check that it's not overly sweet, since the banana and pumpkin already add natural sweetness.

Can I make this smoothie the night before? Smoothies are best made fresh, but you can blend everything the night before and store it in a sealed jar in the fridge. Give it a good shake or stir before drinking, and add the granola right before serving so it stays crunchy.

Topics: Fall Recipes · Pumpkin Recipes · Protein Smoothie · Gluten-Free Recipes · Dairy-Free Option · Quick Breakfast · Smoothie Bowl