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This High Protein Pumpkin Smoothie is thick, creamy, and packed with real pumpkin and warm pumpkin spice flavor. Greek yogurt and vanilla protein powder give each smoothie 36 grams of protein, and it comes together in just 5 minutes for an easy breakfast or snack.
Pumpkin Smoothie Packs in 36 Grams of Protein
I wanted this pumpkin smoothie to have enough protein to actually feel satisfying for breakfast, without turning it into an overly thick protein shake. Greek yogurt and vanilla protein powder bring the protein up to 36 grams per serving, while pumpkin and frozen banana keep the smoothie creamy and give it 6 grams of fiber.
Using just half a banana also leaves plenty of room for the pumpkin and warm spices to come through instead of making the smoothie taste mostly like banana.
- 36 grams of protein. Greek yogurt and vanilla protein powder make this much more substantial than a typical fruit smoothie.
- Real pumpkin flavor. Pumpkin purée, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice give it that classic fall flavor without making it overly sweet.
- Ready in 5 minutes. Everything goes straight into the blender, making it an easy breakfast or snack when you need something quick.
Protein shakes and smoothie recipes are some of my favorite options for busy mornings. Next, give my High Fiber Smoothie, Banana Date Smoothie or Cottage Cheese Smoothie a try!
Ingredient Notes
For full recipe instructions and complete list of ingredients, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt adds creaminess and contributes a significant amount of protein. Nonfat, 2%, or whole-milk Greek yogurt will all work, but higher-fat yogurt will make the smoothie a little richer and creamier.
- Pumpkin puree: Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which already contains added sugar and spices. Pumpkin adds flavor, color, and fiber to the smoothie.
- Banana: Frozen banana adds natural sweetness and helps make the smoothie thick and creamy. I use just half a banana so the pumpkin and spices can still come through without the smoothie tasting too much like banana.
- Vanilla protein powder: I like to use a whey based protein powder but feel free to use your favorite. Clean Simple Eats is my favorite.
- Milk: Use your preferred milk to thin the smoothie to the consistency you like. Dairy milk will add more protein, while unsweetened almond, cashew, coconut, or oat milk can also be used. Keep in mind that the nutrition information will vary depending on the milk you choose.
- Pumpkin pie spice + cinnamon: These warm spices are just right for a pumpkin pie protein smoothie.
- Maple syrup: This is optional, so I recommend taste testing first.
- Ice cubes: 3-4 ice cubes help to give this smoothie the perfect consistency. If you use fresh banana, make sure to throw in an extra ice cube
Variations to Try
- Chocolate pumpkin: Use 1-2 tablespoons of of cocoa powder and swap the vanilla protein powder for chocolate protein powder. You may need an extra splash of milk if the smoothie gets too thick.
- Extra vanilla: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or use vanilla Greek yogurt for a stronger vanilla flavor. If your yogurt is sweetened, taste the smoothie before adding maple syrup.
- Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free Greek-style yogurt, plant-based protein powder, and your favorite non-dairy milk. Keep in mind that the texture and protein content will vary depending on the products you use.
How To Make Pumpkin Protein Smoothie
- Add ingredients. Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender
- Blend. Blend ingredients until completely smooth.
Make Ahead and Storage
This pumpkin smoothie is best enjoyed right after blending, but you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few hours. It may separate as it sits, so give it a good stir or shake before drinking.
Jamie’s Tips
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Smoothie
- Adjust the sweetness after blending. Bananas and vanilla protein powders vary quite a bit in sweetness, so blend everything first before adding the optional maple syrup.
- Adjust the thickness a little at a time. For a thicker smoothie, add another ice cube or two. If it’s thicker than you like, add milk 1-2 tablespoons at a time until it reaches the consistency you want.
- Using fresh banana? Add more ice. Frozen banana helps create the thick, creamy texture, so a fresh banana will usually need a few extra ice cubes to get a similar consistency.
More High Protein Pumpkin Recipes
If you’ve made and loved this Pumpkin Protein Smoothie or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and comments below!
High Protein Pumpkin Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, plain
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 banana (frozen or fresh), sliced
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 cup milk, any kind
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 3-4 ice cubes
- 1 tsp maple syrup if needed
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.
Notes
- For the thickest texture, use frozen banana. If using fresh banana, add a few extra ice cubes.
- Protein powders vary in thickness and sweetness. If the smoothie is too thick, blend in milk 1–2 tablespoons at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- Taste before adding maple syrup, since the banana and vanilla protein powder may provide enough sweetness on their own.
- The 36 grams of protein is based on the specific Greek yogurt, milk, and protein powder used for the nutrition calculation. Protein will vary depending on the brands and substitutions you use.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an estimate.
This is a lovely recipe. My only question is can I prep this in advance for 4-5 days?
Thank you! If you’re going to prep ahead, I would freeze it into ice cubes and then blend when you’re ready to drink with a little bit of milk/water!
Hi, I have never cooked with “pumpkin puree” before…..is this a product you have to buy, or is it just simply cooked pumpkin blended?
Thank you,
Kim.
You can make your own but they sell cans of pumpkin at the grocery store :). Just make sure it’s 100% pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling!
I have been making this multiple times a week for the last two weeks! It’s so good! I’ve been adding chia seeds and hemp hearts for extra protein and fiber. Also extra pumpkin pie spice! The little bit of banana is the perfect amt of sweet. Very creamy and delish smoothie! Will continue to make all fall!
Definitely one of my favorites too! So glad you’re loving it!
Seriously SO good! I forgot the Greek yogurt but it was perfect as is. Next time I’ll add 2 shots of an espresso for a take on the frozen pumpkin spice latte. THANK YOUUUUU
So glad you loved it!! Espresso would be so so good in this!
This was so yummy!!!
I made the “mistake” of making it right before we had company over, so I “had” to share (haha) and everyone loved it!!
Can you make it without milk? Would water be ok
I’m sure you could but it wouldn’t be as creamy!
This is delicious! Tastes like the first bite of a pumpkin pie 🥧 🧡 And bonus, hits my macros.