Spicy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie: Fall in a Glass

There is a point every fall when pumpkin stops belonging only in pies and muffins and starts finding its way into breakfast, too.

This Spicy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie is one of the easiest ways to make that happen. Pumpkin puree, frozen banana and Greek yogurt give it a thick, creamy texture, while pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon bring the warm flavor we expect from a fall treat.

• Save

A splash of orange juice brightens everything just enough so the smoothie doesn't feel heavy, and a little honey can be added if your banana isn't quite sweet enough.

Best of all, there is no cooking involved. Add everything to the blender, give it a good whirl, and breakfast or an afternoon snack is ready in about five minutes.

🎃 Recipe at a Glance

• 🥄 Difficulty: Easy
• 🔪 Prep Time: 5 minutes
• 🔥 Cook Time: None
• ⏱️ Total Time: 5 minutes
• 🥤 Yield: 1 large or 2 smaller servings
• 🍌 Texture: Thick, creamy and smooth
• 💡 Best Tip: Use a fully frozen ripe banana for the creamiest smoothie without needing ice.
• 🍂 Best For: Fall breakfasts, afternoon snacks and using leftover pumpkin puree

Why This Pumpkin Smoothie Works

Pumpkin puree on its own is mild and earthy. That makes it a great smoothie ingredient, but it needs a few supporting flavors to really taste like fall.

Pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon provide the warm spice. Frozen banana adds natural sweetness while also thickening the smoothie. Greek yogurt makes it creamy, and the combination of evaporated milk and orange juice loosens everything enough to blend smoothly.

The orange juice may sound unexpected, but only a small amount is used. It adds brightness that balances the pumpkin and creamy ingredients rather than making the smoothie taste strongly of orange.

The result lands somewhere between breakfast and dessert: creamy and warmly spiced, but still cold and refreshing.

• Save

Ingredients You'll Need

Pumpkin Puree

Use 100% pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling already contains sweeteners and spices, which would change the flavor of the smoothie.

Frozen Banana

A ripe frozen banana provides sweetness and gives the smoothie much of its thick, creamy texture. For easier blending, peel and slice the banana before freezing it.

Plain Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt adds creaminess and gives the smoothie more body than milk alone.

Evaporated Milk

A small amount helps create a smooth, rich texture without making the smoothie too thin.

Fresh Orange Juice

Orange juice provides a little acidity and brightness to balance the pumpkin, banana and dairy.

Honey

Honey is optional. Taste the smoothie before adding it because a very ripe banana may provide enough sweetness on its own.

Pumpkin Pie Spice and Cinnamon

These are what take the smoothie from simply tasting like pumpkin to tasting like fall. Pumpkin pie spice supplies the familiar blend of warming spices, while additional cinnamon brings that flavor forward.

• Save

How to Make a Spicy Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Step 1 — Prepare the Banana

Start with a ripe banana that has been peeled, sliced and frozen. Breaking the banana into smaller pieces before freezing makes it much easier for the blender to handle, particularly if you are not using a high-powered blender.

Step 2 — Add the Ingredients

Pour the evaporated milk and orange juice into the blender first. Add the pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, frozen banana, pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon.

Adding the liquids first helps the blades move more easily once you start blending.

• Save

Step 3 — Blend Until Creamy

Secure the lid and blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth. Stop and scrape down the sides if necessary.

If the smoothie is thicker than you like, add a small splash of evaporated milk and blend again.

Step 4 — Taste and Serve

Taste before adding the honey. If your banana was very ripe, you may find the smoothie is already sweet enough. Otherwise, add up to 1 tablespoon of honey and blend briefly.

Pour into a glass, sprinkle with a little cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice if you like, and serve immediately.

• Save

How to Get the Best Texture

The frozen banana does most of the work here.

Using a room-temperature banana will still give you a smoothie, but it won't have quite the same cold, thick texture. A frozen banana makes the mixture creamy without requiring a large amount of ice.

If you want an even thicker smoothie, freeze the pumpkin puree, too.

Spoon leftover pumpkin puree into an ice cube tray, freeze until solid and then transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe container. The next time you make the smoothie, you can add frozen pumpkin directly to the blender.

If the smoothie becomes too thick to blend, add liquid a tablespoon or two at a time. It is much easier to thin a thick smoothie than to rescue one that has become watery.

• Save

Easy Variations

Add More Protein

If you want additional protein, add a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder. You may need another splash of milk because protein powder can noticeably thicken the smoothie.

Add Nut Butter

A tablespoon of almond or peanut butter adds richness and a subtle nutty flavor. Almond butter is particularly nice with pumpkin because its flavor doesn't overpower the spices.

Add Chia or Flax

Add a small spoonful of chia seeds or ground flaxseed if you enjoy them in smoothies. Keep in mind that chia will continue to thicken the smoothie as it sits.

Make It More Dessert-Like

For a more indulgent fall treat, finish the smoothie with a small spoonful of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon.

Adjust the Spice

Pumpkin pie spice blends vary, so taste before adding more. If you love a strongly spiced smoothie, add another small pinch of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon after blending.

• Save

💡 Time-Saving Tips

A little freezer preparation turns this into an especially fast fall breakfast.

Peel and slice ripe bananas before freezing them. Keep the pieces in a freezer-safe bag so you can grab exactly what you need.

You can do the same thing with pumpkin puree.

If a recipe leaves you with part of a can of pumpkin, spoon the extra puree into an ice cube tray and freeze it. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe container.

That gives you pre-portioned pumpkin for smoothies instead of an open container slowly disappearing into the back of the refrigerator.

• Save

🍂 Why It's Such a Good Fall Breakfast

Pumpkin recipes often lean toward baked goods, which is part of what makes this smoothie useful.

You get the familiar pumpkin-and-spice combination without turning on the oven, and it takes only a few minutes to prepare.

For a larger fall breakfast or brunch, serve the smoothie alongside something with more texture. Try my pumpkin spice pancakes for another warmly spiced fall breakfast.

If you're in the mood for something baked, pumpkin chocolate chip bread turns the smoothie into more of a cozy weekend breakfast or brunch.

And if you frequently have leftover pumpkin puree during baking season, healthy pumpkin butter is another easy way to use it instead of letting the rest of the can go to waste.

• Save

What to Serve with a Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

On a busy morning, the smoothie can simply be served on its own.

For breakfast or brunch, pair it with eggs, toast, oatmeal or pancakes.

The smoothie is naturally on the sweeter side because of the banana, so savory breakfast foods provide a particularly nice contrast.

For a full pumpkin-themed brunch, keep the portions smaller and serve them alongside pumpkin pancakes, eggs and fresh fruit.

Storage

This smoothie is best enjoyed immediately after blending.

As it sits, the frozen banana warms and the texture gradually becomes thinner. If you need to refrigerate it briefly, place it in a covered container and stir or shake well before drinking.

For longer-term preparation, freeze the individual ingredients rather than the finished smoothie.

Frozen banana pieces and frozen pumpkin portions make it possible to assemble a fresh smoothie in just a few minutes.

🍯 Ad Magnet: Don't Throw Away the Rest of the Pumpkin

Most canned pumpkin comes in a larger quantity than you need for one smoothie, but the leftover puree is one of the most useful ingredients to have during fall.

Refrigerate leftover pumpkin puree in a covered container and use it within the storage guidance provided for the product, or freeze it in measured portions.

Small frozen portions can go directly into future smoothies. Larger portions can be thawed for pancakes, muffins, oatmeal, quick breads or homemade pumpkin butter.

Label the container with the amount before freezing it. Knowing whether you have ¼ cup, ½ cup or 1 cup waiting in the freezer saves you from having to thaw and measure it later.

• Save

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

Pure pumpkin puree is the better choice for this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, so using it would change both the sweetness and seasoning of the smoothie. Look for a can labeled 100% pure pumpkin.

Do I have to freeze the banana?

No, but freezing it gives the smoothie a noticeably thicker and colder texture. If you only have a fresh banana, you can still make the smoothie. Add a few ice cubes if you want it colder, keeping in mind that too much ice can dilute the flavor.

Can I add protein powder?

Yes. Vanilla or unflavored protein powder can be blended in with the other ingredients. Because different protein powders absorb different amounts of liquid, add a splash of milk if the smoothie becomes too thick.

Can I make this smoothie sweeter?

Yes. Start by blending the smoothie without the optional honey and taste it first. If it needs more sweetness, blend in a little honey. Using a very ripe banana will also naturally make the smoothie sweeter.

Can I make it ahead?

The ingredients can be prepared ahead, but the smoothie itself is best blended shortly before serving. Keep frozen banana pieces and portioned pumpkin in the freezer so most of the preparation is already done.

Why is my smoothie too thick?

Frozen banana, Greek yogurt and pumpkin all contribute thickness. Add evaporated milk a tablespoon at a time and blend again until the smoothie reaches the consistency you prefer.

Why is my smoothie too thin?

Start with a frozen banana rather than a fresh one. You can also add a little more frozen banana or frozen pumpkin puree and blend again. Avoid adding lots of ice because it can water down the pumpkin flavor.

Print