Pumpkin Cookie Protein Smoothie

A cozy sip of fall in smoothie form. Nutrient-dense ingredients, all the toppings, and bonus, it tastes like a pumpkin cookie! You have to try this low sugar protein smoothie recipe!

Calling all home cooks, bakers, and healthy foodies – welcome to PUMPKIN WEEK! 

I love a theme week, and thanks to all of you that participated in my Instagram poll last month I have a theme week happening monthly for the next few months! 

#AKPumpkinWeek2020 – I will share a healthy pumpkin recipe with you every day over the next 5 days. I cannot wait for you to try all of them!

Let's give 'em pumpkin to talk about! 

First up: Pumpkin Cookie Protein Smoothie!

INGREDIENTS NEEDED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE:

• Banana – Ideally frozen for a super thick and creamy smoothie
• Pumpkin Puree – Not pumpkin pie filling! Simply pureed pumpkin, you can roast your own or use canned.
• Cashew Butter – You can use any nut butter, almond, peanut, sunflower would all work!
• Chia Seeds – Optional, but I love the addition of healthy fat and fiber
• Lucuma Powder – This is optional, see below for more info on Lucuma – it adds a natural creamy sweetness
• Pumpkin Pie Spice – or a dash of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg
• Vanilla Collagen Peptides – You can use any vanilla protein powder that you like but I am in LOVE … like hardcore L.O.V.E. with Further Food Vanilla Collagen Peptides so delicious!
• Oat Milk – or any milk that you prefer
• Toppings – My preference is granola and nut butter

TOOLS YOU WILL USE:

• High-speed blender

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS PROTEIN SMOOTHIE!

I am always on the smoothie train, winter, spring, summer, fall… season doesn't matter. When I feel like a smoothie I want one and that is that!

This smoothie is thick and creamy with just the right amount of sweetness (hint: not a lot), I am not a fan of super sweet smoothies, so if you find this not sweet enough feel free to add a bit of honey or maple syrup.

Top this autumnal dream with crunchy granola, and an extra drizzle of nut butter. YUM!

NUTRITION NERD CORNER 🤓

What is Lucuma Powder and Why is It a Great Smoothie Add-In

Lucuma Powder is dried and milled lucuma fruit. Lucuma fruit is indigenous to South America, the Andean region to be exact. It is a subtly sweet and creamy fruit with a hint of butterscotch.

Lucuma is used as a natural sweetener/ alternative to sugar.

When I was in Peru last year lucuma ice cream was my favorite treat.

You can find lucuma powder at most health food stores or online.

Nutritional Benefits of Lucuma Powder:

Often touted as a “superfood” lucuma is a good source of beta-carotene, calcium, iron, and zinc. 

One tablespoon of lucuma powder contains:

• Protein: 0 grams
• Carbs: 6 grams 
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Net Carbs: 4 grams
• Sugar: 1.5 grams
• Calories: 30

MY FAVORITE HEALTHY SMOOTHIE RECIPES:

Avocado Matcha Smoothie

Beet, Pray, Love Smoothie Bowl

Superfood Chocolate Maca Smoothie

Blackberry Avocado Smoothie

Green Tea Raspberry Smoothie 

DIETARY MODIFICATIONS FOR THIS RECIPE:

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and paleo-friendly

• Vegan, Vegetarian – Use a plant-based protein powder

I can’t wait for you to try this Pumpkin Cookie Protein Smoothie Recipe! When you make it, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @abrapappa or use the hashtag #abraskitchen so I can feature your photo! 

If you’ve tried this recipe, don’t forget to rate and leave a comment below. I love to hear from people who’ve made my recipes!