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!

Be sure to also check out my Protein Packed Blueberry Cottage Cheese Smoothie for another natural protein punch.

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

• 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

• High-speed blender

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

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

DIETARY MODIFICATIONS

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and paleo-friendly

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

For similar tasty dishes, check out my cozy pumpkin recipes, fall recipes and November recipes roundups!

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!