Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

Autumn in a cup, that’s what this is. Thanksgiving in a blender (without the turkey and stuffing, because that would be gross.) Pumpkin pie through a straw. (Also sounds gross. Sorry.)

Want a guilt-free way to feel like you’re indulging in Pumpkin Pie? Here you have it. It’s fast, easy, mostly healthy (seriously- do you have any freaking idea how much vitamin A there is in a serving of real pumpkin? Seriously- do you care? No? It’s all about the taste? Okay, let’s move on then), and refreshing. I know the temperatures are dropping and all you want to do is snuggle under a fuzzy blanket on the couch these days, so a smoothie made with ice doesn’t make the most sense right now… but you can warm your November-rain-soaked-self with Haute Chocolate if you need to warm up. Then chase it with this smoothie, which hits the spot when you can’t get enough pumpkin pie into your face this season.

1/2 can (7 oz. of a 15 oz. can) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

1/2 cup almond milk (or regular milk*)

1/4 cup agave syrup or maple syrup (or brown sugar)

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Tiny dash of salt

Tiny sprinkling of ground cloves

Tiny sprinkling of ground nutmeg (freshly ground if possible)

2 cups of ice

Whipped cream (optional for topping)
1. Throw all ingredients into a blender (or a food processor) until well mixed.
2. That’s it.
Tips:
- Sweetening the smoothie is a totally personal thing. I love sugar, so I add more brown sugar AND agave/maple syrup- but you might be fine with the recipe above as is. All I’m saying is: taste test before you pour out of the blender. You can always add MORE sweet stuff and pulse the blender to incorporate the good stuff… or pour a bit of sweetening stuff into your cup and stir just a bit, so some sips are WAY sweeter than others. That would be my preference.
- *Use almond milk if you want dairy-free (obviously).
- Fresh nutmeg? Trust me! Grate some on top of the smoothie just because.
- If all you have is pumpkin pie filling instead of real pumpkin, then just omit the syrups/sugar and spices. Voila!
- The consistency of the smoothie can be made icier (more ice), smoother (more milk), and thicker (more pumpkin)- depending on your preference.
- Sinful? Add whipped cream in a dollop on top. (You can add it to the smoothie itself near the end of the whirling in the blender for a totally rich texture and taste. Same with vanilla ice cream, instead of most of the ice. Oh dear.)
- Enjoy, and cheers to fall!
Click Here to PRINT This Recipe Now!
Related Recipes & Posts:
November 13th, 2013 | More Sweets Please | No Comments | Tags: Unidentifiable!