Protein Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Smoothie High Protein
This High-Protein Pumpkin Pie Smoothie packs 33 grams of protein and blends together cottage cheese, almond milk, pumpkin puree, cashew butter, protein powder, and chia seeds for a creamy, fall-inspired drink. Perfect for enjoying the flavors of pumpkin pie, this smoothie is an ideal pre- or post-workout option that satisfies and fuels your day.
My Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie is a delicious way to indulge in cozy fall flavors while enjoying a protein-packed, creamy treat. With cottage cheese, protein powder, almond milk, pumpkin puree, and chia seeds, this smoothie offers the perfect blend of pumpkin spice and nutritious ingredients. It’s an easy and quick breakfast or snack for busy mornings when you crave something that feels like a slice of pumpkin pie but fits seamlessly into your healthy routine.
With 33 grams of protein from cottage cheese and protein powder, this smoothie also gets its rich texture from cashew butter. My family loves smoothies, and this pumpkin-flavored version is one of our all-time favorites!
For those looking for a satisfying way to kickstart the day, this pumpkin protein smoothie can help you stay energized. With the natural sweetness of pumpkin and optional maple syrup, you’ll get a flavor-packed drink that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Whether it’s a post-workout snack or a quick breakfast on the go, this smoothie is the perfect addition to your fall recipe lineup.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie Recipe
- Packed with Protein: This pumpkin smoothie is loaded with 33 grams of protein, giving you a satisfying and energizing start to your day.
- Creamy & Delicious: It’s like sipping on a slice of pumpkin pie—but healthier! The blend of cottage cheese, pumpkin, and almond milk creates a perfectly smooth texture.
- Quick & Easy: With just a handful of ingredients, this pumpkin smoothie recipe is super simple to whip up for breakfast or a post-workout snack.
- Naturally Sweetened: Enjoy the warm flavors of pumpkin without the guilt, thanks to natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey (or leave it unsweetened for a lower-calorie option).
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make the best protein smoothie with pumpkin recipe:
Almond Milk: You can swap this with any plant-based milk like oat milk or coconut milk for a different flavor, or use regular cow’s milk if you prefer. My favorite is unsweetened almond milk with vanilla flavor.
Cottage Cheese: You can use low-fat cottage cheese or regular. Greek yogurt works great as an alternative and will still give you that creamy, protein-packed texture. Vanilla greek yogurt is delicious but it will add more sugar.
Pumpkin Puree: If you’re out of pumpkin, sweet potato puree is a wonderful substitute with a similar taste and consistency. You can also make and use your own real pumpkin puree.
Cashew Butter: Feel free to use almond butter or peanut butter instead, depending on what you have on hand or your taste preference.
Chia Seeds: Flaxseeds are a good alternative and will still provide those omega-3s and fiber.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of cinnamon and nutmeg can do the trick if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand.
Vanilla Protein Powder: Any flavor protein powder you like, such as unflavored or even chocolate, can be used for a fun twist. I share my favorite, all-natural protein powders below.
Ice Cubes: Frozen banana or frozen pumpkin puree can give the smoothie an extra thick, creamy texture in place of ice.
Maple Syrup: Honey, agave, or a couple of pitted dates are fantastic alternatives for sweetening your smoothie naturally.
How to Make My Healthy Pumpkin Pie Protein Smoothie Recipe
Here are easy, detailed, step-by-step instructions for making my protein pumpkin smoothie. The instructions are also repeated in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.
Step 1: Blend the Smoothie
In a high-speed blender, add 1/2 cup of almond milk, 1/3 cup of cottage cheese, 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree, 2 tablespoons of vanilla protein powder, 1 tablespoon of cashew butter, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and 4 ice cubes.
Blend on high until everything is well combined and creamy. If it’s too thick, add more almond milk to reach your desired consistency. Serve and enjoy your delicious, high-protein treat!
Helpful Recipe Notes
Adjust the Conistency: If you love a thick, milkshake-like texture, add an extra ice cube or even a small frozen banana. This also boosts the creaminess and adds a touch of natural sweetness.
Dairy-Free Option: To make this smoothie completely dairy-free, swap out the cottage cheese for dairy-free yogurt or a plant-based protein powder.
Pumpkin Puree Tip: Make sure to use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars and spices.
Customize the Sweetness: You can leave out the maple syrup altogether if you prefer a less sweet smoothie. For natural sweetness without syrup, try adding a couple of pitted dates.
Best Protein Powder Options for Your Smoothie
When choosing a protein powder for smoothies, the main options are animal-based and plant-based protein powders.
Animal-based protein powders are highly regarded for having all essential amino acids, which support muscle growth and recovery. Many people find these proteins work quickly post-exercise. Personally, I limit my intake of these types since I already consume eggs regularly and prefer to keep dairy to a minimum.
Common types of animal-based protein include:
- Whey protein
- Casein protein
- Egg protein
- Beef protein
- Collagen protein
Plant-based protein powders, on the other hand, are great for those who are vegan or vegetarian, or anyone seeking low-fat, low-cholesterol options. Although they may not always offer all the essential amino acids in a single source, combining various plant-based powders can help you achieve a balanced profile. My favorites are pea, hemp, and nut proteins.
Examples of plant-based protein:
- Pea protein
- Brown rice protein
- Hemp protein
- Soy protein
- Quinoa protein
- Chia protein
- Flaxseed protein
Different Sweeteners in Protein Powders
Protein powders come with a variety of sweeteners. Here’s a quick overview of the main categories:
- Artificial Sweeteners: These, like sucralose and aspartame, are calorie-free but can sometimes cause discomfort. I generally stay away from them.
- Sugar Alcohols: Ingredients like erythritol and xylitol have fewer calories than regular sugars but can cause digestive issues for some people.
- Natural Intense Sweeteners: Derived from natural sources, sweeteners like stevia and monkfruit are calorie-free but can taste very sweet and sometimes lead to cravings for sweeter foods.
- Traditional Sweeteners: Natural options such as honey, maple syrup, and coconut sugar give a more familiar sweetness and may contain extra nutrients, but I use them in moderation to keep my overall sugar intake in check.
Choosing the best protein powder and sweetener depends on your individual taste and dietary needs. It’s a good idea to try a few options and see what works best for you. As always, if you have specific health concerns, consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Here are Amazon links to my favorite naturally sweetened protein powders that are very affordably priced:
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Do you love smoothies? Check out more of my easy and nutritious breakfast smoothie recipes:
- Chocolate Sweet Potato Smoothie High-Protein
- Apple Pie Smoothie High Protein
- High-Protein Berry Smoothie Cottage Cheese
- Healthy High-Protein Green Smoothie
- Protein Strawberry Cottage Cheese Smoothie
- Healthy Banana Smoothie High Protein
Protein Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Smoothie High Protein
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/3 cup cottage cheese
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 4 ice cubes
Instructions
- In a high-speed blender, add 1/2 cup of almond milk, 1/3 cup of cottage cheese, 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree,  2 tablespoons of vanilla protein powder, 1 tablespoon of cashew butter, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and 4 ice cubes.Blend on high until everything is well combined and creamy. If it’s too thick, add more almond milk to reach your desired consistency. Serve and enjoy!
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I’m loving this recipe. It’s so flavorful. Nicole is the best!
Thank you for the kind words and review, Kesia! 🙂
Tastes like liquified pumpkin icecream!
Pretty much…but healthier 🙂
Yummm! 🙂 Thank you for the review, Fran!
Such a yummy recipe!! I will definitely be using thisðŸ¤
Thank you for the review, Jane! 🙂
YES! This is exactly what I was looking for. I love the cashew butter.
I’m so glad you love the cashew butter! I love it, too 🙂
I’m excited to share this pumpkin smoothie recipe with you! It tastes like pumpkin pie but healthier 🙂 I hope you have a chance to try it!