This pumpkin cottage cheese smoothie is a creamy, warmly spiced blend made for easy fall mornings. Pumpkin puree brings the cozy flavor, cottage cheese and Greek yogurt make it thick and smooth, and vanilla protein powder adds an extra boost for a simple high-protein breakfast smoothie that tastes like pumpkin pie in a glass.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 small frozen banana, sliced
- 1/2 cup milk of choice, plus more as needed
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup ice, optional
How To Make It
Add the milk to the blender first, then add the cottage cheese, pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, frozen banana, protein powder, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and ice if using. Starting with the liquid helps everything blend more easily, especially when using a thicker mix of cottage cheese and yogurt.
Blend on high until the smoothie is completely creamy and no cottage cheese curds remain. This usually takes 30 to 60 seconds, depending on your blender. If the smoothie is too thick, add another splash of milk and blend again until it reaches your favorite sipping texture.
Taste and adjust before serving. Add a little more maple syrup for sweetness, an extra pinch of pumpkin pie spice for stronger fall flavor, or more ice for a frostier smoothie. Pour into a tall glass and sprinkle with a tiny dash of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice if you want a pretty Pinterest-ready finish.
Tips
Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and spiced, which can make the smoothie taste too intense.
For the smoothest texture, choose small-curd cottage cheese or blend the cottage cheese with the milk first before adding the rest of the ingredients. This is a great trick if you want an ultra-silky smoothie.
A frozen banana gives the best thick, milkshake-like texture. If you only have a fresh banana, add the optional ice to keep the smoothie cold and creamy.
Vanilla protein powder works especially well with pumpkin spice flavors, but unflavored protein powder can also be used. If your protein powder is very sweet, start with less maple syrup and add more only if needed.
Make it more dessert-like by topping the glass with crushed graham cracker, cinnamon, or a small dollop of Greek yogurt.
Blend it up and enjoy a cozy pumpkin smoothie that feels like fall in every sip!