Can I make this pumpkin smoothie bowl without protein powder?

Absolutely! You can skip the protein powder entirely, though you'll lose some of the protein content that makes this so satisfying. For a protein alternative, try adding ½ cup of Greek yogurt instead it'll give you that creamy texture plus about 15 grams of protein. The consistency might be slightly different, but it's still delicious.

Is canned pumpkin the same as pumpkin puree?

Yes, canned pumpkin labeled "100% pure pumpkin" is exactly the same as pumpkin puree and works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure you're not accidentally buying pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars and spices. I learned this the hard way when Henry came home with the wrong can one day the smoothie bowl was way too sweet!

How do I make this smoothie bowl thicker?

The secret to a thick pumpkin smoothie bowl is using frozen bananas and starting with very little liquid. If your mixture is too thin, try adding more frozen banana pieces or even a few ice cubes. You can also let it sit in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to thicken naturally. The protein powder also helps with thickness, so don't skip it if you want that perfect spoon-able consistency.

What toppings go best with a pumpkin smoothie bowl?

My go-to combination is sliced banana, pepitas , and a sprinkle of granola , but the possibilities are endless! Some other favorites include chia seeds , hemp hearts, a drizzle of almond butter, toasted coconut flakes, or even a few mini dark chocolate chips for a treat. The key is mixing textures something crunchy, something chewy, and something creamy.

Perfect High Protein Pumpkin Smoothie Bowl

Name: Creamy High Protein Pumpkin Smoothie Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ large frozen banana, in chunks; ½ cup canned pumpkin (make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin); 2 tablespoons cashew butter (or any nut butter you prefer); ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; ¼ teaspoon cinnamon; 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (25 grams); Splash of water or almond milk, if needed for blending; Toppings: banana slices, granola, pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

Description

Fall mornings call for something cozy, satisfying, and packed with nutrition – and this pumpkin smoothie bowl delivers all three! What I love most about this pumpkin smoothie bowl recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that feels like dessert but is actually loaded with protein and wholesome goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ large frozen banana, in chunks
½ cup canned pumpkin (make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin)
2 tablespoons cashew butter (or any nut butter you prefer)
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (25 grams)
Splash of water or almond milk, if needed for blending
Toppings: banana slices, granola, pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

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Instructions

Add frozen banana chunks, canned pumpkin, cashew butter, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and vanilla protein powder to your high-powered blender.
Blend everything until completely smooth and creamy. The mixture should be thick enough to eat with a spoon, but if your blender is struggling, add just a splash of almond milk or water to help things along.
Pour or spoon the mixture into your favorite bowl – I love using shallow, wide bowls that give me plenty of room for toppings.
Get creative with your toppings! I usually arrange banana slices in a pretty pattern, sprinkle pepitas for crunch, and add a handful of granola for extra texture.

Notes

The key to a great pumpkin banana smoothie bowl is achieving that thick, creamy texture that won’t get watery when you add toppings. Use frozen bananas that are really frozen solid, and start with less liquid than you think you need. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s too thin!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Blended
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 380
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 45mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 29g
Cholesterol: 0mg