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Hello fellow food explorers! I've got a confession to make: I'm not personally a fan of pumpkin spice. There, I said it – no shame, no apologies. It's just not my cup of tea, or should I say, not my cup of pumpkin spice latte. Fruity desserts and pumpkin-flavored anything? Not for me. I'll eat crumb cake topping but not the cake itself. As for fruit smoothies, I lean more towards the peanut butter chocolate side of life.
Now, don't get me wrong; I adore the smell of cinnamon and might sneak some into my eggnog during the holiday season. But the whole pumpkin spice craze? I've been sitting that one out.
But here's the twist – my daughter is head over heels in love with pumpkin spice. She's the kind of person who'd be perfectly content with a pumpkin-spiced world. So, one Thanksgiving, she asked me to make a pumpkin spice cheesecake, and you know what? She loved it. Ever since that fateful dessert experiment, I've been on a mission to create fun, unique recipes whenever the pumpkin spice season rolls around.
Enter the Pumpkin Spice Smoothie Bowl.
I'll admit I was skeptical at first, but curiosity got the best of me. I whipped up this Pumpkin Spice Smoothie Bowl, took a hesitant taste, and...wow. Maybe my taste buds are undergoing some mysterious transformation, or perhaps it's because I just hit another one of those seven-year milestone birthdays? Whatever the case, Im in on this one!
Here's the thing I love about this Pumpkin Spice Smoothie Bowl: it's highly customizable. You can use what you already have in your pantry or go all out with your favorite toppings. And yes, chocolate lovers, you can totally add some chocolate chips – I'm with you on that one! Plus, you can make the smoothie, throw in a straw and stop there- it's 2 recipes in one.
Here's the Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the smoothie:
1 cup canned pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
1/2 banana (frozen for a creamier texture)
1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ice cubes (optional, for thickness)
For toppings:
Chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
Chia seeds
Pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
Fresh berries (e.g., strawberries or blueberries)
Granola
Drizzle of honey or maple syrup
Instructions:
Blend the Smoothie: In a blender, combine the pumpkin puree, frozen banana, Greek yogurt, almond milk, honey or maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and ice cubes if desired. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Adjust Consistency: If the smoothie is too thick, you can add a bit more almond milk to reach your desired consistency. (Remember, you can stop here and pour in a cup.)
Pour into a Bowl: Pour the smoothie into a bowl.
Add Toppings: Now, the fun part! Top your pumpkin spice smoothie bowl with chopped nuts, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, fresh berries, granola, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Feel free to get creative with your toppings.
Enjoy: Grab a spoon and enjoy your nutritious and satisfying pumpkin spice smoothie bowl!
This recipe is packed with the warm and cozy flavors of pumpkin spice while also providing a good dose of fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats from the toppings. It's perfect for a fall breakfast or a post-workout snack.
Now, for the health-conscious out there, let's talk nutrition.
Smoothie Base (per serving): Excluding the optional toppings:
Calories: 220-250 calories
Protein: 11-13 grams
Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams
Dietary Fiber: 7-8 grams
Sugars: 21-24 grams
Fat: 3-4 grams
So, if a non-pumpkin spice enthusiast like me can enjoy a Pumpkin Spice Smoothie Bowl, you might just find yourself converted too. It's a healthy, hearty, and surprisingly delightful creation that's perfect for embracing the flavors of the season, even if you're not a die-hard pumpkin spice lover. Give it a whirl, and who knows, maybe you'll discover a new seasonal favorite!
Happy blending, and may your taste buds forever be on an adventurous journey!
xo-Laurie
PS: I'll let you now if my daughter liked it too :)
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