Ingredients
Method
- Pour the ½ cup (120 ml) of unsweetened almond milk into the base of your high-speed blender or food processor first to help the blades move freely.
- Add the 1 medium frozen banana (broken into chunks), 2 tbsp (30 g) of pumpkin puree, and 1 tbsp (10 g) of hemp hearts on top of the liquid.
- Drizzle in the 1 tsp (7 g) of honey and 0.5 tsp (2.5 ml) of vanilla extract, then add the 0.25 tsp each of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Secure the lid and pulse the mixture on high speed for 45 to 60 seconds until the consistency is completely uniform and very smooth.
- Pour the smoothie directly into a tall chilled glass and enjoy immediately while cold and creamy!
Frozen is Non-Negotiable: For that thick, ice-cream-like texture, ensure your banana is completely frozen. If you use a fresh banana, the result will be much thinner and closer to a juice. Slice the banana before freezing to make it easier on your blender blades.
Liquid First: Always pour your almond milk into the blender canister before adding solid ingredients. This lubricates the blades and creates a vortex, preventing chunks of frozen fruit from getting stuck at the bottom.
Toast the Spices: If you have an extra minute, briefly toast your cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a dry pan until fragrant before adding them. This releases essential oils and deepens the flavor profile, making it taste even more like a pumpkin pie.
Boost the Protein: While hemp hearts add great nutrition, if you need a heavier post-workout meal, add a scoop of unflavored collagen peptides or a vanilla paleo-friendly protein powder. It blends seamlessly without altering the taste.