If you love anything pumpkin spice, then you’re going to love my easy pumpkin date smoothie! It’s one of my favorite breakfasts for busy mornings (especially in the fall) or an afternoon pick me up snack. Creamy pumpkin, natural sweetness from the dates, and a kiss of warm spices make this drink like a healthier version of pumpkin pie!
What is a Pumpkin Date Smoothie?
A pumpkin date smoothie is a creamy and nutritious beverage made by blending together pumpkin puree, dates, and other complementary flavors.
This smoothie features the natural sweetness of dates combined with the earthy, slightly spiced flavor of pumpkin, making it a popular choice during the fall season. The dates add enough natural sweetness that no banana is needed (since I don’t think the flavor pairs well here).
The flavor of the smoothie is enhanced with pumpkin pie spice, to give it fall pie vibes without all those added calories! You can also add a scoop of protein or collagen powder for added nutrition, if desired.
The pumpkin date smoothie is both flavorful and rich in nutrients, offering the health benefits of pumpkin, such as being high in vitamins A and C, along with the natural sweetness and fiber from the dates.
This combination makes it a satisfying and wholesome option for breakfast or a snack, and with just 4 ingredients, it’s highly convenient as well! It’s also naturally vegetarian, vegan friendly, and gluten free, so it fits a variety of dietary needs.
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Pumpkin Date Smoothie Ingredients
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 3 Medjool dates
- ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup unsweetened oat milk
- 4-6 ice cubes (or freeze your puree in advance – see notes)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- Make sure to get canned pumpkin puree, and not pie filling, as the latter has a lot of added sugar and spices. You can also use your own homemade puree if you happen to have it
- Other dates can be used besides Medjool, but if they’re a smaller variety, you’ll want to add at least 1 more to compensate
- If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own with a blend of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg (I usually do ¼ tsp cinnamon and ⅛ each of ginger and nutmeg, but you can adjust the proportions to your tastes)
- Instead of oat milk, you can substitute other milks as preferred, like almond, coconut, soy, or even dairy milk. I personally like oat the best with the pumpkin and date pairing, but it’s up to you!
- The ice cubes are needed as a thickener since I don’t use banana for this smoothie. However, if you want to avoid using ice, freeze your pumpkin puree ahead of time (an ice cube tray works great for this) and use frozen puree instead!
- I feel this smoothie is plenty creamy on its own, but you can add yogurt if you want for more creaminess. Use about ¼ cup of Greek yogurt, and choose plain, vanilla, or pumpkin flavor for the best pairings
How to Make a Pumpkin Date Smoothie
- Add the dates to the oat milk and allow them to soak for 20 minutes. Note: you can skip this step if you’re in a hurry, but it makes the dates easier to blend so you don’t get big chunks. I have a 1000W blender and it still struggles with unsoaked dates
- Pour the dates and oat milk into your blender, then add the ice cubes (unless using frozen puree), pumpkin pie spice, and pumpkin puree
- Blend on high, smoothie, or puree (depending on your available settings) until well blended and smooth
- Adjust the consistency as needed, using more ice to thicken or more oat milk to thin
- (Optional). If you want to add a serving of protein or collagen powder, add it in and blend on low until just mixed
- Enjoy!
- Peanut Butter Date Smoothie
- Date Scones (Air Fryer or Oven)
Recipe FAQs
What Are The Health Benefits Of A Pumpkin Date Smoothie?
A pumpkin date smoothie is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A, which supports eye health, and also provides antioxidants that boost your immune system.
Dates add natural sweetness and fiber, promoting digestive health. This smoothie is a nutritious option that can be enjoyed as a breakfast or a healthy snack.
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead Of Canned Pumpkin In A Pumpkin Date Smoothie?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin in a pumpkin date smoothie. However, you’ll need to cook and puree the pumpkin before adding it to your smoothie.
Canned pumpkin is more convenient, but fresh pumpkin can offer a slightly richer taste.
Are Pumpkin Date Smoothies Vegan?
Pumpkin date smoothies can be made vegan by using plant-based milk, such as almond, soy, or oat milk.
The other ingredients, like pumpkin puree, dates, and spices are naturally vegan.
Can I Add Protein Powder To A Pumpkin Date Smoothie?
Yes, you can add protein powder to a pumpkin date smoothie to increase its protein content.
Vanilla or unflavored protein powders work well without overpowering the flavors of the pumpkin and dates.
How Can I Make My Pumpkin Date Smoothie Thicker?
To make your pumpkin date smoothie thicker, you can add ingredients like ice, frozen bananas, Greek yogurt (if not vegan), or a handful of oats.
These ingredients will add creaminess and bulk to the smoothie.
What Spices Can I Add To Flavor A Pumpkin Date Smoothie?
Common spices to enhance the flavor of a pumpkin date smoothie include cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
These spices complement the natural sweetness of the pumpkin and dates, giving the smoothie a warm, autumnal flavor that has notes of pumpkin pie.
Recipe Pro Tips For the Best Pumpkin Date Smoothie
- If you prefer to soak your dates overnight that’s completely fine as well! I’ll sometimes measure the milk out and pop it in the fridge before bed, which saves time in the morning and gives my smoothie a better texture!
- Since the dates are tough, this recipe works best in a full sized blender – I just find that my portable one isn’t strong enough to cut through the thick fruit
- This recipe scales well so feel free to double or triple it and make enough for the whole family!
Leftover Smoothie Storage Tips
- Leftover pumpkin date smoothie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours
- For the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to consume the smoothie shortly after making it. If stored, give it a good shake or stir before drinking, or re-blend it with additional ice to thicken it back to its original state
- Red Velvet Smoothie
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- Peanut Butter Raspberry Smoothie
- Chocolate Banana Smoothie
Final Thoughts
This pumpkin date smoothie is a perfect breakfast, even for the busiest mornings, but also great for an afternoon snack! I think the flavor is best for fall, but since you can use canned pumpkin, you truly can enjoy this smoothie year round.
Dates add the perfect amount of sweetness with no added sugar, and no bananas required! This smoothie gives you all the vibes of pumpkin pie, but in a much healthier, drinkable version. I love to make them for brunch around Thanksgiving and they’re always a fan favorite.
Plus, this pumpkin date smoothie is naturally vegetarian, vegan friendly, gluten free (so long as you use a certified gluten free milk), and non dairy, so it works with a variety of different dietary needs (but it’s so tasty you’ll still love it even if you don’t have restrictions)!
Katie’s tip
If you love all things pumpkin, make sure to check out my collection of Air Fryer Pumpkin Recipes for some perfect food pairings to go with your smoothie!
Easy Pumpkin Date Smoothie (No Banana)
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 3 Medjool dates
- ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup unsweetened oat milk
- 4-6 ice cubes (depending on size)
Instructions
- Add the dates to the oat milk and allow them to soak for 20 minutes. Note: you can skip this step if you’re in a hurry, but it makes the dates easier to blend so you don’t get big chunks. I have a 1000W blender and it still struggles with unsoaked dates3 Medjool dates, 1 cup unsweetened oat milk
- Pour the dates and oat milk into your blender, then add the ice cubes (unless using frozen puree – see notes), pumpkin pie spice, and pumpkin puree½ cup canned pumpkin puree, 4-6 ice cubes, ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- Blend on high, smoothie, or puree (depending on your available settings) until well blended and smooth
- Adjust the consistency as needed, using more ice to thicken or more oat milk to thin
- (Optional) If you want to add a serving of protein or collagen powder, add it in and blend on low until just mixed
- Enjoy!
Notes
- The ice cubes are needed as a thickener since I don’t use banana for this smoothie. However, if you want to avoid using ice, freeze your pumpkin puree ahead of time (an ice cube tray works great for this) and use the frozen puree instead – no ice needed!
- Make sure to get canned pumpkin puree, and not pie filling, as the latter has a lot of added sugar and spices. You can also use your own homemade puree if you happen to have it
- Other dates can be used besides Medjool, but if they’re a smaller variety, you’ll want to add at least 1 more to compensate. Feel free to soak them overnight to save time in the morning!
- If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can make your own with a blend of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg (I usually do ¼ tsp cinnamon and ⅛ each of ginger and nutmeg, but you can adjust the proportions to your tastes)
- Instead of oat milk, you can substitute other milks as preferred, like almond, coconut, soy, or even dairy milk. I personally like oat the best with the pumpkin and date pairing, but it’s up to you!
- I feel this smoothie is plenty creamy on its own, but you can add yogurt if you want for more creaminess. Use about ¼ cup of Greek yogurt, and choose plain, vanilla, or pumpkin flavor for the best pairings
- Since dates are tough, this recipe works best in a full sized blender – I find that my portable one isn’t strong enough to cut through the thick fruit well
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand, flavor, and variety of ingredients, any swaps or additions, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
