Probiotic-rich kefir and creamy pumpkin puree unite in this smoothie recipe to create one flavorsome treat! Made with all of your favorites, like fruit, pumpkin pie spice, real vanilla and no added sugar. Enjoy a glass of this seasonal pumpkin kefir smoothie this fall!
Head long into the fall season, we are thoroughly enjoying all that autumn has to offer. Cool crisp nights, vibrant colored leaves, corn mazes and apple picking. Every season comes with its favorite flavors and dishes. No longer are we grilling up chicken or serving up strawberry lemonade. Now I’m cozying up with a bowl of warm chili and a delicious fresh baked roll.
Another popular fall favorite in our home (and really across the nation) is pumpkin. Pumpkin pie and pumpkin pudding are at the top of the most-loved desserts list. If you’re a pumpkin-lover like we are, then I suspect you enjoy trying all sorts of pumpkin recipes.
Just the other day while organizing the fridge, I discovered that we had quite a lot of kefir that needed to be drank. Searching for another way to get the probiotic-rich kefir into our systems, other than turning it into a whey soda or kefir cheese, I decided to add the milk kefir into a smoothie. Usually when I do this, I mix the kefir with fruit and jam but this time I wanted something more.
Something unusual. Something seasonal. And of course, something with pumpkin.
Introducing the pumpkin kefir smoothie.
Filled with all of our favorites — pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, fruit, vanilla and plenty of gut healthy milk kefir, this smoothie recipe will satisfy your pumpkin cravings. The best part is that it is totally sugar free. What a delightful guilt-free dessert recipe!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Do you really need a reason to love a homemade smoothie? If you need a little convincing, check out these 8 reasons, you are going to love this pumpkin smoothie recipe.
- It is easy and quick to make.
- This smoothie recipe is packed full of gut healthy probiotics.
- Only simple, real food ingredients are used to make this delicious smoothie.
- The kefir smoothie has no added sugar. It is sweetened with fruit only.
- Pumpkin is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and also helps to support a healthy digestive system.
- Tastes like fall in a cup! A delicious season drink recipe!
- Dates are a good source of fiber and are considered low glycemic.
- A great pumpkin smoothie recipe for kids.
Is Kefir Good to Put in Smoothies?
Kefir is one of my favorite cultured foods to eat. With 56 strains of different bacteria, my belly is quite happy and much more in balance than it used to be prior to consuming kefir. While there are dozens and dozens of health benefits of kefir, here are a few reasons you should consider adding kefir to your daily diet.
Kefir Smoothie Benefits
- Great source for probiotics
- High in enzymes
- Good source of vitamins, especially B12
- Good source of protein
- Helps boost immunity
- Improves allergies
- Helps heal the gut
- Can aid in improving allergies
- Supports a healthy digestive system
- Help to improve lactose intolerance
Tools You May Need
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Ingredients
Kefir – Adds tremendous nutrition and probiotics to this pumpkin smoothie. You can also use yogurt if you don’t have any kefir.
Milk – I prefer to use raw milk from our local farmer but pasteurized whole milk will also work.
Pumpkin puree – A can of organic pumpkin puree is what I usually use but homemade pumpkin puree would be great too.
Pumpkin spice – The addition of warm spices adds that familiar pumpkin pie flavor. You can use a jar from the grocery store or make your own.
Vanilla – Adds a subtle creaminess to the pumpkin kefir smoothie.
Banana – Always use a frozen banana.
Dates – Any variety of dried dates will work.
Cream – Make your smoothie extra decadent with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.
Tips
- I love to use raw milk kefir in this easy pumpkin smoothie recipe but yogurt can be swapped for the kefir. If you want it to still have probiotics, choose a yogurt that contains live cultures in it.
- A frozen banana is a must for this recipe. It adds thickness to the smoothie while making is frosty cold.
- For an extra ice cold fall smoothie recipe, chill or freeze the pumpkin puree.
- While I find the sugar free smoothie is sweet enough as is, you can add in an additional banana or a bit of raw honey or agave nectar for extra sweetness.
Probiotic Smoothie Recipe
Simple and sugar free, this pumpkin kefir smoothie tastes like fall in a cup but with all the essential nutrients you need – like fiber, probiotics, vitamins, enzymes and antioxidants.
Serves: 1
Smoothie Ingredients
1 cup kefir
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 frozen banana, cut into chunks
2 dried dates, pitted
Optional topping: whipped cream
How to Make a Kefir Smoothie
In a blender add the kefir, milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla and dates. Blend until combined and smooth.
If desired, top smoothie with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Pour into a cup and enjoy!
FAQ
What Flavors Mix Well With Pumpkin?
When it comes to spices that pair well with pumpkin, consider the common cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and ginger. Fruits that compliment pumpkin puree include cranberries, bananas, apples and pears. Adding nuts such as pecans, walnuts and pumpkin seeds pair well with pumpkin while also adding protein to the pumpkin smoothie recipe. While I’ve personally never tried it, many people enjoy mixing chocolate and pumpkin together.
Can I Put Probiotics in My Smoothie?
Adding probiotics into your smoothie is a great way to get beneficial bacteria in your own gut or your kids. Dairy based choices such as milk kefir or yogurt are the most popular choices. However, you can add a splash of probiotics by using foods such as whey soda, water kefir, kombucha, or fermented fruits or vegetables such as apples or sweet potatoes.
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More Fermented Recipes
Pumpkin Kefir Smoothie
Probiotic-rich kefir and creamy pumpkin puree unite in this smoothie recipe to create one flavorsome treat! Made with all of your favorites, like fruit, pumpkin pie spice, real vanilla and no added sugar. Enjoy a glass of this seasonal pumpkin kefir smoothie this fall!
Ingredients
- 1 cup kefir
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 frozen banana, cut into chunks
- 2 dried dates, pitted
- Optional topping: whipped cream
Instructions
- In a blender add the kefir, milk, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla and dates. Blend until combined and smooth.
- If desired, top smoothie with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Pour into a cup and enjoy!
Notes
I love to use raw milk kefir in this easy pumpkin smoothie recipe but yogurt can be swapped for the kefir. If you want it to still have probiotics, choose a yogurt that contains live cultures in it.
A frozen banana is a must for this recipe. It adds thickness to the smoothie while making is frosty cold.
For an extra ice cold fall smoothie recipe, chill or freeze the pumpkin puree.
While I find the sugar free smoothie is sweet enough as is, you can add in an additional banana or a bit of raw honey or agave nectar for extra sweetness.
