It may be September, but let me tell you something about September in St. Louis…

It is HOT.

Like, turn-the-AC-down, stay-inside-if-you-can, why-is-it-still-this-hot kind of hot.

So while everyone is starting to think about cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and soup season, I am still very much in the mood for a cold breakfast.

But that doesn’t mean I’m waiting for cooler weather to enjoy pumpkin.

Absolutely not. 😂

I’ve had this pumpkin protein smoothie for breakfast the past 4 days, and I can confidently say:

It’s back.

And it is SO good.

It’s cold and refreshing enough for a ridiculously hot September morning, but still gives me all those pumpkin flavors I’m craving right now.

Even better? This smoothie has 39 grams of protein and only 270 calories.

That’s a pretty solid way to start the day.

My Pumpkin Protein Smoothie Recipe

Here’s what I use:

• ¼ cup pumpkin puree
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup milk
• ½ frozen banana
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• Ice
• About ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Blend everything together until smooth and enjoy!

That’s it.

Simple, quick, cold, and absolutely delicious.

Why I Love This Smoothie

🎃 I Get My Pumpkin Fix

I don’t care that it’s still 100 degrees outside.

It’s September, and I want pumpkin. 😂

The pumpkin pie spice gives this smoothie those cozy fall flavors without requiring me to drink something hot when I’m already sweating just walking outside.

It’s the best of both worlds.

💪 It Has 39 Grams of Protein

This is probably my favorite part.

I love a breakfast that actually keeps me full and doesn’t leave me looking for a snack an hour later.

With 39 grams of protein, this smoothie gives me a solid start to the day without having to cook an entire breakfast.

And for busy mornings, that’s a win.

⏰ It Takes Almost No Time

Put everything in the blender.

Blend.

Drink.

That’s my kind of breakfast.

Especially on mornings when everyone needs something, you’re trying to get out the door, and somehow it’s already later than you thought.

🥛 You Can Make It Work for You

I personally use Fairlife milk because I like the macros it gives me, but you can use whatever milk works best for you.

The same goes for protein powder.

I use vanilla protein powder because it works really well with the pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice, but you can adjust the recipe based on what you have and what you like.

🎃 You’re Starting the Day With a Vegetable

Okay, can we talk about the pumpkin for a second?

Because yes, this smoothie tastes like a delicious fall treat, but pumpkin is also a vegetable.

And let’s be honest: most of us could probably use more vegetables in our day.

So the fact that I can start my morning with a cold, creamy smoothie that tastes delicious and already have a vegetable in before I’ve even really started my day?

I’ll take that as a win. 😂

Between the 39 grams of protein, the fact that it’s only 270 calories, and getting a serving of pumpkin in first thing in the morning, this feels like one of those breakfasts that makes me feel like I’ve got my life together—even if the rest of the day proves otherwise.

And the best part is that it doesn’t taste like you’re forcing yourself to eat something healthy.

It tastes like pumpkin.

It tastes like fall.

And it’s pretty damn delicious.

So if you’re also sitting there thinking, I want pumpkin flavors, but I absolutely do not want a hot drink right now, this one is for you.

Try it and let me know what you think!

And if you make it, I want to know: Are you team pumpkin all September long, no matter what the temperature says? 😂