This Pumpkin Spice Cottage Cheese Smoothie is cozy, creamy, and packed with protein.
It’s the fall flavor combo I keep coming back to—pumpkin, banana, cinnamon, nutmeg, and that little tang from the cottage cheese that makes it taste like a pumpkin pie milkshake.
But way healthier. It’s super quick, filling, and smooth as silk if you blend it right.
No weird cottage cheese texture here—just a dreamy, spiced treat in a glass.
Why I Love This Recipe
This smoothie has become a go-to when I want something quick, filling, and festive. It tastes like fall in a cup but still feels clean and nourishing. Here’s what makes it special:
- Tastes like a creamy pumpkin pie milkshake
- Packs in over 20g of protein thanks to the cottage cheese
- No protein powder needed
- Naturally sweetened with banana and just a touch of maple syrup
- Easy to throw together with pantry/fridge staples
Servings and Time
Makes: 1 large smoothie
Total Time: 5 minutes
What You’ll Need
- ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese
- ½ cup canned pumpkin purée
- 1 small ripe banana (about 100g), peeled
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup ice cubes
Pro Tips
- Blend until super smooth — about 60–90 seconds — to get rid of any cottage cheese texture.
- Freeze your banana ahead of time for a colder, creamier smoothie.
- Want it thicker? Use less milk or add more ice.
- Adjust spices to taste — more cinnamon if you like it strong.
- Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder if you want even more protein.
Tools Required
- High-speed blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Glass or smoothie cup
- Spoon or spatula
Substitutions and Variations
- Use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a tangier flavor
- Sub honey for maple syrup
- Use oat milk or dairy milk instead of almond milk
- Add a pinch of cloves for extra spice
- Blend in a scoop of nut butter for richness
Make Ahead Tips
- Blend everything except the ice and store in a mason jar in the fridge for up to 2 days. Shake and add ice when ready to blend.
- You can also portion out ingredients into freezer bags and freeze — just dump into the blender with milk when ready.
Instructions
Step 1: Add Cottage Cheese
Add ½ cup low-fat cottage cheese to the blender. This gives the smoothie creaminess and protein.
Step 2: Add Pumpkin and Banana
Add ½ cup canned pumpkin purée and 1 small ripe banana (peeled) into the blender with the cottage cheese.
Step 3: Pour in Almond Milk
Pour in ½ cup unsweetened almond milk over the other ingredients.
Step 4: Add Maple Syrup and Vanilla
Add 1 tbsp pure maple syrup and ½ tsp vanilla extract into the blender.
Step 5: Add the Spices
Sprinkle in ½ tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, ⅛ tsp ground ginger.
Step 6: Add Ice and Blend
Add ½ cup ice cubes to the blender and blend everything on high until completely smooth, about 60–90 seconds.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Pour into a glass, optionally top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or whipped cream.
Leftovers and Storage
This smoothie is best fresh, but you can store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just shake well before drinking. If it separates a bit, give it a quick re-blend.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Cottage cheese has casein protein, which blends ultra creamy and helps make the smoothie thick. Pumpkin is full of fiber and adds a rich texture without overpowering. The banana sweetens it naturally while also helping with creaminess. Blending high and long breaks down any curds so the texture is silky, not gritty.
Common Mistakes
- Not blending long enough: You need at least 60 seconds for a smooth texture.
- Using unripe banana: It won’t be sweet enough and could throw off the flavor.
- Skipping the spices: These are what give it that pumpkin pie feel!
- Using low-speed blenders: These might not fully smooth out the cottage cheese.
What to Serve With
- A piece of whole-grain toast with almond butter
- A couple hard-boiled eggs for extra protein
- A small bowl of granola if you need crunch
- Warm cinnamon oatmeal on a chilly morning
FAQ
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Yes! It’ll be tangier but still creamy.
Is this smoothie good for meal prep?
Yes. You can prep ingredients ahead and freeze them in smoothie packs.
Is the texture chunky from cottage cheese?
Not if you blend it long enough! It’ll be super smooth.
Can I add protein powder?
Totally! Vanilla works best here. Just reduce the cottage cheese a bit or add more milk.
Do I need a high-speed blender?
It helps, but a regular blender will work if you blend a bit longer.