Fall is in full swing, and while I have shifted some of my meals and snacks to fully cooked, more warming recipes, I still love my smoothies and Ninja Creami concoctions, even as the colder temperatures roll in. Yet it is the season for all things pumpkin, and I typically jump on the fall baking bandwagon. Having just had a baby, I am baking less, but I did make Creami for the first time the other day. For weeks I was worried it would wake my sleeping newborn (it is really loud), but alas, she slept through the whole process (I have even seen it calm her down if she is crying). I am usually a chocolate girl when it comes to sweet treats, but this pumpkin Creami recipe has been my go-to for the past couple of days.
How to make this pumpkin pie protein Creami
Early on when I was making Creami, I would only use almond milk, but after some research, I noticed so many people using Fairlife milk instead. Having not had cow’s milk in years, I was a little hesitant to make the switch; however, it really does improve the Creami’s consistency, and I tolerate it just fine. Here is the full list of ingredients you will need to make this pumpkin pie protein Creami:
- Fairlife milk (I use 2%)
- Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Vanilla protein powder (I use Truvani)
- Sugar-free pudding mix (optional, but I highly recommend. I use Simply Delish and love the Butterscotch flavor in this recipe, but you can also use Vanilla)
I will add all of these ingredients to my Ninja Fit mini blender and then pour it into a Creami pint. You could use any blender, or whisk by hand as well. Freeze for 24 hours and then process in your Ninja Creami.
Substitutions for this pumpkin pie protein Creami
If you are intolerant to dairy, or simply choose not to eat it, you can substitute a dairy-free milk of choice for the Fairlife milk (such as almond milk). You could also use one cup of milk and 1/4 to 1/2 cup of yogurt (greek yogurt or coconut yogurt).
Planning and prep
It is recommended that you prepare your Creami pint 24 hours before blending. I have seen some recipes require only 8 to 12 hours, but I typically stick to 24 hours as it yield the best results. I like to make 2-3 pints at a time, and freeze them for the week.
Pumpkin Pie Protein Creami
Equipment
- Ninja Creami
- Blender or whisk
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup Fairlife milk or dairy-free milk of choice measures about 9.65oz
- 85 grams Pure pumpkin or about 1/3 cup
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar-free pudding mix vanilla or butterscotch; I use Simply Delish brand
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or sub with cinnamon
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender and process until creamy. Alternatively, you can place the ingredients in a medium bowl or right into the Creami pint and whisk by hand.
- Pour mixture into the Creami pint and freeze for 24 hours before blending in your Creami.
