If you’re using dates for sweetness, start by soaking the pitted dates in warm water for about 5 minutes to soften them. This step will make them easier to blend into the smoothie and ensure a smooth texture. If you’re using maple syrup, you can skip this step.

Once the dates are softened, drain them and add them to a high-speed blender along with the cold brew (or espresso), vanilla protein powder, frozen riced cauliflower (or butternut squash or banana), pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, dairy-free milk, and a handful of ice cubes. The frozen veggies or banana will give the smoothie its creamy texture, while the other ingredients will infuse it with the rich flavors of pumpkin and coffee.

Turn the blender on and blend the mixture on high for 30-60 seconds, or until the smoothie is completely smooth and creamy. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined, and there are no chunks of frozen vegetables or dates remaining.

Pro Tip: If you find that your smoothie is too thick, add a splash of dairy-free milk or cold brew to thin it out to your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a few more ice cubes or an extra handful of frozen cauliflower/butternut squash/banana to thicken it up.

After blending, give the smoothie a quick taste. If you prefer it sweeter, feel free to add an additional date, a little more maple syrup, or even a dash of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. If you want an extra spice kick, sprinkle in a pinch more pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon.

Pour the smoothie into your favorite glass or to-go cup. For a fun and festive touch, top it with your favorite dairy-free whipped cream (coconut whipped cream works great!) and sprinkle with extra pumpkin pie spice. If you want some texture, you can also add granola or crushed nuts on top for a little crunch.

Use Frozen Veggies or Banana: The key to getting that thick, creamy texture is using frozen riced cauliflower, butternut squash, or banana. These options not only provide smoothness but also add extra fiber, vitamins, and a touch of natural sweetness without overpowering the pumpkin spice flavor.

Customize Your Sweetness: Dates provide a natural sweetness that blends smoothly, but if you prefer, you can substitute them with maple syrup or another liquid sweetener of your choice. Adjust the amount based on how sweet you like your smoothies.

Cold Brew vs. Espresso: If you’re looking for a stronger coffee flavor, opt for cold brew concentrate or a shot of espresso. If you prefer a more subtle flavor, regular cold brew works perfectly. You can even use decaf cold brew if you want to enjoy this smoothie later in the day.

Protein Options: Use your favorite vanilla protein powder. Whether it’s plant-based, whey, or collagen protein, choose