Tis the season for ALL THINGS PUMPKIN.

As a recovering Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte addict I’m all about finding (non-caffeinated) and **healthy** alternatives to get my Fall-fix. Especially with these scorching 90-degree “Florida Fall” temperatures right now.

So, I woke up this morning (to 85 degrees) and I thought to myself, “Today is the day I need to create the perfect pumpkin shake.” So I scoured my pantry, fridge and spice rack and pulled out all the things that I thought would contribute to the this “perfect pumpkin shake” I’ve cooked up in my brain. I had no idea if all these ingredients put together would actually result in a tasty shake… But, it was worth a shot – right?

STEP ONE:

½ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

I use the Publix brand but any brand works!

STEP TWO:

1 cup Silk unsweetened coconut milk

I personally love coconut milk. Yes, the calorie count is a little bit higher than cashew or almond but it’s my favorite as far as texture when it comes to a shake. Absolutely nothing wrong with using cow milk, cashew milk, almond milk or whatever milk you prefer for this!

STEP THREE:

1 teaspoon honey, agave nectar, or sweetener of choice
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg

If you have Pumpkin Spice seasoning, give that a whirl. I didn’t have it and used a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg instead.

STEP FOUR:

1 medium banana

This is more for texture than taste. Gives your shake a creamier consistency!

STEP FIVE:

½ cup Pumpkin Spice Almond Creamer

I’ve never tried this delicious goodness pictured below but when I saw it next to the almond milk at the grocery store it quite literally spoke to me and asked to be placed inside my cart. I had no choice but to oblige. I don’t drink coffee (I’m caffeine-free, I know, insanity) but I knew I would find some purpose for my new friend – and I did indeed.

STEP SIX:

1 scoop vanilla protein powder of your choice

I choose Shakeology because it’s amazing and VEGAN which is what my tummy needs since I’m lactose intolerant! (Caffeine-free and lactose intolerant? You’re thinking good friend this girl is a mess!) I’ve been using Shakeology for 4 years now and it’s definitely my go-to when it comes to shakes!

STEP SEVEN:

Add some ICE (I used about 8 ice cubes) and BLEND!

The gang’s all here!

So now what you’ve been anxiously waiting for…

WAS IT GOOD?

The answer, my friends. YES! So good. Absolutely delicious.

It was everything my pumpkin dreams could have imagined it being! Ha! And best part, it was pretty darn healthy. A far cary from my Pumpkin Spice Latte days.

This will definitely be a FALL STAPLE for sure!