Thyme Roasted Pumpkin Spice (Printable Version)
Smooth, aromatic blend combining roasted pumpkin, warm spices, and fresh thyme notes.
# Ingredient List:
→ Roasted Pumpkin
01 - 1 1/2 cups pumpkin, peeled, seeded, and cubed
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
04 - Pinch of salt
→ Smoothie Base
05 - 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or dairy milk)
06 - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or dairy-free yogurt)
07 - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
08 - 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - 1 small frozen banana
12 - 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Set oven to 400°F. Toss pumpkin cubes in olive oil, thyme, and salt then spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
02 - Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once halfway through until tender and caramelized. Allow to cool slightly.
03 - Add the roasted pumpkin, almond milk, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, vanilla, frozen banana, and optional chia seeds into a blender.
04 - Blend all ingredients until creamy and smooth, adding more milk as needed to reach desired consistency.
05 - Pour into glasses, garnish with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice and fresh thyme leaves, and serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The roasted thyme adds an unexpected savory depth that makes this taste nothing like artificial pumpkin spice.
- One batch gives you two generous servings, so it's perfect for sharing with someone or splitting across a couple of busy mornings.
- It comes together in under 10 minutes once the pumpkin is roasted, making it a weekday breakfast that doesn't feel rushed.
02 -
- The thyme really does need to be fresh and roasted with the pumpkin, not stirred in at the end, or it stays grassy and doesn't blend into the flavor.
- Frozen banana makes all the difference in texture. If you forget to freeze it beforehand, the smoothie ends up too thin and tastes watered down by the time you add ice.
03 -
- Roast your banana slices alongside the pumpkin and freeze them instead of buying pre-frozen bananas, which sometimes taste a bit oxidized and lose some sweetness.
- A tiny pinch of nutmeg in addition to the cinnamon adds a subtle warmth that makes people ask what the secret ingredient is.