What does one do when one is on food restrictions but wants needs some sweet and yummy comfort food?  And chocolate?  This chocolate pumpkin smoothie is a decadent sweet treat that only takes a couple of minutes to make.  And oh by the way – it’s Paleo, gluten-free, vegan, and is delicious.  It’s perfect for one of “those days.”  Sweatpants and messy hair are entirely optional.

Chocolate. Pumpkin. Caramel.  Mission accomplished.  This chocolate pumpkin smoothie only takes a couple of minutes to make which is always a plus.  Mix up all of the ingredients into a Nutribullet and blend together until yummy perfection.  Optional, top with your favorite vegan whipped cream (and will negate Paleo), some chocolate shavings, or even melted “caramel” dip.

Health Benefits

Pumpkin

Aside from being one of the yummiest food on the planet, pumpkin is full of Vitamin A which boosts vision, and is one of the best-known sources of the antioxidant beta-carotene, Vitamin C. It’s full of fiber, it may help to protect against cancer, asthma, and heart disease, and increase your immunity.

Cacao

Raw cacao is crazy healthy! Let’s start with 20 times the antioxidants than in blueberries. It’s also high in magnesium, iron, and calcium. The best part – it is full of happy mood-boosting serotonin.

I love adding in a little treat – caramel! Whatever you do… please do not add those caramel squares that you unwrap. They are full of high fructose corn syrup and have zero redeeming qualities! Blech. But guess what tastes exactly like caramel and is a whole food and Paleo compliant? DATES! Hello clean eating caramel perfection.

If you like protein powder in your smoothies, by all means, add in a scoop of your favorite Paleo, vegan and gluten-free chocolate protein powder.

We get our pumpkins out of the garden and then make our own puree. If you purchase pumpkin puree, be sure to buy organic.

Choose whatever is your favorite vegan milk – almond, cashew, flax or whatever!

It tastes even better than it looks.

Recipe Resources

Raw Cacao

Organic Pumpkin

Vegan Milk

NutriBullet

Vegan Whipped Cream (optional topping)

Chocolate Pumpkin Smoothie Recipe

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Chocolate Pumpkin Smoothie

paleo - gluten-free - vegan

Author Holly Bertone | Pink Fortitude

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Organic pumpkin puree
• 2 TBSP Raw cacao powder
• 1/2 cup Vegan milk almond, cashew, flax, etc
• 4 Dates
• 4-5 Ice Cubes
• 1 tsp Maple Syrup
• 1 scoop Paleo protein powder optional
• Sprinkle sea salt

Instructions

1. Add all of the ingredients into a Nutri Ninja or blender.

2. Blend until smooth.

3. Pour into a tall glass.

4. Optional (and not Paleo) - top with vegan whipped cream.

Pumpkin Everything!

Love pumpkin… everything? We have recipes, DIY’s and more! CLICK HERE!

Are you Inspired?

Be sure to download your FREE Garden Harvest Cookbook for plant to plate recipes all year long!

Love, hugs, and is there any more left?