This vegan pumpkin spice milkshake blends pumpkin, vanilla ice cream and warm spices into a creamy fall treat.
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This pumpkin spice milkshake is thick, creamy and gently spiced, with real pumpkin puree, vegan vanilla ice cream and a little maple syrup. It has the familiar flavours of a slice of pumpkin pie, blended into a cold dessert you can make in just 5-7 minutes.
If all things pumpkin are among your favorite things about the fall season, this easy pumpkin milkshake is a lovely one to try. You get those classic fall flavors without switching on the oven, and it's perfect for afternoons when you fancy something sweet but don't want a hot drink.
Serve it simply with a sprinkle of spice, or add vegan whipped cream and an extra scoop of ice cream for a special treat. The recipe makes two servings, so grab a couple of tall glasses and a blender.
About the ingredients
This pumpkin milkshake recipe uses simple ingredients, most of which you can find in the supermarket. Canned pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice can be a little harder to find in the UK, but check the baking or international food aisles, or look online. You can also use homemade pumpkin puree and a homemade spice blend.
The star ingredient is real pumpkin puree, which gives the shake its pumpkin flavour and adds some fibre and vitamin A. The finished drink is a rich ice cream dessert, with its nutritional content depending on the plant milk, ice cream and toppings you choose.
Choose a vegan version of creamy vanilla ice cream that you enjoy eating on its own. Oat, soya and coconut milk-based ice cream are all options, although coconut varieties may add a noticeable coconut flavour. Vanilla lets the pumpkin and warm spices come through clearly.
For the milk, oat milk works well if you like a creamy shake, while almond milk gives a lighter result. Maple syrup adds sweetness, and vanilla extract rounds out the pumpkin flavors. Use plain pumpkin puree: pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar and spices, which would change the balance of this recipe.
You will need...
- pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- vegan vanilla ice cream
- plant-based milk
- maple syrup
- vanilla extract
- pumpkin pie spice
- Vegan whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- Ice cubes (optional)
For exact quantities see the recipe card below.
Instructions
Combine Ingredients: In a blender, add the pumpkin puree, vegan vanilla ice cream, plant-based milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice.
Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high until creamy and smooth. If the milkshake is too thick, add more milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the milkshake and add more maple syrup or spices if desired, then blend again briefly to mix.
Serve: Pour the milkshake into tall glasses over ice cubes. If desired, top with vegan whipped cream and a scoop of vegan ice cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice for garnish.
Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy pumpkin milkshake!
📖 Recipe
Easy Vegan Pumpkin Spice Milkshake Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 glasses 1x
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Pescatarian, Vegan, Vegetarian
Description
This vegan pumpkin spice milkshake blends pumpkin, vanilla ice cream and warm spices into a creamy fall treat.
Ingredients
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 3 cups vegan vanilla ice cream
- ½ cup plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or to taste)
- Vegan whipped cream (optional, for topping)
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a blender, add the pumpkin puree, vegan vanilla ice cream, plant-based milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high until creamy and smooth. If the milkshake is too thick, add more milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the milkshake and add more maple syrup or spices if desired, then blend again briefly to mix.
- Serve: Pour the milkshake into tall glasses over ice cubes. If desired, top with vegan whipped cream and a scoop of vegan ice cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice for garnish.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy pumpkin milkshake!
Equipment
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Variations and substitutions
You can adapt this pumpkin spice milkshake recipe with different toppings and flavour combinations. These are optional variations on the recipe above.
Pumpkin pie milkshake
For a pumpkin pie milkshake with a little crunch, sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the whipped topping. Crush the graham crackers in a sealed bag using a rolling pin, or pulse them briefly in a food processor.
Check the ingredients carefully, as some graham crackers contain honey. Vegan digestive biscuits or ginger biscuits are good alternatives. You could also crumble a little baked vegan pie crust over the top for that familiar slice of pie flavour.
Add the crumbs just before serving so they keep their crunch.
Pumpkin spice latte milkshake
If iced coffee is your favorite way to enjoy coffee at this time of year, try a pumpkin spice latte milkshake.
Replace 2 tablespoons of the plant milk with 2 tablespoons of strong, chilled coffee. This adds coffee flavour without increasing the total liquid. Make sure the coffee is cold before adding it so it doesn't melt the ice cream.
Try different ice cream flavors
Vanilla keeps the pumpkin spice flavor clear, but vegan caramel or coffee ice cream would be worth trying next time. Chocolate ice cream is another option if you enjoy chocolate with pumpkin, although it will make the pumpkin flavour less prominent.
Choose an ice cream with a texture you like, as this makes a big difference to homemade milkshakes.
Adjust the spices
For a pumpkin spice lover who enjoys a stronger shake, add an extra pinch of pumpkin pie spice after tasting.
If you prefer cinnamon to the other spice flavors, try an additional ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon for added flavor. Start small so it doesn't overpower the pumpkin and vanilla.
You can also make your own homemade pumpkin pie spice and adjust the blend to suit your taste.
Make an ice cream cocktail
For an adult dessert, add a small splash of bourbon or rum to make an ice cream cocktail. Replace the same amount of plant milk with the spirit to avoid making the shake too thin.
Serving suggestions
Serve the milkshake straight away in tall glasses, with a wide straw and a long spoon for the toppings. Chilling the glasses beforehand helps keep everything cold while you serve.
Vegan whipped cream, a scoop of creamy ice cream and a light dusting of extra cinnamon make a lovely finish. A little maple syrup drizzled over the top adds sweetness, while biscuit crumbs bring some crunch.
For a gathering during pumpkin season, divide the mixture between smaller glasses and serve as little desserts. Leave room at the top for the whipped cream and ice cream so they don't overflow.
You can also serve smaller portions alongside vegan pumpkin biscuits or a little vegan pumpkin pie dump cake if you're putting together a selection of pumpkin recipes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes. The pumpkin needs to be cooked, pureed until smooth and cooled completely before you use it. The "fresh" option in the ingredients means puree made from fresh pumpkin, rather than raw pumpkin flesh.
If your homemade puree looks watery, drain off the excess liquid before measuring it. Preparing pumpkin from scratch will add time beyond the 5-7 minutes needed to make the milkshake.
Can I use pumpkin pie filling?
Plain pumpkin puree is the best choice for this recipe. Pumpkin pie filling is already sweetened and spiced, so it isn't a direct replacement if you want to keep the flavour balance the same.
Check the label for pumpkin with no added sugar or spices.
Which milk is best for a vegan milkshake?
Oat milk is a good starting point if you want the fuller texture often associated with whole milk. Soya milk also works well, and almond milk is an option if you prefer a lighter result.
Use your preferred plant milk in the quantity listed, then add more only if the mixture needs thinning. The ice cream provides much of the creaminess.
Can I make it without ice cream?
You can make a pumpkin drink without ice cream, but it will have a different texture and sweetness. For a version based on fruit and plant milk, try this vegan pumpkin smoothie.
The milkshake recipe here is designed around the three cups of vegan vanilla ice cream, so simply leaving it out would make a very different drink.
Can I turn this into a pumpkin protein shake?
For a pumpkin spice protein shake variation, try adding a little vanilla plant-based protein powder. Start with half a scoop across the two servings, then check the taste and consistency.
Protein powder can thicken the mixture and may add sweetness, depending on the brand. You might need an extra splash of plant milk. The amount of protein will depend on the products you use.
Can I make the milkshake ahead of time?
It tastes best immediately after blending. In the fridge, the ice cream melts and the shake loses its thick texture.
To get ahead, measure the ingredients, keep the pumpkin puree and milk chilled, and have your glasses and toppings ready. Leave the ice cream in the freezer until you're ready to blend.
What can I do with leftover pumpkin puree?
Transfer leftover pumpkin puree to a covered container and refrigerate it promptly. Use homemade puree within 3-4 days, and follow the storage instructions on canned products after opening.
For longer storage, freeze it in measured portions or an ice cube tray, then transfer the frozen portions to a freezer bag. Libby's recommends freezing its puree for up to three months. Thaw the amount you need in the fridge before making another shake.
Freezing half-cup portions is a great way to have the right amount ready for this recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, provided your plant milk, vegan ice cream and other ingredients are labelled gluten-free. Check oat-based products in particular if you need to avoid gluten.
For toppings, leave out ordinary graham crackers and digestive biscuits, or choose versions that are both vegan and gluten-free.
A quick treat for pumpkin season
This delicious pumpkin spice milkshake is a perfect way to enjoy pumpkin, vanilla and warm spices when you fancy an easy dessert. Keep it simple or add your favourite toppings, then serve it while it's thick and cold.
If you make it, leave a comment below and let me know which toppings you chose!
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