This healthier home-made pumpkin spice cold brew frappe is a breeze to prepare—and it’s tastier than the sugary Starbucks version. Plus, it actually contains pumpkin—a nutritional powerhouse!
You guys, I am so excited for this recipe—my first pumpkin anything this season (well, besides a fantastic visit to the pumpkin patch with the family this past Saturday)—and I’m not even a #PSL loyalist.
Say what?!
You heard me—I’m not a huge fan of the ubiquitous pumpkin spice latte. It’s just too sweet for me.
Now, I realize I could ask for just one pump of syrup or whatever, but if I do decide to spend half a paycheck at the ‘Bucks, I’m more apt to get a simple—yet delicious—flat white. It actually tastes like coffee, and the taste of coffee is why I drink the stuff (well, and to function).
Having said all that, I do like pumpkin-y things. And this recipe right here actually has pumpkin in it—not just pumpkin spice.
Besides being delicious, pumpkin is actually really good for you. It’s full of fiber, and, much like carrots, it’s a fantastic source of beta carotene. You probably know that beta carotene is essential for healthy vision, but it’s also a necessary vitamin for boosting your immune system and giving your skin a healthy glow. [source]
So, yeah, to bulk up the nutrition and staying power of this frappe, I’ve added pumpkin and frozen banana.
If you want, you can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mix. I didn’t include any because I only had chocolate-flavored, and I didn’t want this to be a mocha-frappe (although that does sound delicious!).
Easy & Healthy Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew Frappe
serves 1
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 small, ripe, frozen banana
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup cold brew coffee, frozen into cubes
- 1/3 cup milk of choice
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice + extra cinnamon, to taste
Directions
- Add all of your ingredients to your blender, and blend till frosty! You may need more or less milk—just eyeball it until your frappe is the right consistency.
- Pour into a glass, top with cacao nibs (these from Swanson Health Products are my recent favorite), granola, and an extra pinch of cinnamon, if desired. I imagine some homemade whipped cream would make it even better!
So tell me…
- Pumpkin Spice Latte—yay or nay?
- Do you prefer cold brew or hot coffee?
- Do you brew your coffee at home or depend on coffee shops for your caffeine fix?
Yay!