A gingerbread smoothie was on the top of my list to make after Thanksgiving. After hearing Vega was coming out with a new Protein Smoothie to replace the Energizing Smoothie that was great for the whole family I knew that is the first thing I would make! This is a great breakfast smoothie (I leave off the whipped cream), snack, or dessert. With only 80-90 calories in the protein mix, 15 grams of protein, and 2 servings of veggies I get all the taste of the holidays in this smoothies and no guilt! I even added a delicious healthy Gingerbread Cookie, recipe link below, to it! Happy, healthy, holiday season!
Gingerbread Protein Smoothie
Makes 1 serving
1 c almond milk, or non dairy milk of choice (used So Delicious Unsweetened Almond Milk Plus)
1 scoop plain or vanilla protein powder (we use Vega Protein Smoothie Viva Vanilla or Oh Natural)
1 TBSP molasses
1/2- 1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger or fresh ginger to taste
1/2 c pumpkin puree (I like to use frozen to make it frothy and thick) could also use frozen banana but we like the taste of the pumpkin better
ice, optional
Optional toppings, coconut whipped cream (see below), molasses drizzle, and or a Gingerbread Cookie Cracker!
In a Vitamix, or high-speed blender, blend together milk, protein powder, molasses, cinnamon, ginger, pumpkin and optional ice until smooth. Top with desired toppings. Enjoy!
Optional Coconut Whipped Cream
1 can coconut milk, full fat not light or So Delicious Culinary Original Coconut Milk Box
sweetener to taste (not liquid sweeteners)
1 tsp vanilla, optional
Place can or box of coconut milk in the refrigerator overnight to thicken. Place bowl and beaters in the refrigerator to get cold about 20 minutes before making or in the freezer to chill for best results. If using the can open and remove just the thick white and not the watery liquid. With the new So Delicious Coconut Milk boxes I find there isn’t any of the liquid and I use the whole box, love it! Place the thickened solid coconut milk in a bowl and whip until thick and creamy (3-5 mins) add sweetener to taste and vanilla. Best served immediately. Enjoy!
As a Vega Recipe Ambassador I receive Vega products, which I used as an option in this recipe. I use Vega not because it is given to me but because it has been my plant-based protein of choice since before I started blogging and some recipes are made with Vega products I purchase. I only write about foods I love, my blog is an extension of my hobby to make fun healthy food creations for me and my family.