This Pumpkin Chai Cappuccino Smoothie has all the cozy flavors of a fall coffeehouse drink blended into one creamy, protein-packed treat. Lifeway Pumpkin Spice Kefir delivers a delightful pumpkin spice flavor, live probiotics your gut will, plus calcium and vitamin D. Top it off with our cultured Lifeway Farmer Cheese that’s whipped to perfection, and you’ve got a delicious seasonal sip ready to be enjoyed.
Coffee, pumpkin, spices, dates, and banana create a naturally sweet, energizing blend of fall-flavored goodness that’s made even better with protein-rich Lifeway Kefir. Our pumpkin spice kefir is a gut-healthy seasonal choice containing billions of live and active cultures, and it’s lactose-free for even the most sensitive tummies. Lifeway Farmer Cheese is used to make the whipped topping in this recipe, as its mild flavor and super smooth, creamy texture make a terrific replacement to heavy cream — it’s also higher in protein. With a final sprinkle of spice and pumpkin seeds on top, this Pumpkin Chai Cappuccino Smoothie is ready to be enjoyed!
Tip: Our Pumpkin Spice Kefir is a hit every fall and only available for a limited time, so be sure to check out where you can find it so you can enjoy it yourself. If you’re not able to locate it near you, not to worry! You can still make this recipe with Lifeway Vanilla Kefir and just add a little more pumpkin spice mix to the recipe for a similar version.
Discover where to find Lifeway products near you here, and check out other recipes for more gut-healthy inspiration.
The Benefits of Cultured Dairy for Better Health:
Research continues to show the importance of eating healthy foods, including cultured dairy such as kefir, for better gut health, a strong immune system, and to support the microbiome. Fermented foods like kefir hold important value in this line of research due to the link between the gut-brain axis and overall health.
Specifically, kefir has been shown to help diversify the microbiome, support the digestive system, reduce inflammation, support healthier blood sugar levels, and improve satiety since the bioavailable protein it contains triggers the release of GLP-1. Lifeway Kefir also contains a variety of nutrients that are vital for healthy bones and overall health including vitamins D3, K, and B 12 along with calcium and potassium. Along with our kefir, we also offer our creamy, cultured Lifeway Farmer Cheese, a high protein cheese made with live and active cultures to support a healthy microbiome that’s easy to spread and contains no added salt or sugar.
Prep Time: 15 mins Servings: 2Ingredients
Whipped Farmer Cheese:
- 3/4 cup Farmer Cheese
- 2 tsp. pure maple syrup or raw honey
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- optional: pinch of kosher salt
Smoothie:
- 1 cup Lowfat Pumpkin Spice Kefir
- **or sub Lifeway Vanilla Kefir and add more pumpkin spice
- 1/3 cup cold brew coffee or 2 shots chilled espresso
- 1/3 cup pumpkin purée
- 1 cup frozen banana slices (about 2 small frozen bananas)
- 2-3 pitted Medjool dates
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice (mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves)
- 1/8 tsp. ground cardamom
- 1/8 tsp. allspice
- 1/2 cup ice
Toppings:
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Cinnamon
Directions
- Make the Whipped Farmer Cheese: Place the Lifeway Farmer Cheese, maple syrup or honey, vanilla, and salt if using to a food processor, then whip until fluffy and creamy. Sit it in the fridge while you make the smoothie.
- Blend the Smoothie: Add Lifeway Pumpkin Spice Kefir, cold brew coffee or espresso, frozen banana, pumpkin purée, Medjool dates, vanilla, pumpkin spice powder, cardamom, and allspice to a blender. Blend until thick and creamy. If you want it thicker, add 1/2 cup ice and blend again.
- Pour the smoothie into 2 glasses, then dollop the Whipped Farmer Cheese on top with a spoon, or use a piping bag like we did.
- Sprinkle pumpkin seeds and cinnamon on top, add a straw, then enjoy!
