Pumpkin spice season has officially arrived, and this pumpkin spice pear smoothie is the easiest way to enjoy it. Ripe pears and banana bring natural sweetness, pumpkin puree adds creamy body, and a touch of maple and warm spices makes every sip taste like fall. It’s dairy-free, comes together in 5 minutes, and works as a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a little treat.

After all, it’s pumpkin spice season!

This recipe is sponsored by USA Pears.

Why You’ll Love This Smoothie

This smoothie is not only delicious, but it’s also a nutritious way to enjoy seasonal flavors. It’s naturally vegan and dairy-free with the added bonus of fiber provided by pears. 1 medium pear provides 6g of dietary fiber or 21% of the Daily Value (or goal for fiber intake in a day). The pumpkin provides of Vitamin A, making this a treat you can feel good about.

Tips for a Perfect Smoothie

• Use Ripe Pears: For the best flavor and a smooth texture, use very ripe Bartlett pears. It’s easy peasy squeezy to check the neck of a pear for ripeness – if it gives to light pressure, your pear is ripe. Ripe pears are sweeter and blend easily, so you don’t end up with gritty chunks.
• Pure Pumpkin vs. Pie Filling: Be sure to use 100% pure canned pumpkin puree, not canned pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices. You can also use homemade pumpkin puree.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the smoothie before adding the maple syrup. If your banana and pears are very ripe, you may not need the extra sweetness.

Related: How To Pick Pears at the Grocery Store

Recipe Add-ins & Variations

• For a Thicker Smoothie: Use frozen banana slices or frozen pear chunks instead of fresh fruit and ice. This creates a creamier, colder texture without watering it down.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the smoothie before adding the maple syrup. If your banana and pears are very ripe, you may not need the extra sweetness.
• Make it Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan as written!

How to Ripen Pears for Smoothies

Ripe pears blend smoothly and taste sweeter, and a firm pear can leave gritty bits. If your pears are still hard, leave them on the counter at room temperature until the neck gives slightly under gentle pressure. Bartlett pears also shift from green to yellow as they ripen. A paper bag speeds things up if you’re in a hurry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any variety of pear?

Yes, there are 10 varieties of USA Pears, each with its own distinctive color, flavor and texture. You can use your favorite or whatever you find at your local grocery store. 

Can I add protein to this smoothie?

Absolutely. To make this a complete meal, add a scoop of your favorite vanilla or unflavored protein powder. For more good fats, consider adding ½ a ripe avocado or a dollop of nut butter.

Do I have to use almond milk?

No, you can use any milk of your choice. Choosing dairy or soy milk will add more protein than almond milk or oat milk

Is this smoothie good for meal prep?

To prep this smoothie ahead of time, combine all the solid ingredients (pears, banana, and ice) in a sealed bag and store in the freezer. When you’re ready to make it, just add the contents of the bag to the blender with the almond milk, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice.

Ingredients

• 2 medium ripe Bartlett pears (about 2 cups, chopped)
• ¾ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 banana, sliced
• 1 ½ cups almond milk
• 4-5 ice cubes
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice, divided

How To Make Pumpkin Spice Pear Smoothie

First, add chopped pears, pumpkin puree, sliced banana, almond milk, ice cubes, maple syrup, and ¾ teaspoon of the pumpkin spice to a high-speed blender.

Then, blend on high for 45 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.

Finally, pour into two glasses and, if desired, sprinkle the remaining ¼ teaspoon of pumpkin spice on top for garnish.

Enjoy!

More Pumpkin Spice Recipes

• Pumpkin Fluff Dip
• Apple Pumpkin Spice Smoothie
• Pumpkin Spice Cocktail
• Pumpkin Pie Jellow Shots

Why We Love USA Pears

It’s no secret that we love produce. And we love helping you and your family add high-quality fruit and veggies to your family’s meals. USA Pears is just as passionate about educating parents about where and how they grow their pears — so you feel confident about the ingredients you put in the recipes you make for your family. With a variety of sweet and juicy pears that are grown in an optimal climate right in the US, you have your pick of perfect pears all year long.

We have also partnered with USA Pears to bring two free eBooks with kid-friendly recipes:

• Snacking with Pears
• Kid-Friendly Grazing Boards

More Great Pear Recipes

• Pear Bundt Cake
• Sausage and Pear Sheet Pan Dinner
• Pear Stuffed Biscuit Waffles
• Caramelized Pears & Blue Cheese Tarts
• Pear Galette
• Apple & Pear Puff Pancake
• Bake Cinnamon Ricotta Pears

Ready to taste the best of fall? This Pumpkin Spice Pear Smoothie is more than just a drink—it’s a creamy, spiced, and healthy way to enjoy the season’s best flavors. Give it a try, and let us know what you think in the comments below!