Per serving: 1 large frappé, including toppings. Nutrition is approximate.
My pumpkin spice protein frappé starts with a vanilla protein shake, instant coffee, pumpkin pie spice, and ice. Blend it until thick and smooth, then top it with light whipped cream and two pumpkin spice cookies. It makes one large frozen coffee drink in about five minutes, with approximately 275 calories and 31 grams of protein, including the toppings.
I use an Equate vanilla protein shake for the base, with no Greek yogurt or protein powder to measure. The pumpkin flavor comes from pumpkin pie spice and the cookies; there's no pumpkin purée in this version. One cookie stays whole on top, and the other gets crumbled over the whipped cream.
Try These Next
For another blended coffee drink, try my PB&J Protein Coffee Shake. For something to go alongside this one, try 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Donuts or Pumpkin Protein Muffins.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A simple protein base: One vanilla shake supplies 30g protein.
- No coffee brewing: Instant coffee goes straight into the blender.
- About five minutes: Blend, pour, and add the toppings.
- A frozen coffee-shop treat: Ice gives it a thick texture, with whipped cream and cookies to finish.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle Equate Vanilla Protein Shake — the version with 30g protein
- 2 cups ice
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder
- ¾ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Sweetener to taste, if needed
- Light whipped cream, for topping
- 2 pumpkin spice cookies — one whole and one crumbled
Ingredient Notes
Vanilla protein shake: This is the liquid base. Use the Equate vanilla shake with 30g protein to match this recipe. A different shake can change the sweetness, thickness, and nutrition.
Instant coffee: Use instant coffee powder, not ground coffee meant for brewing. It adds coffee flavor without adding more liquid to the blender.
Pumpkin pie spice: This gives the vanilla base its pumpkin-spice flavor without adding purée. If you want a frozen dessert made with pumpkin, my Pumpkin Pie Ninja Creami is another option.
Whipped cream and cookies: Keep these out of the blender. Add them after pouring so the cookie crumbs stay on top. Finish with the whipped cream, then add one whole cookie and crumble the other over the top.
Equipment
You'll need a blender that can crush ice and a large serving glass. Add the shake with the other base ingredients so the blender has liquid to work with, and follow your blender's fill limits and instructions for frozen drinks.
Tools I Use for This Recipe
Ninja Professional Blender 1000W
A suggested ice-crushing blender for making a thick, smooth frozen frappé.
Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee
A convenient instant-coffee option that dissolves directly into the cold blender base; flavor may vary by brand.
Libbey 20-Ounce Iced Coffee Glasses
A large glass gives the frozen drink and whipped-cookie topping enough room.
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How to Make Pumpkin Spice Protein Frappé
1. Blend the base
Add the vanilla protein shake, 2 cups ice, 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder, and ¾ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to the blender. Add sweetener if needed. Blend on high until thick and smooth, with no large pieces of ice remaining.
2. Taste and pour
Taste before adding more sweetener; the vanilla shake is already sweetened. Blend in sweetener if needed, then pour the frappé into a large glass.
3. Add the toppings
Finish with light whipped cream. Place one whole pumpkin spice cookie on top and crumble the second over the whipped cream. Serve immediately.
Tips for a Thick Frappé
- Use a cold protein shake so the ice doesn't melt as quickly during blending.
- Blend until the ice is smooth. If the blender stalls, stop it before scraping down or adjusting the mixture.
- If it's too thick to blend, a small splash of extra shake can help. This changes the amount of shake used and the nutrition.
- If it's too thin, blend in a little more ice. Add the whipped cream and cookies only when you're ready to drink it.
Storage
This frappé is best enjoyed immediately after blending. The ice melts as it sits, so it won't keep the same frozen texture in the refrigerator. Have your glass and toppings ready before blending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this have pumpkin purée in it?
No. This version uses pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin spice cookies. Keep the base as written for this recipe; adding purée would be a variation.
Can I use another protein shake?
Another ready-to-drink vanilla protein shake is an option, but sweetness and texture can vary. Check the bottle's nutrition instead of carrying over the 30g protein figure from the Equate shake.
Can I use brewed coffee?
The recipe uses instant coffee so you don't need extra liquid. Brewed coffee would change the liquid-to-ice ratio, and there isn't a tested amount for that swap here. Avoid adding hot coffee to the frozen base.
Do I need extra sweetener?
Only if you want it sweeter. The vanilla shake is already sweetened, so taste before adding more.
What are the macros?
One large frappé, including the toppings, has approximately 275 calories, 31g protein, 7g fat, and 20g carbohydrates. Nutrition can vary with your brands, whipped-cream amount, and sweetener.
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Pumpkin Spice Protein Frappé
Ingredients
- 1 bottle Equate Vanilla Protein Shake 30g protein
- 2 cups ice
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee powder
- 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- sweetener to taste, if needed
- light whipped cream for topping
- 2 pumpkin spice cookies one whole, one crumbled
Equipment
- Blender suitable for crushing ice
- Large glass
Method
- Add the vanilla protein shake, ice, instant coffee powder, pumpkin pie spice, and sweetener, if needed, to a blender.
- Blend on high until thick and smooth. Taste and blend in sweetener if needed.
- Pour into a large glass. Top with light whipped cream, one whole pumpkin spice cookie, and one crumbled cookie. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use cold ingredients and blend until no ice chunks remain.
- Serve immediately; the drink thins as the ice melts.
- Nutrition is approximate per 1 large frappé, including toppings: 275 calories, 20g carbohydrates, 31g protein, and 7g fat. Brands, topping amounts, and sweetener can affect nutrition.
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