Protein Pumpkin Pie Recipe
This Protein Pumpkin Pie is a nutritious twist on the classic holiday dessert, combining the creamy warmth of pumpkin puree with the muscle-fueling benefits of vanilla protein powder. Using a ready-to-bake pie crust, this recipe is both convenient and satisfying, perfect for those looking to enjoy pumpkin pie with added protein and less guilt.
- Author: Natalie
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 3 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 18 minutes (including cooling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Pie Crust
- 1 Frozen Ready-to-Bake Pie Crust (e.g. Pillsbury)
Pie Filling
- 1½ cup Pumpkin Puree (not pumpkin pie filling, 360g)
- 1 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk (240ml)
- 3 Tbsp Non-fat Plain Greek Yogurt (42g)
- ⅔ cup + 1 Tbsp Vanilla Protein Powder (Whey-casein, 66g)
- ¾ tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
- ¼ tsp Cinnamon
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Egg White
- Optional: Stevia Sweetener (to taste), Vanilla Extract (to taste)
- Preheat and Prepare Pie Crust: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Roll out the frozen pie crust into your pie dish or use a pre-rolled crust. Press the crust firmly into the dish to ensure it holds shape during baking.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. This pre-baking step prevents a soggy bottom.
- Cool the Crust: Remove crust from oven and let it cool for about 25 minutes to room temperature before filling.
- Preheat Oven for Pie Filling: Meanwhile, reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the filled pie.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, unsweetened almond milk, and non-fat plain Greek yogurt until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the vanilla protein powder, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon, mixing well to incorporate all flavors evenly.
- Add Eggs: Crack in the 2 eggs and 1 egg white, then whisk the mixture just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a smooth texture.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the filling and add optional stevia sweetener or vanilla extract if you prefer a sweeter or more aromatic filling.
- Fill the Crust: Pour the pumpkin protein filling into the cooled pie crust and spread evenly.
- Bake the Pie: Bake the pie at 350°F (175°C) for 48 minutes. After 25 minutes, loosely cover the pie with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning of the edges and continue baking.
- Check Doneness: The pie’s center should remain slightly jiggly while the edges are set when done.
- Cool the Pie: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for 2-4 hours. For best results, refrigerate overnight to allow the pie to fully set and flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use pumpkin puree, NOT pumpkin pie filling, for best texture and flavor control.
- Pre-baking the crust ensures a crisp bottom and prevents sogginess from the moist filling.
- Covering the pie with foil halfway through baking protects the crust edges from burning.
- Cooling the pie overnight in the refrigerator improves sliceability and enhances flavor.
- Adjust sweetness with stevia or vanilla extract to suit your taste preferences.
- Protein powder adds a muscle-building boost and keeps the pie lower in sugar than traditional recipes.
Keywords: protein pumpkin pie, healthy pumpkin pie, pumpkin pie recipe, high protein dessert, low fat pumpkin pie, holiday dessert