Meet your new favorite energizing breakfast or snack: the Coffee Protein Shake. This creamy, refreshing shake packs your daily caffeine boost and satisfying protein punch into one gloriously sippable glass. It’s perfect for busy mornings or midday pick-me-ups, and I promise—it’s about to become a staple in your routine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Two-in-One Breakfast: Get your coffee fix and a satiating, powerhouse breakfast all in one glass—no need for separate stops in the morning rush!
- Naturally Creamy & Frosty: Using coffee ice cubes and frozen banana gives a luscious, milkshake-like texture, with no added sugar or heavy cream needed.
- Customizable Nutrition Boost: Between the spinach, almond butter, and protein powder, you’ll sneak in nutrients and stay energized for hours—with room to swap or add your own favorites.
- Ready in 10 Minutes: From the blender to your hand, this shake is prepped and ready faster than any coffee shop line (and way more budget-friendly).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Coffee Protein Shake is in its simplicity—each ingredient brings something special, from icy coolness to creamy body, a shot of sweetness, or a hidden touch of greens. Here’s how every element plays a part in perfecting your glass.
- Coffee ice cubes: These give you bold coffee flavor with zero dilution—no more watery shakes as your ice melts.
- Whole milk: Creamy, rich, and satisfying; you can substitute with your favorite non-dairy milk.
- Frozen banana (½): Adds natural sweetness and makes the shake ultra-smooth and frosty.
- Vanilla protein powder (1 scoop): Rounds out the shake with a vanilla-scented protein boost that keeps you full.
- Almond butter (1 T): Lends healthy fats and a beautiful nutty backbone—plus, amps up the creaminess.
- Baby spinach (handful): You won’t taste it, but it tucks in extra fiber, vitamins, and a lovely green hue.
Variations
This Coffee Protein Shake is endlessly adaptable—think of it as a foundation for whatever your cravings or nutrition goals need! With just a tweak or two, you can make it vegan, nut-free, sweeter, or super-chocolaty.
- Vegan version: Swap whole milk for almond, oat, or soy milk, and use a plant-based protein powder instead of whey.
- Mocha style: Add a spoonful of cocoa powder for a delicious chocolate-coffee twist that tastes like dessert for breakfast!
- No banana: Use frozen cauliflower or avocado for creaminess if you prefer a lower-sugar option.
- Nut-free: Replace almond butter with sunflower seed butter or leave it out entirely for an equally delicious shake.
- Extra greens: Toss in kale or even a handful of zucchini for more veggie power—trust me, you won’t notice the flavor!
How to Make Coffee Protein Shake
Step 1: Freeze Your Coffee Ice Cubes
Start by brewing a cup of strong coffee—espresso or dark roast works beautifully—and let it cool. Pour the coffee into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid. These cubes will chill your shake and keep every sip fabulously robust, not watery.
Step 2: Gather and Prep All Ingredients
Once your coffee cubes are ready, set out all your ingredients: the coffee ice cubes, whole milk, half a frozen banana, a scoop of vanilla protein powder, almond butter, and a good handful of baby spinach. Having everything prepped makes blending go smoothly.
Step 3: Load Up the Blender
Add the coffee ice cubes first, followed by milk, banana, protein powder, almond butter, and spinach. Loading the liquid first helps the blender blades catch everything, ensuring a silky shake with zero leafy bits.
Step 4: Blend Until Ultra Smooth
Secure the lid and blend on high speed for 1–2 minutes, or until your Coffee Protein Shake is velvety and completely smooth. Give it a quick taste—if it’s too thick, just add a bit more milk and blend again until perfect.
Step 5: Pour and Enjoy
Pour your creamy shake into a tall glass, and, if you’re feeling extra fancy, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder. Grab a straw, take a sip, and soak up that rich coffee goodness!
Pro Tips for Making Coffee Protein Shake
- Brew It Strong: Use a double-strength coffee (or even cold brew concentrate) for your ice cubes—this intensifies the coffee flavor without overpowering the shake.
- Blend in Stages: Start with the liquids and softer ingredients first—if your blender struggles, pulse to break everything up, then blend on high for perfect smoothness.
- Banana Hack: Slice and freeze ripe bananas in advance so you always have them ready for shakes—this saves time and adds the ideal creamy chill.
- Adjust Thick vs. Thin: Like extra-thick shakes? Use less milk. Thinner, more “sippable”? Add a splash more until it’s just how you love it.
How to Serve Coffee Protein Shake
Garnishes
Top off your Coffee Protein Shake with a dusting of cinnamon, a little cocoa powder, or even a drizzle of almond butter for extra flair. Sometimes, I even add a few cacao nibs or chocolate shavings—such a treat and makes every sip feel like a coffeehouse creation.
Side Dishes
Pair your shake with a toasted whole grain English muffin or a small fruit bowl for a balanced breakfast. If you’re sipping as an afternoon snack, a crisp biscotti or a handful of crunchy granola on the side is pure bliss.
Creative Ways to Present
Pour the Coffee Protein Shake into mason jars for grab-and-go convenience, layer it with yogurt and granola for a breakfast parfait, or serve it in chilled glasses with fun straws and edible flowers for a brunch-worthy showstopper!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Coffee Protein Shake, store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a good shake or quick blend before enjoying—the texture may thicken slightly as it chills, but it’ll still be creamy and delicious.
Freezing
For a super-convenient option, freeze any extra shake in popsicle molds for homemade energy popsicles! You can also freeze leftovers in an ice cube tray and re-blend later with a splash of milk for an instant, frosty shake.
Reheating
Since the Coffee Protein Shake is designed to be enjoyed cold, reheating isn’t recommended. If your leftovers are too icy from the fridge, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes, then stir or shake well before drinking.
FAQs
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Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed?
Absolutely! Dissolve a heaping teaspoon of your favorite instant coffee in hot water, let it cool, and then freeze into ice cubes. This shortcut gives you the same bold flavor in less time.
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Is there a way to make this Coffee Protein Shake caffeine-free?
You sure can—simply use decaf coffee for your ice cubes. You’ll still get all the flavor and creamy texture, minus the buzz.
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What protein powder works best for this shake?
Vanilla protein powder (whey or plant-based) is ideal for sweetness and creaminess, but chocolate or even unflavored powders work wonderfully too. Just choose a variety you love—it’ll blend right in!
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Can I prep parts of the shake ahead and assemble later?
Definitely! Brew and freeze your coffee ice cubes and keep sliced bananas in the freezer. Then it’s just a matter of blending everything together at a moment’s notice for a quick, no-fuss Coffee Protein Shake.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about this Coffee Protein Shake—it’s energizing, dreamy-creamy, and packed with good-for-you ingredients. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own. Let each glass brighten your morning, recharge your snack time, or simply deliver a delicious moment of pause. Cheers to your new favorite shake!
PrintCoffee Protein Shake Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Coffee Protein Shake. Packed with the goodness of coffee, protein, and healthy fats, this shake is a perfect pick-me-up for any time of the day.
Ingredients
Coffee Ice Cubes:
- 1 cup strong coffee
Shake:
- 1/2 cup coffee ice cubes
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- Handful of baby spinach
Instructions
- Prepare the coffee ice cubes: Brew a cup of strong coffee and let it cool. Pour the cooled coffee into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid.
- Gather all the ingredients: You will need ½ cup of coffee ice cubes, 2/3 cup whole milk, ½ a frozen banana, 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder, 1 tablespoon of almond butter, and a handful of baby spinach.
- Add the ingredients to a blender: Place the coffee ice cubes, whole milk, frozen banana, vanilla protein powder, almond butter, and baby spinach into a blender.
- Blend until smooth: Secure the lid on the blender and blend the ingredients on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 1-2 minutes, depending on the power of your blender.
- Adjust consistency if needed: If the shake is too thick, you can add a splash of additional milk and blend again until desired consistency is reached.
- Pour and enjoy: Once the shake is smooth and creamy, pour it into a glass and savor the delicious flavors. You can garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered cocoa, if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 40mg