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Iced Coffee Protein Shake

Iced Coffee Protein Shake - recipe card

This creamy, frothy iced coffee protein shake delivers 25g+ of protein per serving, thanks to a double hit of whey protein and cold brew coffee. It’s perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness and a hint of vanilla, making it an ideal post-workout recovery drink or a refreshing morning pick-me-up. The texture is smooth and sippable, with a rich coffee flavor that rivals your favorite cafe frappe.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cold brew coffee, chilled
  • 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk)
  • 2 scoops (about 62g) unflavored or vanilla whey protein powder
  • 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 medium bananas, sliced and frozen
  • 2 tbsp almond butter (or peanut butter)
  • 2 tbsp honey (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • 2 cups ice cubes

Instructions

  1. In a blender, combine the cold brew coffee, almond milk, Greek yogurt, almond butter, honey (if using), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sea salt. Blend on high speed for 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and the salt is fully dissolved. This step ensures the flavors are evenly distributed before adding the protein powder and ice.
  2. Add the whey protein powder and blend again on low speed for 15-20 seconds, just until incorporated. Avoid over-blending at this stage, as excessive aeration can make the shake foamy; we want a creamy texture.
  3. Add the frozen banana slices and ice cubes. Blend on high speed for 45-60 seconds, or until the shake is completely smooth and frosty. If your blender struggles, stop and stir with a spatula, then continue blending. The goal is a consistency like a melted milkshake.
  4. Taste the shake and adjust sweetness if needed: add another tablespoon of honey or a pitted date and blend for 10 seconds. If it’s too thick, add a splash more almond milk (1-2 tbsp) and blend briefly.
  5. Pour the shake into 4 tall glasses. Serve immediately with a reusable straw or a metal straw. For an extra touch, top with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of cinnamon, but note that this will add extra calories and fat.
  6. If you prefer a thicker, frappe-style shake, use only 1 cup of ice and add 1/2 cup of additional frozen banana. For a thinner consistency, reduce ice to 1 cup and increase almond milk to 2 1/2 cups.
  7. For a mocha variation, add 1 tbsp of unsweetened cocoa powder along with the protein powder. For a caramel touch, substitute the honey with 1 tbsp of caramel syrup and add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top.
  8. To make ahead, combine all ingredients except the ice and banana in a blender pitcher and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, add the frozen banana and ice, then blend. This saves time and keeps the shake extra cold.
  9. If you don’t have frozen bananas, use fresh bananas and add an extra 1/2 cup of ice. The shake will be slightly less thick but still delicious.
  10. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based protein powder and coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt. Note that this will change the protein content; check the labels to ensure you still hit 25g per serving.
  11. Always add liquid first to your blender to prevent the blades from getting stuck. This also helps create a vortex that pulls the powders down into the blades for a smoother blend.
  12. Serve the shake in chilled glasses for the best experience. You can chill glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a coffee bean if desired.

Notes

Storage: This shake is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It may separate; simply stir or shake well before drinking. Freezing: Pour into ice cube trays and freeze for up to 1 month. To reblend, pop the cubes into a blender with a splash of almond milk and blend until smooth. Reheating: Not recommended; this is a cold beverage. For meal prep: Combine all dry ingredients (protein powder, cinnamon, salt) in small bags and store at room temperature. Combine wet ingredients (coffee, milk, yogurt, almond butter, honey, vanilla) in jars and refrigerate. In the morning, blend the wet mixture with the dry mix, frozen banana, and ice.

Nutrition

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