Satisfy your coffee craving and fuel your day all at once with this Coffee Protein Shake! In just ten minutes, you can blend up a creamy, energizing drink packed with rich coffee flavor, nourishing protein, and a hidden serving of greens. It’s the best of both worlds for breakfast, post-workout, or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Balanced Energy: Get your caffeine kick and sustained protein power—no post-coffee crash here!
- Creamy, Frothy Texture: Blending frozen banana and coffee ice cubes creates a smoothie/shake hybrid that’s truly next-level creamy.
- Sneak-In Nutrition: A handful of baby spinach blends right in for color and nutrients, with zero detectable veggie taste.
- Customizable & Quick: Make it dairy-free, swap flavors, or boost with extras—plus, it takes just 10 minutes from start to sip.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll only need a handful of staple ingredients to make this Coffee Protein Shake, but each one plays a starring role in flavor, texture, and nutrition! Here’s what goes in, and why it matters for the perfect blend.
- Coffee ice cubes: Freeze up some strong-brewed coffee for a chill and powerful coffee burst that won’t water down your shake.
- Whole milk: Gives your shake a beautifully rich, creamy base—though you can swap in your favorite milk alternative with delicious results.
- Frozen banana: Half a frozen banana brings natural sweetness and a luscious, frothy texture (plus, you won’t really taste the banana!).
- Vanilla protein powder: Each scoop packs in the muscle-friendly protein and a touch of sweet vanilla flavor; pick your go-to brand for the best taste.
- Almond butter: Adds healthy fats, a hint of nutty flavor, and makes the shake extra filling.
- Baby spinach: A stealthy serving of greens for added vitamins and a beautiful tint of green—promise, you won’t even know it’s in there!
Variations
The beauty of this Coffee Protein Shake is how endlessly easy it is to riff on! Feel free to personalize it to your tastes, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand—customizing is half the fun.
- Dairy-Free Twist: Swap out the whole milk for oat, almond, or coconut milk for a delicious plant-based version.
- Chocolate Lovers: Use chocolate protein powder and add a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a mocha protein shake vibe!
- Nut-Free Option: Trade almond butter for sunflower seed butter, or leave it out entirely for a lighter sip.
- Sweetener Boost: Want it a tad sweeter? Toss in a date, a drizzle of honey, or a dash of maple syrup—totally up to you.
How to Make Coffee Protein Shake
Step 1: Make Your Coffee Ice Cubes
Brew a fresh, strong cup of coffee (the stronger the better for robust flavor). Let it cool to room temperature, then pour it into an ice cube tray. Freeze until fully solid—this step is super simple, and you can keep coffee cubes on hand for shakes any day of the week!
Step 2: Gather & Prep the Ingredients
Assemble all your ingredients: combine those coffee ice cubes, whole milk, frozen banana, protein powder, almond butter, and baby spinach. Having everything ready makes the process super fast and fuss-free.
Step 3: Blend It All Up
Add everything to your blender in the order listed (it helps things blend more smoothly). Secure the lid, then blitz on high for 1–2 minutes, pausing to scrape down the sides if needed. The coffee ice cubes and frozen banana should break down into a thick, creamy shake—that classic frothy texture we all crave.
Step 4: Adjust Consistency & Serve
Check the shake’s thickness. If you want it thinner, just splash in a bit more milk and blend to combine. Pour into your favorite glass, and finish with an optional sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa on top for extra flair.
Pro Tips for Making Coffee Protein Shake
- Brew Strong, Cool Fully: To maximize the coffee flavor in your Coffee Protein Shake, use bold, fresh coffee and be sure it’s completely cooled before freezing—this prevents watery cubes and keeps the shake robust.
- Protein Powder Matters: Opt for a high-quality vanilla protein powder that you enjoy on its own, since its taste really shines through in the finished shake.
- Banana Texture Hack: Always use frozen banana rather than fresh for the thickest, creamiest consistency—just slice and freeze ripe bananas ahead of time!
- Layer Ingredients for Easy Blending: Add liquid and soft items first, then ice cubes and frozen banana on top in the blender. This layering trick gives a super smooth Coffee Protein Shake every time.
How to Serve Coffee Protein Shake
Garnishes
Dress up your Coffee Protein Shake with a dusting of ground cinnamon, cocoa powder, or even a swirl of almond butter on top. For a bit of crunch, a small sprinkle of cacao nibs, granola, or toasted coconut flakes adds both flavor and flair—seriously irresistible!
Side Dishes
This Coffee Protein Shake is fantastic on its own, but if you’re after a full breakfast spread, pair it with a toasted slice of multigrain bread, a handful of mixed nuts, or even a fruity yogurt parfait. It’s also perfectly portable for breakfast on the go!
Creative Ways to Present
Pour your Coffee Protein Shake into a mason jar with a colorful straw for a cute, cafe-style vibe. Or, layer it parfait-style in a clear glass with fresh berries and granola. Hosting brunch? Serve in small glasses as an energizing starter shot everyone will talk about!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Coffee Protein Shake, store it in the refrigerator in a sealed jar or bottle for up to 24 hours. Just know it may separate slightly—give it a good shake or quick re-blend and you’re right back in business!
Freezing
You can freeze your Coffee Protein Shake in ice cube trays and then blend the cubes with a splash of milk whenever you need a quick fix. This is perfect for make-ahead meal prepping or prepping shakes for the week!
Reheating
Since this is a cold and refreshing drink, there’s no need to reheat. If frozen, just toss the cubes back in the blender and blend until creamy—add a little extra milk if you like it thinner.
FAQs
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Can I make this Coffee Protein Shake without banana?
Absolutely! The frozen banana gives creaminess and a touch of sweetness, but you can substitute with frozen cauliflower, Greek yogurt, or extra ice for a thick and satisfying shake without the banana flavor.
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Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee cubes?
Yes, you can dissolve instant coffee in cold water, pour it into an ice cube tray, and freeze as directed. Just keep the ratio strong so you get a real coffee punch!
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What protein powder works best for this shake?
Vanilla protein powders—either whey, plant-based, or even collagen—work wonderfully here, as their flavor highlights both the coffee and creamy shake. Choose one with a taste and texture you enjoy for the best results.
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How can I make this Coffee Protein Shake vegan?
To make this shake fully plant-based, use your favorite dairy-free milk (like almond or oat), vegan protein powder, and nut or seed butter. The taste will be just as decadent and creamy as the original!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a breakfast, snack, or coffee break that checks all the boxes—creamy, energizing, and packed with goodness—give this Coffee Protein Shake a try. It’s quick, deeply satisfying, and so easy to make your own. Cheers to brighter mornings and productive days—one delicious sip at a time!
Print
Coffee 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 a delicious and energizing Coffee Protein Shake that combines the rich flavors of coffee with the goodness of protein and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a quick breakfast or post-workout boost!
Ingredients
Coffee Ice Cubes:
- 1 cup strong coffee, cooled
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 of 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.
Notes
- You can customize this shake by adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cocoa powder on top.
- For a thicker shake, use frozen coffee cubes instead of regular ice cubes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shake
- Calories: Approx. 300 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 15g
- Sodium: Approx. 150mg
- Fat: Approx. 10g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 25g
- Fiber: Approx. 4g
- Protein: Approx. 20g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 30mg
