Need a breakfast or snack that wakes you up, keeps you full, and actually tastes like a treat? This Cold Brew Protein Smoothie is the delicious answer to your busy morning’s dreams! It brings together creamy coffee, a punch of protein, and nutty satisfaction—all in one frosty glass.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Energizing and Protein-Packed: Each sip gives you a caffeine kick and nearly 40g of protein—no more mid-morning crashes!
- Creamy, Dreamy Texture: Frozen banana, peanut butter, and ice make this smoothie lusciously thick, like your favorite coffee shop shake.
- Totally Customizable: Dairy-free? Peanut butter not your thing? Swap ingredients as you please and make the Cold Brew Protein Smoothie your own.
- Fast and Fuss-Free: Just toss everything in the blender—it’s ready in minutes, even when you’re running out the door!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cold Brew Protein Smoothie is how basic—but powerful—the ingredients are. Each one earns its place by adding a boost of flavor, creaminess, or nutrition, creating the ultimate coffee-meets-protein drink.
- Banana: Adds natural sweetness, an ultra-creamy texture, and helps thicken the smoothie—frozen banana works best if you love it extra cold.
- Protein Powder: Packs in satiating protein and flavor; vanilla is lovely here, but you can use your fave brand or even chocolate for a twist.
- Cold Brew Coffee: For that rich, smooth coffee taste and an energizing jolt; store-bought or homemade cold brew both work great.
- Milk of Choice: Keeps the smoothie silky and blendable—dairy or any plant-based milk will do the trick.
- Peanut Butter: Adds nutty richness and healthy fats; swap for almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter if you want a change.
- Ice: The finishing touch for a perfectly chill, refreshing sip—adjust the amount based on how thick you like your smoothies.
Variations
This Cold Brew Protein Smoothie is every bit as flexible as your mood or pantry supplies. Don’t be shy—try these easy variations to make each smoothie uniquely yours!
- Chocolate Lovers’ Upgrade: Swap vanilla protein powder for chocolate, and add a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a mocha-inspired treat.
- Dairy-Free & Vegan: Use a plant-based protein and non-dairy milk for a completely vegan version that’s just as satisfying.
- Berry Burst: Toss in a handful of frozen berries for fruity freshness and a splash of color—blueberries or strawberries are fantastic here.
- Nut-Free Option: Switch peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a totally nut-free smoothie that keeps the creaminess alive.
How to Make Cold Brew Protein Smoothie
Step 1: Assemble Your Ingredients
Start by gathering your banana, protein powder, cold brew coffee, milk of choice, peanut butter, and a scoop of ice. Measuring everything ahead ensures a smooth, speedy process—and trust me, you’ll be sipping in no time!
Step 2: Blend Until Creamy
Pop all the ingredients into your blender—yes, just toss them right in! Start on low, then ramp up the speed until the mixture is effortlessly creamy and frothy, with no banana chunks or powdery clumps in sight.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Give your smoothie a quick taste test before pouring. Want it sweeter? A drizzle of maple syrup or a date never hurts. Too thick? Add a splash more milk or cold brew to hit your perfect consistency.
Step 4: Pour & Enjoy
Pour your beautifully blended Cold Brew Protein Smoothie into a tall glass (or your favorite to-go cup), pop in a big straw, and savor the rich, energizing goodness—no waiting required!
Pro Tips for Making Cold Brew Protein Smoothie
- Banana’s Chill Factor: Freeze your banana overnight for an even thicker, almost milkshake-like texture that stays frosty longer.
- Protein Powder Matters: Use a high-quality, good-tasting protein powder—since there’s so few ingredients, you’ll really notice any artificial flavors or aftertastes.
- Adjust Sweetness Without Sugar: If you want more sweetness but want to keep it low-sugar, consider adding a Medjool date or a few drops of stevia instead of syrup.
- Blending For Creaminess: Start your blender on low and gradually turn it up; this helps everything combine smoothly without little protein powder lumps.
How to Serve Cold Brew Protein Smoothie
Garnishes
For that irresistible “coffeehouse treat” vibe, top your Cold Brew Protein Smoothie with a swirl of whipped cream, a drizzle of extra peanut butter, or even a light dusting of cocoa powder. For crunch, try a few cacao nibs or crushed espresso beans on top—so good!
Side Dishes
Pair this smoothie with a slice of whole-grain toast, an energy bar, or a fruit salad to make it a full breakfast. It’s also perfect alongside a light yogurt parfait if you’re heading out the door but still wanting that “complete meal” feeling.
Creative Ways to Present
Blend and pour into a mason jar with a fun straw for mornings on-the-go, or layer it in a glass with granola and sliced banana for a smoothie “parfait.” For a brunch crowd, serve mini portions in espresso cups—adorable and conversation-starting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Cold Brew Protein Smoothie is definitely best fresh, but if you have leftovers, pour them into a lidded jar and keep refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Give it a good shake or stir to bring back the creamy consistency before sipping.
Freezing
You can freeze extra smoothie in ice cube trays and then toss the cubes into the blender later for a super-fast, zero-waste treat. This is also a great way to prep ahead—just store the cubes in a freezer bag and blend as needed.
Reheating
No reheating required—just thaw the frozen cubes briefly or blend them with a splash of fresh milk or cold brew to restore that velvety texture. If it’s been in the fridge, shake well and serve cold for best flavor and mouthfeel.
FAQs
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Can I make this Cold Brew Protein Smoothie without banana?
Absolutely! Swap the banana for about ½ cup of frozen cauliflower rice or a few ice cubes plus extra nut butter for creaminess. The texture will stay thick and smooth, while the banana flavor is replaced by pure coffee goodness.
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What’s the best protein powder for this recipe?
It’s all about what you like! Vanilla whey works beautifully for a classic flavor, but pea or soy protein makes this smoothie totally plant-based. Try to pick a powder with a smooth, dissolvable texture and good flavor, since you’ll notice it in every sip.
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Can I double or triple this smoothie for meal prep?
Definitely! Just scale up the ingredients and blend in batches if needed. Store any extras in the fridge for up to 24 hours, or freeze as smoothie cubes for grab-and-blend convenience all week long.
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Is this smoothie good before or after a workout?
Both! The Cold Brew Protein Smoothie offers energizing carbs, protein for muscle repair, and a gentle caffeine kick—making it a brilliant snack pre- or post-workout. Just be mindful of your caffeine habits if you’re sipping late in the day!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a smoothie that truly fuels and delights, I can’t recommend this Cold Brew Protein Smoothie enough. It’s a little indulgent, a whole lot energizing, and as easy as it gets. Give it a whirl—you just might find your new morning ritual!
Print
Cold Brew Protein Smoothie Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: General
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and energizing Cold Brew Protein Smoothie that combines the goodness of bananas, protein powder, cold brew coffee, and nut butter for a satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Smoothie:
- 1 banana
- 1 scoop protein powder
- 1/2 cup cold brew coffee
- 1/2 cup milk of choice
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter
- ice
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. This will take a minute or two to ensure everything is well combined and smooth.
- Enjoy! Pour into a glass and savor this delicious and nutritious smoothie.
Notes
- Protein powder: I used vanilla-flavored grass-fed whey protein powder.
- Nut butter: You can use any nut butter you prefer if you want to substitute for peanut butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 smoothie
- Calories: 496 kcal
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 431mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
