This coffee protein shake recipe is refreshing in the summer when hot coffee is too hot and I want an all-in-one breakfast smoothie packed with energy and filling ingredients.
Summer heat = iced coffee
I know there are die-hard iced coffee lovers who drink it year round, but for me, iced coffee is purely a summertime thing. When it’s warm enough in the morning that I start to sweat with my coffee, I switch to iced coffee for a short season.
Coffee for one
Back in the days before I was married to a coffee fanatic, I used to do the same “cook once, consume twice” pattern with my coffee that I do with our dinners. I’d make a bigger pot of coffee and have it hot one day and save the leftovers to have iced the next. I also had a cold brew coffee concentrate phase. That led to also freezing some of the coffee into cubes for recipes.
Fast forward to the present: I recently had one of the coffee flavored Daily Harvest smoothies, and they rekindled my craving for the coffee smoothies I would sometimes make with those cubes!
What exactly is a coffee protein shake?
It’s a brilliant fusion of the beloved java and a protein-packed smoothie that makes a great post-workout bev or all-in-one breakfast. I’m calling this a shake because it tastes so much like a coffee chocolate milkshake! But smoothie or shake – it’s blended goodness in a glass. And not only are you getting 20-30 grams of protein in this breakfast shake (depending on your added protein powder of choice), you’re also getting healthy fats from the milk and nut butter and a dose of greens too.
What sets a coffee protein shake apart from your regular cup of joe?
Unlike traditional coffee drinks that often come loaded with sugar and cream, this smoothie blend combines the rich flavors of coffee with the power of protein, nut butter and greens, ensuring a balanced and nutritious start to your day. And it tastes like a coffee vanilla milkshake!
Best Coffee Protein Shake Recipe
This coffee protein shake recipe is a game-changer during the hot months if you’re constantly juggling a coffee tumbler, smoothie cup, and water bottle. Made with coffee ice cubes, whole milk, frozen banana, vanilla protein, almond butter, and a handful of spinach, it is wholesome and nutritious. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare if you make the coffee cubes in advance, making it a perfect go-to option for busy mornings.
Ingredients
- ½ cup ice cubes made from brewed coffee
- 2/3 cup whole milk (sub in unsweetened almond milk to make it plant-based)
- ½ a frozen banana
- 1 scoop vanilla protein (you could use chocolate protein powder too!)
- 1 tablespoon almond butter (peanut butter is great too!)
- Handful of baby spinach
Optional ingredients to add: chia seeds, whipped topping, cocoa powder, maple syrup, or cinnamon sprinkle on top.
How To Make Coffee Protein Shake
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 cocoa powder, if desired.
Coffee Protein Shake Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup ice cubes made from coffee
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- ½ a frozen banana
- 1 scoop vanilla protein
- 1 T almond butter
- Handful 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.
Why this shake works beyond flavor
Beyond its creamy, coffee-milkshake vibe, this recipe brings together three powerful nutritional pillars in one glass: protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich produce. The protein powder and nut butter help support muscle repair and steady blood sugar, while the banana and spinach add fiber, vitamins, and minerals that slow absorption and extend satiety.
Because the “ice cubes” are made of brewed coffee instead of plain water, you infuse more caffeine without diluting the shake — a clever trick that lets you savor bold flavor and energy in every sip.
For extra nutrient variety, consider swapping in a greens powder or a tablespoon of ground flax or chia (for omega-3s).
And if you’re watching dairy, choosing a higher-protein plant milk (like pea or soy) helps keep that protein punch intact.
Lastly, feel free to play with flavors — a dash of cinnamon, a few coffee beans, or a pinch of sea salt can elevate the sensory experience and make this feel like a little “treat” at breakfast. I love that this shake hits the sweet spot between indulgence and intentional nourishment — it’s not just a “coffee drink,” it’s a smart, one-bowl (or one-glass) start to the day.
You might also like:
- Coffee Almond Baked Oatmeal
- Snickerdoodle Smoothie
- Chocolate Cherry Smoothie Bowl
- Pineapple Upside Down Smoothie
- Yerba Mate Smoothie
- Chobani drink post: 5 ways to enjoy drinkable yogurt
Katie says
I make a similar mocha smoothie for breakfast every day. It’s a bit more decadent — 1 c chocolate milk, 1/4 cup coffee (decaf for me), ice, and a heaping 1/4 c of Bobs Red Mill unflavored protein powder. It really is so yummy and filling. I know it has some extra sugar, but here we are 🙂 I used to do ice, milk, a banana and peanut butter, but this keeps me full much longer.
Jennifer says
This looks amazing! I’m wondering is there a reason you prefer the whole milk vs skim?
Kath Younger says
I find it way better tasting and much more satisfying.