Can I use hot coffee instead of cold brew?

You can use cooled regular coffee, but cold brew provides a smoother, less acidic taste. If using regular coffee, brew it stronger than usual and completely cool it in the refrigerator before adding to your shake.

My shake isn't sweet enough. What should I add?

The riper your frozen banana, the sweeter your shake will be. For additional sweetness, add a teaspoon of honey, maple syrup, or a pitted date. You could also try a flavored protein powder which often contains sweeteners.

Can I make this without a banana?

Absolutely! Replace the banana with half an avocado for creaminess plus a teaspoon of sweetener, or use a quarter cup of frozen cauliflower plus sweetener for a low-carb option that still provides thickness.

Is this shake keto-friendly?

The standard recipe isn't keto due to the banana. For a keto version, replace the banana with a tablespoon of almond butter and a tablespoon of coconut oil, use unsweetened coconut milk instead of almond milk, and ensure your protein powder is low-carb.

Coffee Protein Shake Recipe

This incredible Coffee Protein Shake is the perfect morning powerhouse that combines your caffeine fix with muscle-building protein in one delicious glass. Ready in just minutes, it’s the ideal breakfast solution for busy mornings when you need both nutrition and energy to kickstart your day. The frozen banana adds natural sweetness and creaminess, while the chia seeds provide an omega-3 boost that keeps you satisfied until lunch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Double-Duty Efficiency: Gets your protein and coffee in one delicious drink – perfect for hectic mornings when you don’t have time for both breakfast and a coffee stop!
Energy Booster: The combination of caffeine and protein gives you sustained energy rather than the crash you might get from coffee alone.
Customizable: Easily adjust the sweetness, protein content, or coffee strength to match your preferences and nutritional goals.
Meal Replacement: Substantial enough to keep you full for hours, yet light enough not to weigh you down during a busy morning.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Frozen Banana: Creates that creamy milkshake texture and adds natural sweetness without needing additional sugar. Freezing it ahead of time is key for the perfect consistency.
Unsweetened Almond Milk: Provides a dairy-free base with minimal calories. The subtle nutty flavor complements the coffee beautifully.
Protein Powder: Vanilla works wonderfully with coffee, but chocolate or caramel flavors can create interesting variations. Choose a high-quality powder that blends well and tastes good on its own.
Chia Seeds: These tiny nutritional powerhouses add fiber, omega-3s, and a slight texture that makes the shake more satisfying. They help keep you full longer.
Cold Brewed Coffee: The smoother, less acidic profile of cold brew is perfect for shakes. The concentrated flavor stands up well against the other ingredients.
Ice Cubes: Essential for that refreshing, thick shake consistency. Don’t skip these or you’ll end up with a watery drink.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Flavor Twists

Mocha Madness: Add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolate-coffee blend.
Caramel Kick: Use caramel-flavored protein powder or add a teaspoon of caramel extract.
Vanilla Bean: Use real vanilla bean paste instead of extract for a more intense vanilla flavor.

Dietary Adaptations

Vegan Version: Ensure your protein powder is plant-based (pea, hemp, or rice protein work well).
Higher Protein: Double the protein powder for post-workout recovery.
Lower Carb: Replace the banana with a quarter of an avocado plus a dash of sweetener.

How to Make Coffee Protein Shake

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather your frozen banana (make sure it’s been frozen at least overnight), almond milk, protein powder, chia seeds, cold brew coffee, and ice cubes. Having everything ready makes the process seamless.

Step 2: Blend It Up

Add all ingredients to your blender in the order listed—liquid ingredients first helps the blender work more efficiently. Blend on high speed until completely smooth and no chunks remain, about 30-60 seconds.

Step 3: Check Consistency

If the shake is too thick, add a splash more almond milk. If it’s too thin, add more ice or frozen banana. The perfect consistency should be thick but still pourable.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Pour into a glass or shaker bottle and enjoy right away while it’s cold and the texture is at its best.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Freeze Coffee Ice Cubes: Replace regular ice cubes with frozen coffee cubes for an even more intense coffee flavor without dilution.
Pre-Portion Ingredients: Create freezer packs with the banana, coffee ice cubes, and premeasured protein powder so you can dump and blend in seconds.
Quality Matters: The taste of your cold brew significantly impacts the final flavor, so use a coffee you genuinely enjoy drinking.
Blender Order: Add liquids first, then powders, then frozen ingredients for the smoothest blend without powder pockets.

How to Serve

Morning Boost

Serve in a tall glass with a reusable straw alongside a piece of whole-grain toast with avocado for a complete breakfast.

Post-Workout Recovery

Pour into an insulated shaker bottle and drink within 30 minutes after your workout for optimal muscle recovery.

Afternoon Pick-Me-Up

Serve over extra ice in a tumbler as a mid-afternoon alternative to your usual coffee when you need protein and energy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Preparing Components Ahead

Freeze peeled banana chunks and prepare cold brew coffee in advance so you can quickly blend your shake in the morning.

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow don’t finish this delicious shake, store it in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The chia seeds will thicken it considerably, so you’ll need to stir well or quickly reblend with a splash of milk.

Freezing

Pour leftover shake into ice cube trays and freeze for up to 6 months. When ready to use, blend 5-6 cubes with a splash of fresh almond milk for a quick shake.

Reheating

This shake is best enjoyed cold, but if the frozen version is too cold for you, let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before drinking.

FAQs

Can I use hot coffee instead of cold brew?

You can use cooled regular coffee, but cold brew provides a smoother, less acidic taste. If using regular coffee, brew it stronger than usual and completely cool it in the refrigerator before adding to your shake.
My shake isn’t sweet enough. What should I add?

The riper your frozen banana, the sweeter your shake will be. For additional sweetness, add a teaspoon of honey, maple syrup, or a pitted date. You could also try a flavored protein powder which often contains sweeteners.
Can I make this without a banana?

Absolutely! Replace the banana with half an avocado for creaminess plus a teaspoon of sweetener, or use a quarter cup of frozen cauliflower plus sweetener for a low-carb option that still provides thickness.
Is this shake keto-friendly?

The standard recipe isn’t keto due to the banana. For a keto version, replace the banana with a tablespoon of almond butter and a tablespoon of coconut oil, use unsweetened coconut milk instead of almond milk, and ensure your protein powder is low-carb.

Final Thoughts

This Coffee Protein Shake is truly a game-changer for busy mornings. I’ve made it part of my daily routine because it solves so many problems at once – getting adequate protein, enjoying my morning coffee, and having a quick breakfast I can take on the go. The combination of flavors is so satisfying that it actually feels like a treat rather than a healthy choice. Give it a try tomorrow morning – I’m confident it will become your new favorite way to start the day!