A creamy, frosty, and energizing coffee protein shake that blends your morning caffeine with a high-protein boost, ready in just 5 minutes. Perfect for busy mornings, post-workout recovery, or that 3 p.m. energy dip when you want something sweet but smart.
Why You’ll Love This Coffee Protein Shake
Let’s be honest — mornings can be chaos. Between emails, alarms, and a desperate need for caffeine, breakfast usually takes the hit. This coffee protein shake fixes that in one swoop. It’s smooth, satisfying, and actually feels like a treat — but it fuels you with real nutrition.
Here’s why it stands out:
- Combines your morning coffee and breakfast into one cup.
- Customizable for vegan, keto, low-carb, or low-sugar diets.
- No banana required (unless you want one).
- Thick, milkshake-like texture — especially with frozen coffee cubes.
That first cold sip feels like a coffeehouse indulgence, minus the sugar crash.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup brewed coffee (cold or chilled; use dark roast for bold flavor)
- 6 oz vanilla yogurt (Greek or plant-based)
- 1 scoop protein powder (optional; try vanilla, mocha, or caramel)
- 1–2 tsp sweetener of choice (maple syrup, honey, or stevia)
- 1 tbsp peanut butter or almond butter (optional)
- A handful of chocolate chips (optional for texture)
- Ice cubes or frozen coffee cubes for a thicker shake
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ banana or ¼ cup mashed sweet potato (for natural sweetness)
- 1 tsp cocoa powder for a mocha flavor
- Pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg
- 1 tbsp chia seeds or oats for extra thickness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Chill your coffee.
Brew coffee ahead of time and let it cool completely. For a thick, icy texture, freeze it in ice cube trays. - Add ingredients to blender.
Combine coffee, yogurt, protein powder, and sweetener in a high-speed blender. Add any extras like nut butter or cocoa. - Blend until smooth.
Blend for 20–30 seconds, or until creamy. If it’s too thick, splash in a bit more coffee or milk of choice. - Taste and adjust.
Add more sweetener or a few ice cubes if desired. - Serve.
Pour into a tall glass or mason jar. Top with a drizzle of chocolate syrup, whipped coconut cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Tips & Tricks
- For thicker texture: Use frozen coffee cubes or add a few ice cubes.
- For extra protein: Add Greek yogurt and a scoop of protein powder.
- For a sweeter shake: Add dates, maple syrup, or banana.
- To keep it vegan: Use coconut or almond yogurt and plant protein powder.
- Storage tip: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake before drinking — it may separate slightly.
Substitutions & Variations
Vegan Version
- Use almond, soy, or coconut yogurt
- Swap whey protein for pea or rice protein
- Sweeten with maple syrup or date syrup
Keto or Low-Carb Version
- Use unsweetened Greek yogurt
- Add MCT oil or nut butter for healthy fats
- Sweeten with stevia or monk fruit
Flavor Upgrades
- Mocha Protein Shake: Add 1 tsp cocoa powder.
- Caramel Latte Shake: Add a splash of sugar-free caramel syrup.
- Vanilla Oat Shake: Add 2 tbsp rolled oats and ½ tsp vanilla extract.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without protein powder?
Yes. The yogurt already provides 8–10g of protein. Just skip the powder or add a spoonful of nut butter instead.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely. Store in a sealed mason jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Stir or re-blend before drinking.
What’s the best type of coffee to use?
Dark roast or espresso will give you the richest flavor. Medium roast or even decaf works fine too.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~250 |
| Protein | 20–30g (depending on powder) |
| Carbohydrates | 15–25g |
| Fat | 6–10g |
| Fiber | 2–3g |
| Sugar | 8–12g |
(Nutrition may vary depending on ingredients used.)
If your mornings are a blur and your coffee feels more like survival fuel than a moment of joy, this shake changes that. It’s creamy, caffeinated, and balanced, the kind of breakfast that quietly says, “You’ve got this.”
Try blending one tomorrow morning, tag your creation, and enjoy the easiest healthy upgrade to your daily routine.
Coffee Protein Shake
Ingredients
- 1 cup brewed coffee (cold or chilled; use dark roast for bold flavor)
- 6 oz vanilla yogurt (Greek or plant-based)
- 1 scoop protein powder (optional; try vanilla, mocha, or caramel)
- 1–2 tsp sweetener of choice (maple syrup, honey, or stevia)
- 1 tbsp peanut butter or almond butter (optional)
- A handful of chocolate chips (optional for texture)
- Ice cubes or frozen coffee cubes for a thicker shake
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ banana or ¼ cup mashed sweet potato (for natural sweetness)
- 1 tsp cocoa powder for a mocha flavor
- Pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg
- 1 tbsp chia seeds or oats for extra thickness
Instructions
- Chill your coffee. Brew coffee ahead of time and let it cool completely. For a thick, icy texture, freeze it in ice cube trays.
- Add ingredients to blender. Combine coffee, yogurt, protein powder, and sweetener in a high-speed blender. Add any extras like nut butter or cocoa.
- Blend until smooth. Blend for 20–30 seconds, or until creamy. If it’s too thick, splash in a bit more coffee or milk of choice.
- Taste and adjust. Add more sweetener or a few ice cubes if desired.
- Serve. Pour into a tall glass or mason jar. Top with a drizzle of chocolate syrup, whipped coconut cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Notes
- Brewed Coffee Tip: Use strong brewed coffee (dark roast or espresso) for a rich flavor. Let it cool before blending to prevent melting the yogurt or ice.
- Thicker Shake Option: Freeze brewed coffee into ice cubes — it gives the shake a creamy, milkshake-like consistency without watering it down.
- Vegan Swap: Replace yogurt with a plant-based alternative like almond, coconut, or soy yogurt, and use vegan protein powder.
- Without Protein Powder: No problem — Greek yogurt or nut butter adds plenty of natural protein.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Blend everything but the ice, store in the fridge overnight, and shake or blend again before serving.
- Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate leftovers up to 24 hours. Shake or stir before drinking.