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This chocolate protein shake is my favorite quick fix after workouts or a tasty way to kick off the morning. With creamy banana and almond butter mixed in, it’s rich and filling. You can easily tweak it to suit your own taste or diet.
I first whipped this up when I wanted a sweet yet healthy morning boost. Now it’s a staple, especially when I need a filling grab-and-go option.
What You Need
- Frozen banana, medium-sized: brings natural sweetness and creaminess; freeze ripe bananas overnight for best taste
- Chocolate protein powder, one scoop: adds that chocolate punch and key protein; try to pick one with few extra fillers
- Almond milk, one cup unsweetened: keeps it dairy-free and smooth without extra sugar; unsweetened is best for control
- Natural almond butter, one tablespoon: gives healthy fats and smoothness; go for brands without sugar or oil added
- Cocoa powder, one tablespoon unsweetened: boosts chocolate flavor and antioxidants; pure cocoa powder without sugar works best
- Ice cubes, half a cup: chills the shake and makes it thick and frosty
- Small pinch of sea salt: balances and lifts the chocolate flavor
How to Make It
- Blend it up:
- Put the ice in last to keep things nice and cold
- Mix in nut butters and salt:
- Throw in the almond butter for creaminess and healthy fats, then add the pinch of sea salt to bring out the chocolate
- Add the frozen banana pieces:
- They sweeten naturally and make the shake thick and smooth
- Drop in chocolate protein and cocoa powders:
- This layers on rich chocolate flavor along with good nutrition
- Pour in almond milk first:
- Start with the almond milk so everything blends easily and smoothly
- Blend until creamy:
- Whip it on high for about 45 to 60 seconds. Stop to scrape the sides if bits are stuck to get it all mixed well
Almond butter really makes this shake stand out with its rich flavor and smooth feel. I often make this on hectic mornings and it keeps me fueled all through long meetings.
Keep It Fresh
This shake tastes best right away but if you need to save some, keep it sealed tight in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a good mix before drinking since it might separate. Avoid freezing it because the texture changes when you thaw it out.
Swap Ideas
If you want, replace almond butter with peanut or sunflower seed butter for a different twist or if you have allergies. Oat milk or coconut milk can stand in for almond milk but might change the flavor or creaminess a bit. For a vegan shake, just make sure your protein powder is plant-based.
Ways to Serve
Enjoy this shake on its own for a quick energy boost or with a small side of nuts or whole grain toast for extra staying power. Top it with cacao nibs or banana slices to add some texture and fun.
This shake mixes great taste with nutrition, making it perfect for busy days and satisfying hunger at the same time.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → Can I use other kinds of milk in this shake?
Of course, you can swap almond milk for dairy or other plant milks like soy or oat to match your taste or diet.
- → How do I make it sweeter without adding sugar?
Try putting in a little honey or some stevia drops to sweeten it naturally without extra sugar.
- → Can I switch almond butter with another nut butter?
Yeah, peanut or cashew butter works great and gives a tasty twist to the shake.
- → What's the trick to making the shake thicker?
Use less almond milk, or add more frozen banana or ice cubes for a richer, thicker texture.
- → How long should the shake be blended?
Mix everything for about 45 to 60 seconds until smooth and creamy with no lumps left.