This healthy coffee protein breakfast shake is packed with protein to keep you full and caffeine to help kickstart your energy.
Once the weather starts to get REALLY hot, I crave smoothies. Heck, I crave smoothies no matter what. They’re healthy, can easily be packed with fruit and veggies AND packed with protein and are really easy to take on the go. I also love how quick they are for breakfast or a post-run snack when I’m having a busy day.
Coffee Protein Breakfast Shake
If you’re really in a rush in the mornings, this is a great options since it combies your breakfast and coffee without needing to carry two cups out the door. It’s also great as an afternoon pick me up since I typically like a cup of decaf in the afternoon anyway. While I prefer to drink coffee on its own, this recipe saves me if I’m in a pinch, and makes the BEST treat later in the afternoon.
Let’s get into this shake recipe, shall we?
Ingredients
This recipe is incredibly simple. You only need 5 ingredients and one of them is ice!
Cooled brew coffee – If you don’t have cold brewed coffee, leftover, chilled coffee will work here.
Milk – I use almond, but you can use whatever milk you like.
Bananas – Extra ripe and then frozen is ideal!
Protein Powder – I typically use vanilla or chocolate protein powder, but I keep imagining that this recipe would also work well with peanut butter protein.
Ice – Want your smoothie extra strong? Use coffee ice cubes!
Instructions
Who loves easy instructions? I sure do and this is one of those easy recipes. All you have to do is combine all the ingredients in a blender and you’ve got yourself a protein-packed coffee shake! I do put them into a blender a particular order as outlined below, but really, you’ll be fine if you just toss them all in there and blend! You may just need to use your blender stick or a spatula to scrape down the sides if the protein powder doesn’t mix in.
1. Put the frozen bananas in the blender
I HIGHLY recommend using frozen bananas for this. When frozen bananas are blended, they get incredibly creamy and create a lovely texture for your smoothie. I freeze my over-ripe bananas every week and use them for smoothies. (And if you’ve never made banana “nice” cream, you have to just so you can see the wonder of a frozen banana in its pure form when pureed!)
2. Add your cooled brewed coffee and milk
Ideally you would use cold brew coffee or leftover coffee from the day before that you stuck in the fridge. Or, you could just let your morning coffee cool off it bit. You can make your coffee right when you get up, drink a hot cup, and then pour a second cup to cool while you shower and get ready. If you really don’t have the time to let it cool, you can just use 1 teaspoon of finely ground coffee or instant coffee and it still works wonders. Just don’t pour hot coffee in with it unless you don’t mind a warm shake (ew).
I use almond milk because cow’s milk doesn’t sit well with my stomach. Regarding the amount to use (since the recipe has a range): start with the lower end (i.e. ½ cup) and then add more depending on how thick you like your shakes. You’ll need to add even more milk if you didn’t use the brewed coffee and opted for the grounds. As a general rule, I’d start with less milk because you can always add more in but you can’t take any out. And I since we’re using milk, this drink feels more like a coffee protein shake, which I love since it sounds more like a dessert than a coffee smoothie does 😉
3. Add protein powder.
Don’t put this in first since it can get stuck in the bottom and not blend. And just like the choice of milk, you also have a choice of protein powder. You can see my five go-to’s here (I usually try to get at least 20 grams of protein per a serving) Adding in the protein powder will help you stay full for longer and help thicken the shake too.
4. Add ice
Adding ice is optional. I usually leave it out since I don’t want it watered down. But if you’re using warm-ish coffee, then I recommend adding in ice and reducing the amount of milk. The frozen banana can also cool down the temperature. I recommend trying the mixture without the ice and seeing if you want to add it in after.
5. Pulse the blender to break up the banana and the ice.
6. Then, run the blender for 1-2 minutes until it’s very creamy!
If you’re going to make a lot of smoothies, do yourself a favor and invest in a Vitamix. I bought a refurbished one (which is about $200 cheaper), have used it multiple times a week for 6+ years, and have had no issues.
Variations
Add spinach
You could add spinach for additional nutrient boost. It will alter the color but if you only add a handful or two, you shouldn’t taste it!
Flavored coffee
Experiment with different flavored coffee. I bet a s’more flavored coffee protein smoothie would be awesome.
1 cup brewed coffee, slightly cooled if you have time OR just use 1 teaspoon finely ground coffee or instant coffee
1/2 c – 1 c milk of choice; I use almond milk. (Add more or less depending on how thick you like your shake and more if you didn’t use brewed coffee)
1/2 banana (frozen is best!)
1 scoop protein powder
Ice, if desired
Optional: add xanthum gum for thickness & maca for a boost of energy and to help you recover from hard workouts
Instructions
Combine in a blender and drink!
Nutrition
Serving Size:1
Calories:205
Sugar:9
Fat:4.6
Carbohydrates:19.8
Protein:24
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This sounds delicious! I’m on an iced coffee kick these days, so this will definitely enter my rotation.
My breakfast this morning was pretty good–scrambled egg whites with avocado!
I love that protein powder!!! haha 🙂 It’s pretty bland but I’ve gotten really used to it and I don’t think it’s chalky, unlike Sunwarrior. Great idea for this smoothie! Might have to try it out this week. You should try microwave buckwheat bakes for a super filling + quick breakfast! Or, you can make a handful of the oven-bakes at night then store them in the fridge for the week.
Maybe i’ll get used to it! It is bland and it doesn’t dissolve very well. Glad to hear your thoughts on SunWarrior – I was thinking of trying that next. Now I won’t 🙂
OMG how did i forget about microwave bake cakes??!! (I could never find buckwheat so always had to do oatmeal.) I’m going to start making those again. Thanks friend! And thanks for the super entertaining text tonight! hahahahhahaa
My confession: i’ve never EVER tried protein powder, shakes, nada. I’d like to though.
My breakfast go to lately has been green monsters. My usual mixture is spinach, blueberries, 1/2 a frozen banana, milk, vanilla yogurt, & ice. It’s fairly quick and my little girl likes them too, so it’s a great way for me to sneak in some veggies for her. It also benefits my son, who I can breastfeed while drinking my breakfast!
I, too, am becoming my mother. My daughter even came up to me this morning and said Grandma I want… I looked at her like she was nuts 😉
wait, what?? That is crazy to me! It’s probably healthier. I mean, really – protein powder is creepy. What is this powder I’m inhaling that is full of protein and how did they get it in that form?
I need to get back in the green monster habit. They provide so much energy. And it totally weirds me out that your daughter is old enough to talk! I remember reading about when you got pregnant with her! times flies 🙂
I’ve been sticking with hot oats on these brutally cold winter mornings. I usually switch between those and yogurt but anything cold right now is appalling. I’ll bank this one for the summer. 🙂
Yum, that sounds great. And I think it’s okay to become your mom in some ways…
I like to switch it up daily with bkfst, but some of the things I’ve been eating are: semi overnight oats (soaked for an hour this morning) w/ raspberries, chia seeds, cinnamon and almond butter, eggs and toast, plain cereal w/ almond milk, berries and a little nut butter on top and occasionally hot oats.
hahahaha. that is totally odd. i love it. i went through a phase where I ate a spinach salad with hemp seeds and an egg for breakfast. that could also be labeled as weird 🙂
like keep the book open or just keep my spot on the page? I have a kindle (but when I’ve used a regular book, I would put a brush on it. ha!) and I don’t have a problem finding my spot after I look back down. 🙂
That smoothie looks delicious! You gotta love when you can get your breakfast and caffeine fix in the same glass!
Lately for breakfast I’ve been eating 2 baked sweet potatoes with coconut oil and cinnamon, it sounds a little weird but my stomach seems to really like it.
The older I get the more I see the similarities between me and my mom, which I’m okay with because she’s a pretty awesome lady!
Vans makes a frozen waffle that has protein in it. Two waffles have 10 grams! AND, they are delicious. All four of my kids like them. I toast two and make a sandwich with almond butter and chia strawberry jelly – a recipe that I read in a magazine somewhere where you soak chia seeds and a tablespoon of water overnight and they turn to a gelatin like substance. I mash in three frozen strawberries that I have thawed in the refrigerator. Magic. . . it is just like being a kid again and I can eat it on the run.
I love Vega One vanilla chai!! I make it with just water and ice and it’s great. It’s pretty low calorie so it’s great with some fruit and/or nuts. I’ve been making breakfast burritos lately- corn tortilla (G-free) with candian bacon, egg whites, and a sprinkle of black beans.
My mother is the queen of policing everyone’s winter clothing. Watching the inauguration, I instantly wondered why M.Obama’s brother didn’t have anything on his very bald, very bare head and ears. I was cracking up! My mother’s obsession with hats and gloves is legend.wait for it.DARY. I also ask many questions in a row without necessarily waiting for the answers. I hate that! I’ll do better. And I’m adding “oh heavens!” to my lexicon! 🙂
I like breakfast food for breakfast, but I’m with you…. One can only eat so many eggs. I love breakfast I can grab and eat once I get to work. I really love love love these breakfast meatballs from PaleOMG http://paleomg.com/breakfast-bacon-maple-meatballs/
My favorite breakfast is eggs with leftover roasted veggies – I always make extra so I can have them for breakfast. But if I’m in a hurry, I make an espresso protein shake that’s similar to yours. I use cashew milk since I can’t do dairy and add a little frozen banana for sweetness. Here’s the recipe http://cookeatpaleo.com/espresso-protein-shake/
I can’t do dairy either but I’ve never tried cashew milk. I’ve tried flax, hemp, almond and soy and right now I’m on a flax kick. Do you like cashew better than all those?
I haven’t tried flax or hemp, but I like cashew milk better than almond and soy. It has a milder flavor and is easy to make at home. I also like that if I make it there are no gums or starches – just cashews, water, honey and vanilla. Here’s a link to how to make it http://cookeatpaleo.com/dairy-free-homemade-cashew-milk/
You should try using http://www.bulkpowders.co.uk/complete-protein-coffee.html for an extra coffee hit! I use this, along with chcolate protein power to create iced mochas for a treat! They taste great and keep me full for ages – no mid morning snacking!
I make a frozen banana almost every morning for breakfast, but I NEVER thought to add coffee. I made this for breakfast today and added a little bit of almond butter and some chia seeds…so delicious! I love coffee, but I’m a slooooow sipper when it comes to warm beverages. I’m sure that’s better for my long term health, but I am going to start adding coffee to my morning smoothies when I need a quick jolt of energy!
Leave a Comment
38 responses to “Coffee Protein Breakfast Shake”
Ha, ha . . . I’m totally turning into my Mom! I don’t think there’s any way around it. And that’s okay. 🙂
glad it’s not just me! 🙂
This sounds delicious! I’m on an iced coffee kick these days, so this will definitely enter my rotation.
My breakfast this morning was pretty good–scrambled egg whites with avocado!
oooh that sounds awesome! I think an avocado could help rekindle my love for eggs. Thanks for the suggestion!
I love that protein powder!!! haha 🙂 It’s pretty bland but I’ve gotten really used to it and I don’t think it’s chalky, unlike Sunwarrior. Great idea for this smoothie! Might have to try it out this week. You should try microwave buckwheat bakes for a super filling + quick breakfast! Or, you can make a handful of the oven-bakes at night then store them in the fridge for the week.
Maybe i’ll get used to it! It is bland and it doesn’t dissolve very well. Glad to hear your thoughts on SunWarrior – I was thinking of trying that next. Now I won’t 🙂
OMG how did i forget about microwave bake cakes??!! (I could never find buckwheat so always had to do oatmeal.) I’m going to start making those again. Thanks friend! And thanks for the super entertaining text tonight! hahahahhahaa
My confession: i’ve never EVER tried protein powder, shakes, nada. I’d like to though.
My breakfast go to lately has been green monsters. My usual mixture is spinach, blueberries, 1/2 a frozen banana, milk, vanilla yogurt, & ice. It’s fairly quick and my little girl likes them too, so it’s a great way for me to sneak in some veggies for her. It also benefits my son, who I can breastfeed while drinking my breakfast!
I, too, am becoming my mother. My daughter even came up to me this morning and said Grandma I want… I looked at her like she was nuts 😉
wait, what?? That is crazy to me! It’s probably healthier. I mean, really – protein powder is creepy. What is this powder I’m inhaling that is full of protein and how did they get it in that form?
I need to get back in the green monster habit. They provide so much energy. And it totally weirds me out that your daughter is old enough to talk! I remember reading about when you got pregnant with her! times flies 🙂
Once the weather warms up I am sure you’ll get back into the GM mode, seems we all do!
Isn’t it crazy that Riley is already 2?!?! It seems like so long ago that we first connected. To think I already have a 2nd kid- makes me feel so old!
P.S. I’ve drooled over all your recent winery posts. Definitely need to get around the NC locations once the weather warms up.
I’ve been sticking with hot oats on these brutally cold winter mornings. I usually switch between those and yogurt but anything cold right now is appalling. I’ll bank this one for the summer. 🙂
I am a copy of my mom too!..and I am 100% okay with it. She is amazing:)
I also got into an oatmeal rut this winter. Lately I’ve been enjoying my almond meal pancakes. They take some extra time, but sure are delicious.
http://servingsisters.com/2013/01/15/thebomb-com-pancake-recipe/
those pancakes sound amazing!!! thanks for sharing the link!
Yum, that sounds great. And I think it’s okay to become your mom in some ways…
I like to switch it up daily with bkfst, but some of the things I’ve been eating are: semi overnight oats (soaked for an hour this morning) w/ raspberries, chia seeds, cinnamon and almond butter, eggs and toast, plain cereal w/ almond milk, berries and a little nut butter on top and occasionally hot oats.
hmmm maybe I just need to get some better toppings for my oatmeal and cereal and I’ll like it better. everything you typed sounds awesome!
There are so many parts of my mom I have – its funny
My current favorite breakfast is steamed broccoli (I’m odd and I know it)
hahahaha. that is totally odd. i love it. i went through a phase where I ate a spinach salad with hemp seeds and an egg for breakfast. that could also be labeled as weird 🙂
I’m perplexed as to how you read a book while blow drying your hair. How do you keep your place?
Every now and then I find myself making a face that I know my mom makes too. It really freaks me out.
like keep the book open or just keep my spot on the page? I have a kindle (but when I’ve used a regular book, I would put a brush on it. ha!) and I don’t have a problem finding my spot after I look back down. 🙂
That smoothie looks delicious! You gotta love when you can get your breakfast and caffeine fix in the same glass!
Lately for breakfast I’ve been eating 2 baked sweet potatoes with coconut oil and cinnamon, it sounds a little weird but my stomach seems to really like it.
The older I get the more I see the similarities between me and my mom, which I’m okay with because she’s a pretty awesome lady!
mmmm that actually sounds really good for breakfast!
I loveee breakfast…usually I’ll have Greek yogurt with fix-ins, but lately I am all about oatmeal at peanut butter!
Vans makes a frozen waffle that has protein in it. Two waffles have 10 grams! AND, they are delicious. All four of my kids like them. I toast two and make a sandwich with almond butter and chia strawberry jelly – a recipe that I read in a magazine somewhere where you soak chia seeds and a tablespoon of water overnight and they turn to a gelatin like substance. I mash in three frozen strawberries that I have thawed in the refrigerator. Magic. . . it is just like being a kid again and I can eat it on the run.
ooooooh that chia strawberry jelly sounds awesome! I’m going to buy strawberries tomorrow so I can try it!
I love Vega One vanilla chai!! I make it with just water and ice and it’s great. It’s pretty low calorie so it’s great with some fruit and/or nuts. I’ve been making breakfast burritos lately- corn tortilla (G-free) with candian bacon, egg whites, and a sprinkle of black beans.
I haven’t had that Vega One in forever but I have a HUGE container in my fridge! I need to bust it out.
My mother is the queen of policing everyone’s winter clothing. Watching the inauguration, I instantly wondered why M.Obama’s brother didn’t have anything on his very bald, very bare head and ears. I was cracking up! My mother’s obsession with hats and gloves is legend.wait for it.DARY. I also ask many questions in a row without necessarily waiting for the answers. I hate that! I’ll do better. And I’m adding “oh heavens!” to my lexicon! 🙂
haha!
I like breakfast food for breakfast, but I’m with you…. One can only eat so many eggs. I love breakfast I can grab and eat once I get to work. I really love love love these breakfast meatballs from PaleOMG http://paleomg.com/breakfast-bacon-maple-meatballs/
I can’t wait to make these – thanks for sharing!
My favorite breakfast is eggs with leftover roasted veggies – I always make extra so I can have them for breakfast. But if I’m in a hurry, I make an espresso protein shake that’s similar to yours. I use cashew milk since I can’t do dairy and add a little frozen banana for sweetness. Here’s the recipe http://cookeatpaleo.com/espresso-protein-shake/
I can’t do dairy either but I’ve never tried cashew milk. I’ve tried flax, hemp, almond and soy and right now I’m on a flax kick. Do you like cashew better than all those?
I haven’t tried flax or hemp, but I like cashew milk better than almond and soy. It has a milder flavor and is easy to make at home. I also like that if I make it there are no gums or starches – just cashews, water, honey and vanilla. Here’s a link to how to make it http://cookeatpaleo.com/dairy-free-homemade-cashew-milk/
You should try using http://www.bulkpowders.co.uk/complete-protein-coffee.html for an extra coffee hit! I use this, along with chcolate protein power to create iced mochas for a treat! They taste great and keep me full for ages – no mid morning snacking!
I made this for breakfast today & it was delicious!! I’ve been getting tired of oatmeal lately & this was a welcome change ?
Yay!! So glad you liked it!
I make a frozen banana almost every morning for breakfast, but I NEVER thought to add coffee. I made this for breakfast today and added a little bit of almond butter and some chia seeds…so delicious! I love coffee, but I’m a slooooow sipper when it comes to warm beverages. I’m sure that’s better for my long term health, but I am going to start adding coffee to my morning smoothies when I need a quick jolt of energy!
I make this shake nearly every day! Trying subbing out frozen riced cauliflower instead of the banana. Really creamy!
Oh I can’t wait to try that!