High-Protein Coffee Smoothie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This High-Protein Coffee Smoothie is the ultimate morning pick-me-up. The brewed coffee provides a smooth, rich coffee flavor, while the frozen banana and peanut butter give it a creamy texture and a touch of sweetness. The addition of cauliflower adds a boost of fiber and nutrients without affecting the flavor. With a serving of collagen peptides (or your choice of protein powder), this smoothie keeps you feeling full and energized. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable, so you can easily adjust it to your taste or dietary preferences.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup brewed coffee, cooled in the fridge*
• 1 frozen medium ripe banana
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter (or nut butter of choice)
• ¾ cup frozen cauliflower (or ½ cup ice)
• ¼ cup unsweetened coconut or almond milk, plus more if necessary
• ½ tablespoon cacao powder (or use unsweetened cocoa powder)
• 1 serving collagen peptides (or your favorite protein powder)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Brew the Coffee: Brew your coffee ahead of time and allow it to cool in the fridge. This step helps to keep your smoothie cold and refreshing.
2. Blend the Ingredients: In a blender, combine the cooled coffee, frozen banana, vanilla extract, peanut butter, frozen cauliflower (or ice), unsweetened coconut or almond milk, cacao powder, and collagen peptides (or protein powder).
3. Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high for 30-45 seconds, or until the smoothie is creamy and smooth. If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more coconut or almond milk to reach your desired consistency.
4. Serve: Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy immediately. Optionally, you can garnish it with a sprinkle of cacao powder or a few coffee beans for an extra touch.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 1
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Blend time: 1-2 minutes

Variations

• Use a Different Nut Butter: Feel free to swap the peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor profile.
• Make it Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use almond milk or coconut milk as your base and ensure your protein powder or collagen peptides are dairy-free.
• Add Greens: If you want to add more nutrients, throw in a handful of spinach or kale. The flavor will be masked by the coffee and banana.
• Sweeten It: If you prefer a sweeter smoothie, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, or use a sweeter protein powder.
• Make it Iced: For a colder, thicker smoothie, you can add more ice or use frozen coffee cubes instead of regular brewed coffee.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Smoothies are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You might need to blend it again to restore its smooth texture.
• Reheating: If you prefer a warm smoothie, you can heat the coffee before blending, but keep in mind it may affect the texture of the other ingredients.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cauliflower instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh cauliflower can be used, but frozen cauliflower gives the smoothie a thicker, creamier texture. If using fresh, consider adding some ice to achieve the same consistency.

Can I use regular milk instead of almond or coconut milk?

Yes, regular milk will work just fine in this recipe. You can use whole milk, skim milk, or any milk of your choice.

Can I make this smoothie vegan?

Yes! Simply use a plant-based protein powder (such as pea protein or hemp protein) and ensure your nut butter is free from animal products. You can also use almond or coconut milk for the base.

How can I make this smoothie even more filling?

To make this smoothie more filling, add extra protein powder, chia seeds, flaxseeds, or even a scoop of oats for added fiber and protein.

Is this smoothie good for post-workout recovery?

Absolutely! The protein from the collagen peptides (or protein powder) combined with the carbohydrates from the banana make it a great option for muscle recovery after a workout.

Can I substitute the banana with another fruit?

Yes, you can substitute the banana with other fruits like frozen mango, berries, or even frozen avocado. However, banana adds natural sweetness and creaminess, so the texture and flavor might change slightly.

Can I use a different type of protein powder?

Yes! You can use whey protein, plant-based protein, or any type of protein powder you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the flavor and sweetness based on the protein powder you choose.

Can I make this smoothie in advance?

You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time by placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Then, when you’re ready to make the smoothie, just add your brewed coffee, blend, and enjoy!

Conclusion

The High-Protein Coffee Smoothie is the perfect combination of your morning coffee fix and a protein-packed snack. With its rich flavor, creamy texture, and energizing ingredients, it’s a delicious way to fuel your day. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout recovery drink, a quick breakfast, or a satisfying mid-day snack, this smoothie has everything you need to keep you full, energized, and satisfied. Try it today for a refreshing and healthy twist on your typical morning routine!

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