Salted Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Salted Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie is the ideal treat for peanut butter lovers. The smoothness of the almond milk and peanut butter, paired with the richness of cocoa powder, creates a decadent flavor without all the added sugar. Plus, it’s packed with protein from the whey protein powder, making it both a delicious and nutritious option for breakfast, post-workout recovery, or a midday snack. The sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top elevates the flavor, providing that sweet-and-salty combo we all crave!

Ingredients

• 1 cup Silk Light Vanilla Almond Milk
• ½ frozen banana
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• ½ cup ice
• 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder
• Flaky sea salt, for garnish

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

Directions

1. Blend the Ingredients: Add the almond milk, frozen banana, cocoa powder, peanut butter, ice, and vanilla whey protein powder to a blender.
2. Blend Until Smooth: Blend on high until all the ingredients are smooth and fully combined. If the smoothie is too thick, you can add more almond milk or water to reach your desired consistency.
3. Garnish: Pour the smoothie into a glass and sprinkle with flaky sea salt on top for that perfect sweet-and-salty finish.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 1 smoothie
• Total time: 5 minutes

Variations

• Nut Butter Options: Feel free to swap out the peanut butter for almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor.
• Sweetener: If you like your smoothie a bit sweeter, you can add a teaspoon of honey, maple syrup, or stevia to taste.
• Plant-Based Protein: For a dairy-free option, you can use a plant-based protein powder, such as pea or hemp protein, in place of the whey protein powder.
• Banana Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of banana, you can use avocado or Greek yogurt for creaminess without the banana flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Smoothies are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you need to store leftovers, you can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a good shake before drinking, as the ingredients may separate.
• Freezing: You can freeze the smoothie in individual portions in an ice cube tray or container for later use. When you’re ready to enjoy it, blend with a bit more almond milk to refresh it.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of protein powder?

Yes! If you prefer a plant-based option, you can use pea, hemp, or soy protein powder instead of vanilla whey protein powder. Just make sure to adjust the flavor if needed.

How can I make this smoothie dairy-free?

This recipe is already dairy-free since it uses almond milk and a dairy-free protein powder. If you want to make sure it’s completely dairy-free, just double-check that your protein powder doesn’t contain any dairy.

Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?

Yes, you can use regular dairy milk if you prefer, but almond milk adds a nice light texture and flavor. You can also experiment with other non-dairy milks like oat or coconut milk.

Is this smoothie good for post-workout recovery?

Yes, the protein powder in this smoothie makes it an excellent choice for post-workout recovery, helping to repair muscles and replenish energy.

Can I add other fruits to this smoothie?

Absolutely! You can add other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or cherries for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the amount of liquid if you add more fruit to keep the smoothie at the right consistency.

How do I make this smoothie thicker?

If you prefer a thicker smoothie, you can add more ice, frozen fruit (like extra banana), or even a spoonful of Greek yogurt or avocado for added creaminess.

Can I make this smoothie ahead of time?

While smoothies are best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Store the ingredients (except for the ice and protein powder) in a freezer bag and blend when you’re ready to drink it.

Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes! If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add honey, agave, or stevia. Start with a small amount and adjust to your sweetness preference.

What can I use if I don’t have whey protein powder?

You can substitute whey protein powder with a plant-based protein powder, collagen peptides, or even leave it out entirely if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that leaving it out will reduce the protein content of the smoothie.

Can I make this smoothie without banana?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of banana or can’t have it, you can substitute it with frozen avocado for creaminess or use Greek yogurt to maintain a thick texture.

Conclusion

The Salted Peanut Butter Cup Smoothie is a delicious and indulgent treat that’s also packed with protein and healthy fats. Its sweet-and-salty flavor, combined with the creamy peanut butter and rich cocoa, makes it feel like a dessert, but it’s nutritious enough to enjoy any time of day. Perfect for breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a midday pick-me-up, this smoothie is a satisfying and guilt-free way to enjoy the flavor of a peanut butter cup!

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