Start your day with this creamy, energizing coffee smoothie that’s both delicious and nourishing.
Packed with plant-based protein from almond butter and optional protein powder, fiber from banana and dates, and healthy fats, it keeps you full and focused.
Quick to make and effortlessly satisfying, it’s a perfect breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up for busy days.
Protein-Packed Coffee Smoothie
Equipment
- 1 High-Speed Blender
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 teaspoon
- 1 knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 4 –6 coffee ice cubes
- 1 frozen banana sliced
- 1 –2 dates chopped
- 1 –2 tablespoons creamy almond butter or peanut butter
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 scoop protein powder plant-based if desired
- Optional toppings: dairy-free whipped cream and shaved chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Before you start blending, gather all your ingredients on your countertop. Make sure your banana is fully frozen and sliced, your dates are pitted and chopped, and your cold brew is either frozen into ice cubes or ready as a liquid. Having everything prepped and measured ensures a smooth, stress-free blending process.
- Assemble the Blender: Place your high-speed blender on a flat, stable surface. Add the frozen banana slices first—they form the creamy base and help thicken the smoothie. Then add the chopped dates, which provide natural sweetness and fiber, followed by the almond butter (or peanut butter) for healthy fats and protein.
- Add the Liquids: Pour in the unsweetened almond milk and vanilla extract. If you are including optional protein powder, add it at this stage. The liquid helps the blender move smoothly, preventing clumps and ensuring a perfectly creamy texture.
- Add Coffee Ice Cubes: Gently add 4–6 coffee ice cubes on top of the other ingredients. These will keep your smoothie cold and give it that bold coffee flavor. If your cold brew is not frozen, simply use 1 cup of liquid cold brew and a handful of regular ice cubes.
- Blend Thoroughly: Secure the blender lid and start blending on high speed. Blend for 1–2 minutes, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides with a spatula, ensuring all banana chunks and dates are fully incorporated.
- Adjust the Texture: Check the consistency of your smoothie. If it’s too thick, add a splash more almond milk or coffee and blend again. If it’s too thin, add an extra frozen banana slice or a couple of ice cubes and blend until the desired thickness is achieved.
- Taste and Adjust Sweetness: Taste your smoothie and adjust the sweetness if needed. You can add a little honey, maple syrup, or an extra date if you prefer it sweeter. Blend briefly again to incorporate any additional sweeteners.
- Serve Creatively: Pour your smoothie into a tall glass. For an indulgent touch, top with dairy-free whipped cream and a sprinkle of shaved chocolate. Use a straw or a spoon to enjoy the thick, creamy texture fully.
- Enjoy Immediately: This smoothie is best enjoyed fresh. The flavors are at their peak, and the texture is perfectly creamy when served right after blending. Sit back, sip slowly, and enjoy your energizing, nutritious coffee smoothie.
Notes
- If you forgot to freeze your cold brew, use 1 cup of liquid cold brew and a handful of regular ice cubes—the smoothie will still be tasty.
- Dates can be substituted with honey or maple syrup; adjust sweetness to your preference.
- For extra nutrition, add a handful of spinach, 1/4 cup rolled oats, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, or 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt.
- Optional scoop of dairy-free ice cream can make the smoothie creamier and more indulgent.
- Adjust thickness by adding more frozen banana or ice cubes; thin with extra almond milk or cold brew as needed.
Chef’s Secrets: Tips For Perfect Smoothies
The key to an ultra-creamy coffee smoothie is layering ingredients correctly—frozen banana first, followed by softer add-ins like almond butter and dates.
This ensures even blending without clumps.
Using a high-speed blender makes a huge difference in texture.
To elevate flavor, try roasting your coffee ice cubes slightly before freezing—they’ll add a subtle caramelized note.
Experiment with plant-based protein powders, such as pea or hemp, to make this smoothie more filling, especially for breakfast or post-workout fuel.
Don’t be afraid to adjust thickness by adding more ice or liquid; the beauty of smoothies is their flexibility.
Serving Suggestions: Creative Ways To Enjoy
This smoothie is versatile and can be served in multiple ways.
Pour it into a tall glass and garnish with a dusting of cocoa powder or shaved chocolate for a café-style treat.
Add a swirl of dairy-free whipped cream for an indulgent twist.
For a more substantial breakfast, serve alongside whole-grain toast or a small bowl of oats.
It also works beautifully as a grab-and-go option—simply pour into a reusable travel cup.
For summer mornings, pair it with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast, or sprinkle in a few crushed nuts for added texture and protein.
Storage Tips: Keep Smoothies Fresh Longer
Ideally, this smoothie is best enjoyed immediately for the thickest texture and brightest flavor.
If needed, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Before drinking, give it a vigorous stir or quick re-blend, as separation may occur.
Avoid freezing the fully blended smoothie, as the texture can become icy and less creamy.
Instead, freeze ingredients like bananas or coffee ice cubes ahead of time, so you can blend fresh each morning without compromising creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this smoothie vegan?
Absolutely! Use almond or oat milk, plant-based protein powder, and skip any dairy toppings. This recipe is naturally vegan-friendly if you avoid non-vegan add-ons.
2. Can I substitute almond butter with something else?
Yes. Peanut butter or sunflower seed butter work beautifully. They add similar healthy fats and creaminess, though the flavor will slightly change depending on the nut or seed you choose.
3. How can I make it thicker or thinner?
To thicken, add extra frozen banana or more coffee ice cubes. To thin, pour in additional almond milk or cold brew a little at a time, blending until the desired consistency is reached.
4. Can I prep this smoothie in advance?
You can prep ingredients in freezer-safe bags for quick blending in the morning. However, the smoothie itself tastes best when freshly blended. Storing the finished drink overnight may reduce creaminess slightly.
5. Can I add extra protein or superfoods?
Yes! Adding plant-based protein powder, chia seeds, rolled oats, or spinach boosts nutritional value without overpowering flavor. These are perfect for a post-workout smoothie or a more filling breakfast option.
