Protein-Packed Coffee Smoothie
This creamy coffee smoothie blends frozen banana, dates, almond butter, and cold brew for a thick, energizing drink. Optional protein powder boosts nutrition, while almond milk keeps it light. Quick to make in a blender, it’s perfect for breakfast, a midday boost, or a guilt-free treat anytime.
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.
