This Banana Protein Coffee Smoothie blends ripe banana sweetness, bold cooled coffee, and creamy protein for a wake-up drink that tastes like dessert but fuels your day. It smells like fresh coffee with a hint of banana and has a smooth, slightly frothy texture. It’s quick, filling, and perfect for busy mornings or post-workout recovery. If you enjoy fruity, creamy smoothies, you might also like this Mango Dream Smoothie for a different tropical twist.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Servings: 1
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 385 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fat: 13 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
Why Make This Banana Protein Coffee Smoothie
This smoothie gives you caffeine and protein in one glass. It wakes your senses with coffee aroma, satisfies mid-morning hunger with banana and nut butter, and keeps you full longer thanks to protein powder. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and has a pleasant coffee bite. Make it when you need a quick breakfast, a post-workout boost, or a pick-me-up between meetings.
How to Make Banana Protein Coffee Smoothie
This recipe uses simple ingredients and a blender. You can swap dairy milk for almond, oat, or soy milk to make it vegan. Use chilled coffee for a cold drink or add ice. Choose vanilla protein for a sweeter, softer flavor or chocolate for a mocha-style treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup brewed coffee (cooled)
- 1 scoop protein powder (vanilla or chocolate)
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 tablespoon almond butter or peanut butter
- Ice cubes (optional)
- Sweetener to taste (optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Peel the ripe banana. Brew a cup of coffee and let it cool to room temperature or chill in the fridge. Gather the protein powder, milk, and nut butter. If you like a cold smoothie, prepare a handful of ice cubes.
Step 2: Mixing
Add the banana, cooled coffee, protein powder, milk, and almond or peanut butter to the blender. Secure the lid.
Step 3: Cooking
Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This usually takes 30–45 seconds depending on your blender. If the smoothie seems too thick, add a splash more milk and blend briefly.
Step 4: Finishing
If you want a chilled texture, add ice cubes and blend again until crushed and smooth. Taste and add sweetener a little at a time if needed. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.
How to Serve Banana Protein Coffee Smoothie
Serve this smoothie in a tall glass with a straw. Garnish with a dusting of cocoa powder or a few coffee beans for a pretty touch. Pair it with whole-grain toast, a handful of nuts, or a small yogurt if you want a larger breakfast. It works well on the go—pour into a travel tumbler for commuting.
How to Store Banana Protein Coffee Smoothie
- Best consumed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Stir or re-blend before drinking. Separation may occur.
- Freezer: Pour into ice cube trays or popsicle molds for a frozen snack; texture will change and may be icy once thawed.
- Avoid storing for more than 24 hours if you used dairy milk and fresh banana—color and texture will degrade.
Expert Tips for Perfect Banana Protein Coffee Smoothie
- Use a ripe banana for natural sweetness and a creamy texture. Overripe bananas add extra sweetness and a stronger banana flavor.
- Cool the coffee before blending to prevent a watery, hot drink that melts ice and thins the smoothie.
- Choose a protein powder you already like to avoid clashing flavors. Vanilla gives a lighter taste; chocolate turns this into a mocha treat.
- If the smoothie is too thick, add milk by the tablespoon until you reach the desired consistency.
- For extra creaminess and healthy fats, add 1 tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt (if not vegan) or an extra half tablespoon of nut butter.
- To reduce sugar, skip added sweetener and use a less-ripe banana or a zero-calorie sweetener to taste.
- If you want a frothier texture, add a small ripe avocado (about 2 tablespoons) — it won’t affect the coffee flavor much but will boost creaminess.
Delicious Variations
- Mocha Boost: Use chocolate protein powder and add 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder for a richer mocha flavor.
- Green Energy: Add a handful of fresh spinach; the coffee flavor masks the greens and adds nutrients.
- Tropical Coffee: Swap half the banana for frozen pineapple chunks for a bright twist.
- Iced Protein Float: Top the smoothie with a small scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt for an indulgent treat.
- Low-Carb Version: Use a smaller banana (or 1/2 banana) and unsweetened almond milk, plus a low-carb protein powder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use instant coffee or espresso instead of brewed coffee?
A: Yes. Use cooled strong-brewed coffee, instant coffee dissolved in water and chilled, or cooled espresso. Adjust the amount to taste—espresso will give a stronger coffee punch.
Q: Will this smoothie still be creamy if I use plant-based milk?
A: Yes. Oat and soy milk give the creamiest texture. Almond milk is lighter but still works. Add a bit more banana or nut butter if you want extra creaminess.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead for breakfast?
A: You can blend and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, but the texture may separate and the banana may darken. Re-blend before drinking. For best results, blend fresh.
Q: How can I make this smoothie less sweet?
A: Use a less-ripe banana, skip added sweeteners, choose an unsweetened protein powder, or use unsweetened plant milk. You can also reduce the banana to 1/2 and add a few ice cubes.
Q: Is this smoothie good after a workout?
A: Yes. It supplies protein for muscle recovery and carbs to replenish energy. The coffee can also help reduce perceived fatigue post-workout.
Q: Can I use frozen banana instead of ice?
A: Absolutely. Frozen banana adds chill and thickness without diluting flavor. It also removes the need for added ice.
Q: What protein powder works best here?
A: Whey or plant-based powders both work. Pick the flavor profile you prefer—vanilla for a milder taste, chocolate for mocha notes. Check sugar content if you limit added sugars.
Conclusion
This Banana Protein Coffee Smoothie is a simple, satisfying way to combine caffeine, protein, and fruit in one creamy cup. It’s quick, adaptable, and easy to customize for taste or dietary needs. For another coffee-and-fruit idea and more inspiration, see this Healthy Banana Coffee Smoothie Recipe. Give this smoothie a try tomorrow morning—brewed coffee, ripe banana, and a scoop of protein can make your day taste better.
Print
Banana Protein Coffee Smoothie
- Total Time: 5
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious blend of banana, coffee, and protein for a creamy and energizing smoothie.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup brewed coffee (cooled)
- 1 scoop protein powder (vanilla or chocolate)
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 tablespoon almond butter or peanut butter
- Ice cubes (optional)
- Sweetener to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Peel the ripe banana. Brew a cup of coffee and let it cool.
- Add the banana, cooled coffee, protein powder, milk, and nut butter to the blender. Secure the lid.
- Blend on high until smooth and creamy, about 30–45 seconds.
- If desired, add ice and blend again. Taste and add sweetener if needed. Pour into a glass and enjoy.
Notes
Best consumed fresh. If stored, re-blend before drinking.
- Prep Time: 5
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
