This Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake is creamy, sweet, and satisfying — perfect for a quick breakfast, an energizing snack, or any time you want a chocolate fix.
A Chocolate Shake for Any Time of Day
When the weather warms up, smoothies and protein shakes become our go-to breakfasts and after-school snacks. They’re fast to make and endlessly customizable, so kids and adults never get bored.
This chocolate peanut butter version tastes indulgent but is built from wholesome ingredients: frozen banana for creaminess, ground flax for fiber, peanut butter for healthy fats, and chocolate protein powder for a filling boost. As a certified nutrition coach, I appreciate the balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber that helps keep you satisfied through the morning.
Frozen bananas are the secret to the almost ice-cream texture. When bananas are overly ripe, slice and freeze them so you always have some on hand for shakes like this.
Recipe Overview
A Few Key Ingredients
Below are the main ingredients for this Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake. Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card further down.
Frozen bananas: They naturally sweeten the shake and create a thick, creamy texture when blended. If you only have fresh bananas, the shake will still work but won’t be quite as velvety.
Quick tip!
If you want a banana-free option, swap the frozen banana for an equal amount of frozen cauliflower. It sounds odd but it adds creaminess without altering flavor.
Chocolate protein powder: Use your preferred brand. Plant-based powders work well for a vegan shake. If you only have vanilla protein powder, increase the cocoa powder to 1/4 cup to deepen the chocolate flavor.
Peanut butter: Natural smooth peanut butter (just peanuts and a pinch of salt) blends smoothly. Chunky peanut butter is fine but may leave small peanut pieces in the shake.
Ice cubes: Ice chills the drink and lightens the texture for a refreshing result.
Other Flavors to Try
- Add a shot of espresso for a mocha variation.
- Blend in mashed strawberries with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of chia seeds.
- Try almond or cashew butter for a milder nut flavor; use sunflower seed butter or tahini if you need to avoid peanuts.
- Stir in 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon for warmth and natural sweetness.
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake
Making this shake is quick and straightforward: blend everything until smooth and creamy.
Step 1. Add all ingredients except any optional toppings to a high-speed blender.
Step 2. Blend on high until smooth. If the blender struggles, add a little more milk to help everything combine.
Step 3. Pour into glasses, top as desired (chocolate shavings shown here), and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Want more protein? Use cow’s milk or soy milk, or stir in a few tablespoons of low-fat cottage cheese.
Lower calorie option: Replace peanut butter with powdered peanut butter (such as PB2).
Sweetness: Depending on banana ripeness and your protein powder, you may not need honey. Alternatively, use a couple of pitted dates for natural sweetness and extra fiber.
Questions I Get Asked a Lot
Yes. Use a plant-based chocolate protein powder and a non-dairy milk.
Not necessarily. Blend the shake first and taste it — add honey only if you’d like it sweeter. Dates are a good alternative.
Yes. Replace the protein powder with 1/2 cup cottage cheese for extra protein, and consider adding more cocoa powder for a stronger chocolate taste.
Vanilla powder works fine. If you prefer a more pronounced chocolate flavor, add an extra teaspoon of cocoa powder.
More Smoothies & Shakes
- Strawberry Blueberry Smoothie
- Coffee Smoothie
- Strawberry Cottage Cheese Smoothie
- Banana Avocado Smoothie
- Mocha Protein Shake
- Strawberry Protein Shake
- Mango Smoothie
Made this? Leave a comment below and tell me how it went. Tag me on Instagram so I can see your shakes!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake
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Ingredients
- 2 frozen bananas, freeze ahead or use storebought
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- ½ cup almond milk, or milk of choice
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder, (around 1/3 cup)
- 1 tablespoon ground flax seed
- 1 tablespoon honey, optional
- handful of ice cubes
Toppings:
- Shaved or chopped chocolate, rolled oats, sprinkles, chopped roasted peanuts, or a drizzle of peanut butter or chocolate syrup
Instructions
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Place 2 frozen bananas, 2 tablespoons peanut butter, ½ cup almond milk, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 scoop chocolate protein powder, 1 tablespoon ground flax seed, 1 tablespoon honey (optional), and a handful of ice cubes in a high-powered blender.
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Blend on high until smooth.
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Pour into two glasses or mason jars, add your choice of toppings, and serve immediately.
Notes
Lower calorie option: Swap the peanut butter for powdered peanut butter (like PB2).
Sweetness: Depending on how ripe your bananas and how sweet your protein powder is, you may not need honey. Use pitted dates for added natural sweetness and fiber.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 47g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 9g
Sugar: 25g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Tried this recipe?Mention @healthyfitnessmeals or tag #healthyfitnessmeals!